Moving Tips

Packing for a big move is both exciting and stressful. It’s a lot of work, but you’re probably excited about where your move is taking you.

However, things get a little complicated if you have to move on short notice. In that case, you could use some advice on how to pack to move in a hurry.

Let’s take a look at four excellent tips to get you on your way quickly.

1. Make a Plan

The sheer magnitude of everything that needs to be done can feel overwhelming. Also, feeling overwhelmed can be paralyzing.

Don’t let that slow you down. Sit down and make a plan.

A checklist of all the things you need to do is an excellent place to start. It’s easier for you to organize yourself when you can see everything on paper. This nails down those stray thoughts flying everywhere and helps you focus on one task at a time.

Even though you still have much work to do, now’s the time to call the movers. You want to make sure they have availability the day you need them. The earlier you call, the better chance you have of getting the day you want.

2. Set Aside the Essentials

It’s easy to forget where you put what amid the flurry of packing boxes and running here and there. You don’t have time for perfectly organizing things so if you need to find something important; you won’t know where to look for it.

Because of this, you should set aside the essential items. Pack a bag of essentials including the things you need on a daily basis. Things like medications, a couple of changes of clothes, and toiletries should go in that bag.

3. Downsize

As you’re packing, don’t be afraid to purge items you no longer use. When you start pulling stuff out of closets, you’re sure to find things you’ve forgotten you had.

Why haul them along with you if you’re never going to use them? Donate these items. It will make both your move and organizing your new place a lot easier.

4. Get to It!

This is perhaps the most important tip. When you need to move quickly, you don’t have time to procrastinate. Don’t let everything you need to get accomplished overwhelm you. However, don’t get too caught up organizing first either.

Once you’ve got your basic plan in place, then grab some boxes and start packing and labeling them! The only way the work will get done is if you buckle down and do it.

Make it a party and invite some friends over and pay them in pizza. Do whatever you have to do to get that stuff in boxes and ready for the movers.

Now You Know How to Pack to Move in a Hurry

Moving quick and in a hurry may not be the ideal way to move. However, sometimes that’s just the way it goes, and you need to know how to pack to move in a hurry.

Ready to get started? Contact us today. We can help out with all your moving needs in Florida!

Moving to a new home is a stressful event for any family, but it can be especially tough for young children.

Kids typically don’t like change. Studies show that significant transitions are difficult for children.

As a parent, you need to do everything you can to help make your kids comfortable in your new home. Taking some simple steps will help ease the stress of adapting to a new environment.

To help you out, we’re going over some techniques for making moving easier on your young children.

Get Them Involved in the Move

Easing the transition should start before you’re in the new home. By getting your kids involved the move, you help make the process a positive one. It also helps them mentally prepare.

Have your children organize their rooms themselves in preparation for packing. If you’re having a garage sale, ask them to pick out items they no longer want.

You can also help them create a scrapbook of all the memories they have of the house. This could also include the phone numbers and addresses of neighborhood friends. Let them know they won’t lose contact with them.

Finally, let your children have a going away party with their friends in the old house.

Help Them Get to Know Their New Home

If possible take your children to the new house before moving in. Do a little exploring with your children. Walk through the entire house and let them know what each room will be.

Let them get to know your new home before the process of moving takes place. This includes the garage and backyard.

You could even make the process fun by playing hide and seek or setting up a treasure hunt. Not only does this help your children become familiar with the home, but it also creates a positive feeling right away.

Give Their Room First Priority

Your children need to feel a connection and familiarity with their new rooms as soon as possible. So, unpack their rooms first.

Let them help with the process and give them some freedom regarding the arrangement of things. This makes them understand the new space is theirs.

Unpacking and arranging their new room will also give them a sense of accomplishment. If your children are proud of and comfortable with their new room, they’ll adjust much quicker.

Explore the New Neighborhood with Them

Your children also have an entirely new neighborhood to get used to. A new community can be very intimidating, so help them out by taking them on a journey.

If there’s a park nearby, let them familiarize themselves with the environment. They’ll likely meet other kids who’ll become close friends.

Check out any community pools and recreation centers right away. This will get them excited about their new life. You could even take them for a walk around their new school before their first day.

Making Moving Easier Can Be Fun

Even if they don’t show it, your young children are probably nervous about the upcoming move. By turning each step into a fun activity, you’re making moving easier on them and helping them adapt to their new environment.

Use the methods discussed above and relieve some of the stress associated with a big transition.

We provide moving and storage resources in the Tampa area. Contact us today for help.

Many joys come with moving to a new home. But, unfortunately, a lot of not-so-glamorous tasks come with getting handed your new keys. Figuring out your utility situation is usually one of them.

If you don’t plan accordingly, you’ll be without lights, heat, and other services upon arrival. Don’t wait until the last minute because it often takes several days to set up these services.

On the flip side to this, you need to cancel your current utilities promptly, so you’re not paying double. If you’re wondering when and how to set up services in your new home, here’s the scoop.

Find a Provider

The first step you must do is figure out who your new provider will be. It’s possible your current provider won’t be able to service your new home. It’s one thing if you’re moving across town.

But, if you’re relocating to a new city or state, you’ll want to double check. If your current provider doesn’t service your new neighborhood, you shouldn’t have a hard time learning about the utility providers in the area. Just do a quick Google search.

Also, you can check various city websites, as they often publish information for newcomers. For instance, you can learn all about Tampa providers on this City of Tampa webpage.

When to Set Up Utilities

After you’ve found providers who best fit your needs, you need to start making appointments. It’s good to call at least two weeks before the move-in/move-out date.

Most providers can connect your new services in 3-5 business days, but you don’t want to push it too close. This is particularly true if you’re moving during a peak season, such as in the middle of summer.

Also, don’t wait until the last minute to have your current services disconnected. Again, we recommend calling roughly two weeks before you move out. To be safe, schedule your connection service for a day before the move-in, and disconnection a day after.

How to Set Up Utilities

To sign up for a new service, you’ll have to complete an application, and that includes a credit check. If this is your first home, you also may have to put a deposit down if you don’t have much credit.

However, you usually get this deposit back after you build your credit history with the utility companies. You’ll have to contact each provider to learn more about this process.

Also, if you’re a first-time homeowner, you should inquire about additional support from each provider. Some offer incentives to new buyers or even waive their deposit.

Moving to a New Home?

Figuring out how to set up utilities is just one small, yet essential, step in the moving process. If you’re relocating to the beautiful Tampa area, we’d love to help you get settled in.

Community Moving & Storage can help this be the easiest move you’ve had! As part of the Mayflower network, we have access to the largest fleet of trucks in the country. So, even if you’re not coming from the Tampa area, we can still help out.

Contact us today to learn more about our services!