We all know that moving isn't easy. According to many studies, moving is one of the hardest things a person will do in their life. Some people enjoy the change, but most people find it incredibly challenging. Personally, I have relocated enough times that I'm becoming a pro! The hardest part is keeping your sense of humor, and laughing when you should be crying. Here's a few things you can do to help keep the mood light, even when the boxes are getting heavy.
First, every move needs a person to keep things upbeat. Make that person you!
There are so many things that can go wrong in a move. Boxes can break, belongings can break, items can be lost, bottles can leak or explode.... there's so many things you don't even want to think about. Sometimes it's a temper tantrum from your children, and sometimes it's your wife! There's only one way to combat all of these things: laughter. They say laughter is the best medicine, and, it's true! When everything is falling apart, start laughing first, so that others can follow suit. Laugh until you cry, because that's where you were going anyway!
The Law of Opposites: If you don’t laugh, you will cry
I have a friend who, the more nervous she gets, the more she laughs uncontrollably. People think she's weird. So, the more stressful and traumatic my move gets, the weirder I get. Just downright goofy. There's something about laughter that just breaks the tension and makes everyone feel better. When the cable company tells us that they 72 hours to install our nine channels, instead of blowing a gasket, I just laugh. Don't worry, soon enough the torture will be all over, and you'll be back to normal in your new digs.
3. Hang with the happy people
It's hard to maintain a positive attitude about a stressful situation. So, in order to maintiain your sense of humor, keep those around you of a like mind. Some you can keep in line by keeping up your goof laugh, but, some people are just negative or cry babies. Be careful not to hang around these kinds of people to much. It only takes one fish to spoil the tank! Try to keep your farewells and goodbye parties positive, and if anyone starts to get into all the things you’ll miss, pop their hot air balloon!
4. Mantras and maxims
If you're low on comedic material, you can always surf YouTube and other websites for things to keep the mood light. My brother is a non-stop well of comedy and new ideas. Whenever I need something new, I just spend a day with him!
Also, just try to keep everyone in the mindset that everything will eventually be finished, and you'll be moving on to bigger and better things!
5. The old standby: A pumpkin head for everyone!
Not really, it's supposed to be no clothes for everyone, but, if it works for some public speakers, why not moving?
Our Fleet Of Trucks
Think Of Moving, Think Of Us.
Tuesday, 3 November 2015
General Moving Tips
Here's just a list of all purpose, general DIY moving tips, in no special order! This is our grab bag post.
- Pack all of your medications and first aid supplies in a separate, properly labeled box. Anything which is temperature sensitive should be packed appropriately.
- Use small boxes and don't overload them so that they break under the weight. Line the boxes with linen or towels before arranging the items inside to be packed.
- Fragile items in your bathroom need bubble wrap and to be taped well. Then place these items in a sturdy cardboard box with little empty space for wiggling. - soft and unbreakable items (towels, linen, the bath curtains, etc.) can be used to reduce empty space in other boxes containing heavier items.
- Properly dispose of hazardous materials in appropriate containers, not in the waste bin or toilet. They are dangerous for the environment and children.
- Remember that if you're short on time or motivation, you can always contact us! Don’t be shy to ask questions, ask for advice, or for a free quote. It might be that the cost of professionals is the same as what you spend for packing materials.
- Pack boots by wrapping each one with dry paper, separately from it's pair. Then, pack them in a bigger sized box, with the heaviest articles on the bottom. On top of these, pack lighter items.
- Make sure you pack heavier boxes on the bottom of the truck, followed by lighter and lighter boxes, and the lightest items on top.
- After each layer of shoes you pack, place a new sheet of packing paper.
- If there are any empty spaces in between the boxes or items in the boxes, use crumpled paper to fill up those.
- Pack first shoes (and clothes) from different seasons. This is a good approach when packing clothing because you can label those boxes for later unpacking or storage. You won’t need them soon anyway.
- Load the not so critical items into the truck first, and put the more pertinent boxes in last. Then, when you unload them, make sure you sort put them in the appropriate places in the house. Anything you won't need soon can be put in storage or a centralized location for easier access later.
- In the moving truck, don't put heavy things on your shoes or other items which have a specific shape because this could cause deformities.
- If moving in inclimate weather, make sure you protect your boxes from the damp or it could destroy shoes or other items. - Move the first night or first few days items before the moving truck comes. If you're going for a house inspection, this is a great time to drop off items that you can use after the hauling is done. It's nice to be able to use your bathroom before you even open a box on moving day.
- Pack all of your medications and first aid supplies in a separate, properly labeled box. Anything which is temperature sensitive should be packed appropriately.
- Use small boxes and don't overload them so that they break under the weight. Line the boxes with linen or towels before arranging the items inside to be packed.
- Fragile items in your bathroom need bubble wrap and to be taped well. Then place these items in a sturdy cardboard box with little empty space for wiggling. - soft and unbreakable items (towels, linen, the bath curtains, etc.) can be used to reduce empty space in other boxes containing heavier items.
- Properly dispose of hazardous materials in appropriate containers, not in the waste bin or toilet. They are dangerous for the environment and children.
- Remember that if you're short on time or motivation, you can always contact us! Don’t be shy to ask questions, ask for advice, or for a free quote. It might be that the cost of professionals is the same as what you spend for packing materials.
- Pack boots by wrapping each one with dry paper, separately from it's pair. Then, pack them in a bigger sized box, with the heaviest articles on the bottom. On top of these, pack lighter items.
- Make sure you pack heavier boxes on the bottom of the truck, followed by lighter and lighter boxes, and the lightest items on top.
- After each layer of shoes you pack, place a new sheet of packing paper.
- If there are any empty spaces in between the boxes or items in the boxes, use crumpled paper to fill up those.
- Pack first shoes (and clothes) from different seasons. This is a good approach when packing clothing because you can label those boxes for later unpacking or storage. You won’t need them soon anyway.
- Load the not so critical items into the truck first, and put the more pertinent boxes in last. Then, when you unload them, make sure you sort put them in the appropriate places in the house. Anything you won't need soon can be put in storage or a centralized location for easier access later.
- In the moving truck, don't put heavy things on your shoes or other items which have a specific shape because this could cause deformities.
- If moving in inclimate weather, make sure you protect your boxes from the damp or it could destroy shoes or other items. - Move the first night or first few days items before the moving truck comes. If you're going for a house inspection, this is a great time to drop off items that you can use after the hauling is done. It's nice to be able to use your bathroom before you even open a box on moving day.
Move Advisor
Keeping track of everything for a move is incredibly time consuming and stressful. Where to go, what to do, what to buy, who to call.... all of this happening at once! The minute you decide to move, you're on a deadline to get all your ducks in order. The good news is, there's help!
Our brains have a limit on how much they can keep and retain, and the stress of moving can really take its toll on us. So, in today's Digital Age, we have convenient ways to organize a move from our mobile device.
Move Advisor is a revolutionary moving app that redefines the way we move What is Move Advisor?
Well, in the app, every icon on your mobile device's calendar will now hold additional, relevant information at the tip of your finger. Just tap on the icon and Move Advisor becomes your personal guide through every stage of your move.
There are four powerful tools to help you become the great hero of your own moving adventure:
Moving Timeline
This part of the app helps break the big task of moving into smaller pieces, week by week. It's designed to make the pieces manageable, and not overwhelm you with too many tasks in a short period of time. All tasks are displayed with eye-catching icons which are easy to understand, but, should you want more detail, you can just tap on that icon, and get a wealth of information about what you should be doing.
The best thing: you're in charge of this customizable app. You can delete items youd on't need, reschedule items you can't complete yet, and mark other items as completed already.
Even more handy, there's an ACTION button underneath each task to suggest ways to accomplish things even FASTER!
Home Inventory
Additionally, a home inventory tool takes the pain out of making your list. With easy to navigate menus, drag and drop actions, and a smooth interface, you can create an exact copy of your home with all your belongings in no time! When you finished with one room, mark it done and move on to the next! You can even calculate the size and weight of everything you've input with the touch of a button! This can help you plan how long you need to pack, and how long of a truck bed you need. Even better is the convenient option to email your home inventory to moving companies to receive accurate moving costs estimates.
Movers Around You
The app can also help you locate a mover nearby. A few taps and it will not only give you the listing, but can also pinpoint their exact location! There's even a place to read reviews from other customers!
And the best part about this app is that it's FREE! Why haven't you downloaded it already?!
Our brains have a limit on how much they can keep and retain, and the stress of moving can really take its toll on us. So, in today's Digital Age, we have convenient ways to organize a move from our mobile device.
Move Advisor is a revolutionary moving app that redefines the way we move What is Move Advisor?
Well, in the app, every icon on your mobile device's calendar will now hold additional, relevant information at the tip of your finger. Just tap on the icon and Move Advisor becomes your personal guide through every stage of your move.
There are four powerful tools to help you become the great hero of your own moving adventure:
Moving Timeline
This part of the app helps break the big task of moving into smaller pieces, week by week. It's designed to make the pieces manageable, and not overwhelm you with too many tasks in a short period of time. All tasks are displayed with eye-catching icons which are easy to understand, but, should you want more detail, you can just tap on that icon, and get a wealth of information about what you should be doing.
The best thing: you're in charge of this customizable app. You can delete items youd on't need, reschedule items you can't complete yet, and mark other items as completed already.
Even more handy, there's an ACTION button underneath each task to suggest ways to accomplish things even FASTER!
Home Inventory
Additionally, a home inventory tool takes the pain out of making your list. With easy to navigate menus, drag and drop actions, and a smooth interface, you can create an exact copy of your home with all your belongings in no time! When you finished with one room, mark it done and move on to the next! You can even calculate the size and weight of everything you've input with the touch of a button! This can help you plan how long you need to pack, and how long of a truck bed you need. Even better is the convenient option to email your home inventory to moving companies to receive accurate moving costs estimates.
Movers Around You
The app can also help you locate a mover nearby. A few taps and it will not only give you the listing, but can also pinpoint their exact location! There's even a place to read reviews from other customers!
And the best part about this app is that it's FREE! Why haven't you downloaded it already?!
Moving on a Dime
Moving on an empty wallet is a tricky situation. If you can avoid it, it's best to wait until you are ready, but, if you can't, we can try to help you out! Follow the tips in this article and you can pull it off!
Figuring out how to move without money is a cerebral exercise. You need, at a minimum, packaging, padding, and gas to get you there. The important question: How do I pull this off? Well, read on, and we'll help you get there!
First step, try to secure employment for after your move to help cover any incidentals that you might incur beyond what you're planning. With your bank account running on fumes, financial stability in the future can make you feel much more confident in dealing with unexpected problems and expenses. Arrange some interviews, even if they're just on phone interviews. It can be the first step in getting your foot in the door. Don't rule out McDonald's or other entry level positions. They can put some cash in your pocket while you're pursuing a bigger fish. A big city move can take you more time to land a cushy position, so do what you can now before you even get there. If you can line it up smartly, you can try to get several in person interviews all on the same day. That will give you a better shot at getting a position without costing you a dime traveling back and forth several times.
But don't worry, this article is about moving on a whisper and a prayer, the job advice is extra.
First step: Enlist help. Plan early, and, try to collect packaging and supplies from friends who have recently relocated and are still unpacking. Anything leftover that they don't need can be useful for you!
Also, blood is thicker than water, right? Parents and relatives are often able to lend a helping hand, especially if you're relocating somewhere closer to them. May be that they are willing to come and help you with the heavy lifting, or it could be that they would be able to help you foot the bill, even if it's a loan you're going to pay back later. Any assistance is something you got for free, right? But, it can help you out more to be specific about what you need when you ask for help. "Hey, can you help me move?" Is less likely to get what you need than "Hi, Mom. I really need some help moving. Do you think you could help me get a moving truck?"
And, don't forget to ask all those other friends and colleagues to help you with your heavy lifting. Maybe they owe you a favor, or maybe they're just extra nice. You can get boxes at the supermarket, and your clothes can be your padding. Chances are good that if you're moving on empty, then you don't need too much of those. Do you have new neighbors in the area? Offer to help them get rid of their used packaging for them! Ask your buddy with the 6 seater van to help you transport your stuff! Don't be shy! Beggars can't be choosers,right?
Reduce before you Relocate
Moving: so many things to do, so little time... Even worse when you need to move from some where big to some where smaller, even if it's only a loss of one room. The good news is, there's less that will fit, and so there's less to move in. The bad news is, you have to decide what doesn't go with you. Here's a few ideas on how to downsize before you start to pack.
Step 1: De-clutter. Let's start by reducing the things you keep around that you don't or can't use. Anything that's broken beyond repair, or would be cheaper to replace, it's probably better to get rid of. Broken electronics come to mind. Also, anything you have been keeping outside in the garden or balcony that's not looking so new might not need to come with you either. Also, tools which no longer work, old fashioned clothes you’re wouldn't wear again, anything in the attic or other storage spaces you've forgotten about, etc.
Next, to continue downsizing, go through the least places in your home, the guest room for example. We often put things in the rooms we don't use much, and then we forget about them until it's time to pack them up. You probably won't even have a guest room in your new place if you're losing size, so maybe most of the items in there can disappear!
Don't forget about your car as well. We have so many storage spots in there we don't even look in most of the time. Who needs that registration for the car you had in 1967 you keep transferring when you just grab everything from the old car and put it in the new one. Don't equivocate or falter here. Be unbiased and strict about what you really need to take with you.
Step 2 - Reducing the House:
The first question: Can you use it at all? Do you need that worn out sofa? The cover is torn, the springs aren't really springy... How about any of the other items that are worn out, faded, or broken? It's probably going to cost about the same to move them as it is to replace them, and it's probably just time to retire these things. When you're cramped for space, this is an easy decision to make – throwing away what is actually useless.
How's the fashion? Do you care? If you do, this is an important decision to make. Anything that has passed it's fashionable use by date can stay in your past. Have you even worn that in the last two years? Are you really going to wear it again? You don't really want it anymore, so, let's get rid of it and make room for something newer anyway!
Next, measure the space you have available in your new place. Will everything fit? I can't tell you how frustrating it was to try and figure out how to get some of my stuff into my last big house. I can't imagine doing the same thing if I had to move them into an apartment. Do yourself a favor, and let these things go as well. Take proper measurements, and make sure you aren't trying to fit a watermelon into a space the size of a lemon!
Need... this is a hard question. Do you need it? Some things we keep around because we want them, but, in reality, we never use them. Yes in the case of a zombie apocalypse, you might need that hand cranked meat grinder... but, I think it's safe to let that one go for now. Anything that's taking up space because you might, maybe use it one day can might, maybe find a new home with someone more apt to use it soon.
The last one: emotional value. These are items we hold dear because they were gifts from people we love and cherish. Souvenirs or practical things; either way, if you really care about it and want it in your next home, pack it and take it.
Step 1: De-clutter. Let's start by reducing the things you keep around that you don't or can't use. Anything that's broken beyond repair, or would be cheaper to replace, it's probably better to get rid of. Broken electronics come to mind. Also, anything you have been keeping outside in the garden or balcony that's not looking so new might not need to come with you either. Also, tools which no longer work, old fashioned clothes you’re wouldn't wear again, anything in the attic or other storage spaces you've forgotten about, etc.
Next, to continue downsizing, go through the least places in your home, the guest room for example. We often put things in the rooms we don't use much, and then we forget about them until it's time to pack them up. You probably won't even have a guest room in your new place if you're losing size, so maybe most of the items in there can disappear!
Don't forget about your car as well. We have so many storage spots in there we don't even look in most of the time. Who needs that registration for the car you had in 1967 you keep transferring when you just grab everything from the old car and put it in the new one. Don't equivocate or falter here. Be unbiased and strict about what you really need to take with you.
Step 2 - Reducing the House:
The first question: Can you use it at all? Do you need that worn out sofa? The cover is torn, the springs aren't really springy... How about any of the other items that are worn out, faded, or broken? It's probably going to cost about the same to move them as it is to replace them, and it's probably just time to retire these things. When you're cramped for space, this is an easy decision to make – throwing away what is actually useless.
How's the fashion? Do you care? If you do, this is an important decision to make. Anything that has passed it's fashionable use by date can stay in your past. Have you even worn that in the last two years? Are you really going to wear it again? You don't really want it anymore, so, let's get rid of it and make room for something newer anyway!
Next, measure the space you have available in your new place. Will everything fit? I can't tell you how frustrating it was to try and figure out how to get some of my stuff into my last big house. I can't imagine doing the same thing if I had to move them into an apartment. Do yourself a favor, and let these things go as well. Take proper measurements, and make sure you aren't trying to fit a watermelon into a space the size of a lemon!
Need... this is a hard question. Do you need it? Some things we keep around because we want them, but, in reality, we never use them. Yes in the case of a zombie apocalypse, you might need that hand cranked meat grinder... but, I think it's safe to let that one go for now. Anything that's taking up space because you might, maybe use it one day can might, maybe find a new home with someone more apt to use it soon.
The last one: emotional value. These are items we hold dear because they were gifts from people we love and cherish. Souvenirs or practical things; either way, if you really care about it and want it in your next home, pack it and take it.
Moving Horror Stories
Moving has so many pitfalls and opportunities for trouble... We scoured the web for some scary stories about moving experiences from real people. We will share them here below!
Suzie
“I once spoke to a woman who owned a ton of antique furniture, including an armoire which was a family heirloom. She was very specific with her previous movers about handling this piece carefully. As a matter of fact, she was so nervous about it that she took an extra trip back to the first apartment just to make sure.“The first thing she noticed was that one of the movers was leaning against it while taking a break. There were even cups of coffee sitting on top! When the mover leaning on it saw her come in, he stood up so fast that he knocked one of the back panels out of the armoire and spilled the coffee!
“She confronted them about the damage and the coffee rings on the piece. Eventually they said ‘Fine, we just won’t move you then,’ and took off! They completely left her hanging, with no backup, for something that was their fault to begin with.”
At KNT, we will never jeopardize your valuables in anyway. We take the utmost care, and you're free to come and check on us at any time! Just please don't block the path, because, we don't have time to stand around and drink coffee! We're too popular and too professional! We want to get you into your new place as safely and quickly as possible, and fly off in our superhero capes to help the next customer have a satisfactory experience!
Brock
Yet another horror story you can rest assured will never happen with KNT. We have everything we need to disassemble, safely and carefully pack, move, load, unload, unpack, and reassemble all of your furniture and items at no additional cost to you. And, we promise not to run off with your tools, just your thanks!“This young couple told me about their last move a few years ago. They were all prepped and ready to go, but when their movers showed up they had literally no tools for disassembly! Their idea of customer service when asked why not was to shrug and say, ‘Sorry, guess we can’t disassemble anything. What else do you want to go?’“So the husband flew over to Walmart and grabbed a whole set of tools at his own expense. He came back, and the movers used them to disassemble the furniture and load up the truck. Then everyone - clients included - drove over to the new home.“But when they arrived, it turned out that the movers had left the tools behind at the first location! The husband had to drive all the way back and pick up the tools while the movers unloaded the truck. Only when he got back (after hours on the road), did the movers finally reassemble the furniture and finish up.“It was later that the couple realized something else – the movers took the tools with them when they left!”
Ashleigh
“There was one call I took a while ago. A woman needed to get some stuff into storage and remove some other stuff to bring back home. She found a couple of guys on Craigslist, who came around and loaded up the van with no problems.“She waited for hours at the storage unit, with no communication from the movers. Finally, she gets a call from an unknown caller ID.“‘Hey, we have your stuff but we’re not meeting you unless you pay us another $500!’“Of course she called the police, who started tracking the movers down. In the meantime, she called us. After she told me her story, she hired You Move Me to get the stuff she needed out of storage and back home. But I never found out whether the cops nabbed the Craigslist movers or if she got her stuff back!”
Wow. Just wow! Thieves and extortionists! We have a sterling reputation and hire only the most professional and honest workers! Don't waste your time looking for a cheaper avenue. We promise to give you the fairest price, the best service, and leave you with nothing but smiles, not worries!
Making the First Day Easier
So you moved today. It's your first night in the new home, and you are completely exhausted. Your kitchen is in boxes still, and so is your enthusiasm. What can you do to make your life a little bit easier? Here are a few tips from us to help ease you into your second day.
Order in
After spending a day hauling boxes, cleaning, packing, unpacking, driving, cleaning... (yes, double cleaning), you probably aren't too excited about unpacking the rest of the kitchen and trying to make something for dinner. The bad news is, you still need to eat! Treat yourselves by ordering from your favorite place! Or, if you're in a new area, try finding a new restaurant to get that taste from home. Check online for reviews in your area, and find something the locals like! You might also look into a massage or even delivery liquor! Toast yourselves in your new home!
Pack a first night kit
When you move into a new home, you rarely can unpack everything you have in one fell swoop. That means, in a normal move, all the things you need will be in 27 different boxes all over the house. There is, however, a way to avoid this! Before you pack everything, find the things you will need on your first night, and put them in a suitcase or a box clearly labeled "First Night." This is not, a reference to creepy lords stealing your wife on the first night, but rather a sound practice to make sure everything you need the first night, like your pajamas, your face wash, toothbrush, soaps, etc., will all be readily available without much work. Don't forget things like bedding and a blanket you might use for sleeping or eating, if you haven't gotten to the table yet. If you're ordering in, like we suggest, then you probably won't need much cutlery, but, cups might be useful to share that big bottle of beverage you get from the delivery service.
Watch a movie
Your first night in a new house is an adventure. Don't let the family spend it separated between your respective rooms! Pack a movie or two on your laptop. If your WiFi is set up, you can maybe stream one of your favorites that you don't own yet, or, even better, try watching something new together! It's much easier on your younger children to go through all of this together anyway, and so you can help them out a lot more by spending the first few days together! Why not make it into a living room slumber party all together?
Get some rest
After a long day of moving and carrying, your body is due for some recovery time. Take the unpacking and setting up the new house one day at a time, not all at one time. Have a relaxing bath or shower, get comfy in your pajamas, and sleep soundly. The hardest parts are finished. Now you can set up the rest of your house at your own pace!
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