Moving Tips

Moving can be an exciting adventure!

Packing for the move, however, is a challenge.

Check out these seven essential packing hacks for moving to make your next move a breeze!

1. Label and Color Code Boxes

When it comes to moving hacks, the first thing you should do is get organized. If you’re a type A personality, you’ll love this hack. Obtain your moving boxes and color code labels for each one. These moving box labels will help you and the movers know which room each box goes in.

You will also want to organize any small hardware, especially if you have to disassemble any furniture. Place the pieces in a ziplock bag, label it, and either tape the bag to the furniture or put them all in one box together.

2. Declutter and Donate

It can be shocking how much stuff you accumulate over time. There’s a good chance that you don’t need all of it, so take this opportunity to declutter and donate.

While you’re packing, set aside items that you don’t want to take. You can either drop them off at a donation site or call a donation center and arrange pickup. Taking care of the decluttering process now can save you time and energy later.

3. Blankets and Towels Can be Packing Material

Supplement your packing materials with items you already have. In addition to packing peanuts and bubble wrap, use your own blankets and towels. You need to pack them anyway, so why not use them to wrap up some items or as a cushion in the larger boxes.

4. Don’t Pack Your Clothes

Looking for packing clothes hacks? Check with your movers for ideas about how to move your clothes.  Save time by keeping clothes in drawers. Off-season items can be boxed up, and the clothes in your closet can easily be transported in a wardrobe box. They will get less wrinkled that way plus it saves you the time of taking the clothing off the hangers and then putting them back on the hangers.

5. Create Problem Solving Boxes

You get to your new home and have no idea which box contains the hammer and box cutter. To avoid spending time looking through all the boxes, create problem-solving boxes.

Put a toolbox together with all the tools you may need for unpacking and have it handy. You can also create a box that contains cleaning supplies and one with essentials that you will need right away when you arrive at your new house.

6. Use Rolling Luggage

Do you have rolling luggage? An awesome packing hack is to use luggage instead of extra moving boxes. You can put heavier items like books in the rolling luggage so that they’re easier to move.

7. Keep Wires and Cords with Their Mates

Between all your electronics, you have a lot of cords and wires to keep up with. Instead of putting them in a box, you need to organize the cables. One way to do this is to tape the wires to the electronics, so they stay together during the move.

Remember to take a picture before you disconnect anything. This way, if something gets loose in the move, you know where it belongs.

Put These Packing Hacks for Moving to Work!

When it comes to moving, you have so much on your to-do list. Erase some of the stress with these packing hacks for moving.

Are you looking for a Tampa moving company? We provide professional moving services that you can trust. Contact us today for a free quote

Moving into a new neighborhood? Congrats!

A new home is a new beginning and with that come new neighbors.

Nothing is worse than a problem with the people who live next door. It can feel like you’re always walking on eggshells in your own house and even make you want to move again.

Avoid this situation by being the best new neighbor possible and bringing out the best of those around you.

Here are some tips for making a great first impression and ensuring things run smoothly at your new place.

Introduce Yourself

You’d be surprised how many new neighbors go out of their way to avoid an introduction.

If you’re just moving to the area, knock on your neighbor’s door at a reasonable time of day (not late at night or early in the morning) and introduce yourself.

Tell them where you’re moving from and disclose a little information about who you are. This always helps to make a connection and find commonalities off the bat.

Exchange your names and phone numbers. Having your neighbors names and numbers is a good idea in case of emergencies.

Greet your new neighbors when you see them out and about in the community. You’ll undoubtedly eat and shop in some of the same places, so be sure you connect with them and remind them you’re here.

Offer Your Help

People appreciate a helpful neighbor.

If you find there’s something you’re good at or that they could use assistance with, offer your expertise. This doesn’t have to be a significant commitment.

It could be as simple as letting them borrow your electric drill or giving them the name of your accountant when you hear they need help with their taxes.

These are all small gestures but show that you’ll be a positive addition to the neighborhood.

Ask Questions

You don’t have to be best friends with your neighbors, but you should get to know them a little.

Find out if they have children, pets,  and what kind of hours they work. This can help you be a good neighbor and also gives you an opportunity to share a bit about yourself and your family.

For example, maybe you’ll find out they don’t leave for work until mid-day, so you can offer to change the time your sprinklers go off, so they don’t drench their car.

This type of exchange can go a long way with maintaining the relationship with your neighbor, and they’ll appreciate the care.  

Be Considerate

The best way to be a great new neighbor is to be considerate.

Don’t play your music until all hours of the night. If you’re going to have a party, let your neighbors know in advance and even consider inviting them. Clean up after yourself and keep your home well-maintained.

Don’t park in their driveway and drive slowly on your block. In short, consider your new neighbors the way you’d want to be considered.

Be the Best New Neighbor

Nobody wants to have a problem with their new neighbor. Follow the tips above to be the biggest hit on the block and have things go well with the people on your street.

They’ll appreciate your effort, and you’ll get a terrific living experience in return.

Check out more tips on our blog and contact us today to help you plan your move!

Are you are moving across town, the state or the country? No matter how far you are moving, packing is one of the most important parts of the moving process.

It doesn’t matter if you’re moving a long distance or a short one, packing an essentials kits is vital.

It’s challenging to get everything loaded, unloaded, and unpacked, in one day, particularly if you are moving any significant distance. An essential kit helps you keep all of your necessary items packed together so that when you arrive at your new home, you have immediate access to them.

Having things readily available like a phone charger, a toolkit, and cleaning supplies will help the process be less chaotic and more organized.

The essentials kit should be the last box on the truck and the first one off, or better yet, if possible, if you are traveling by car keep it with you.

Each family and situation is unique, but here are some moving essentials to consider packing separately to make your moving day a success!

1. Cleaning Supplies

Give the kitchen and bathroom a quick cleanup as soon as you arrive. Also, these supplies will help you clean other messes throughout the day.

• All-purpose cleaner
• Sponges
• Paper towels
• Dish soap
• Garbage bags
• Hand soap for each sink
• Broom and dustpan

2. Tool Kit

You might not be hanging wall art immediately, but a few tools to help assemble furniture and open boxes will come in handy.

• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Boxcutter
• Pliers
• Flashlight
• Scissors
• Tape

3. Snacks and Eating Essentials

Moving day is hectic and can be exhausting. Make sure you pack some snacks and beverages to help get you through the day.

• Bottled water
• Coffee
• Tea
• Protein bars
• Non-perishable foods
• Paper plates
• Napkins
• Cutlery
• Cups
• Pet food and bowls

4. Personal and Comfort Items

It’s a good idea to keep your personal items available as well. You never know when you will have access to all of your belongings.

• Medicine
• Toiletries
• Contact lens supplies
• Pajamas
• Change of clothes
• Phone charger
• Toilet paper
• Bathroom towels
• Toys for kids
• Dog Leash

5. First Aid Supplies

Because accidents can happen, it is smart to have some basic first aid items on hand just in case.

• Bandaids
• Alcohol wipes
• Antibacterial cream
• Ibuprofen

6. Bedding

In case you aren’t finished unpacking everything by bedtime, you can still have your beds ready. Make your beds as soon as you can so that you will have a place to rest after your long moving day.

• Clean bedding
• Pillows

Completing the Essentials Kit

Once you have your essentials kit packed, label it clearly and make sure that it’s the last item loaded onto the moving truck, so that it will be first to come off. Or, keep your moving day essential kit with you, especially if you will arrive at your new house before the movers.

Packing an essentials kit is a great way to make sure you have all those small items that you will need throughout the day in one place, meaning less confusion and less time wasted searching for them.

Additional Moving Help

For other great tips, or better yet, help with your move; contact us. At Community Moving and Storage we want to make sure your next move is the easiest you’ve ever had!