Home Organization Tips for the New Year

The new year is a perfect time to get organized.  An organized home is a less chaotic and stressful home, so why not get started today?  As the premier Castlegar movers, we would like to share the following home organization tips for the New Year.

Make a Plan

Organizing your home may seem quite overwhelming at first, so start off by making a plan.  In order for your list to be useful try to stick to listing specific tasks rather than general ones.  Specific organizational tasks can include:

• Organizing the kitchen drawers and refrigerator, instead of organizing the kitchen.
• Organizing my shoes and my clothing in the closet, instead of organizing the closet.

A specific plan with specific goals will help you break down and compartmentalize the overall home organizational goal or the New Year’s resolution.

Label

Use a label maker, use stickers or even masking tape, but make sure that you use labels.  Labels will help you stay accountable for your organization.  By giving each of your items a specific place and naming that place, your labels will serve as a gentle reminder to where your things go.

Clear the Clutter

A new year is a great way to make a fresh start.  Take the time to go through your belongings and either recycle or throw out the items that are no longer relevant in your life.  By reducing clutter, you will be creating new space in your home as well as simplifying.  Make sure to be honest with yourself and try to get rid of as much as possible.

Here’s the Deal:

In general, if you haven’t used an item in over a year and it is not seasonal, it is probably time to get rid of it.

File It

Once you are satisfied with the number of items removed from your home, it is now time to re-organize the remainder of your belongings.  Chances are you have random papers floating around in various drawers and other places in your home.  Take the time to file them so that you can easily locate them when you need to.  Do not forget to provide clear labels for each stack of papers and file new papers as soon as you get them.

Use the Space

Instead of moving items from room to room to create space, why not use the space in each room more effectively?  Innovative ways to create more space in any room include:

• Build shelving units.
• Use closet organizers or install a medicine cabinet.

These New Year’s home organizational tips will allow you to enjoy a more stress-free life and may even free up more time in your day for other things.  If you would like tips on home organization or are interested in the many moving services that we offer, please contact us today.

Happy New Year from Kootenai Moving.

 

 

 

 

5 Tips for Surviving a Winter Move

Snow, ice, sub-zero temperatures, all concerns for a winter move.  Winter may sound like the worst time to plan a move, but with a little organization, it may offer some unexpected advantages.  As Castlegar’s premier movers, we would like to offer you the following tips on how to survive a winter move.

Clear the Snow

This may seem like common sense, but it is important that you have all the snow and ice cleared on your driveway, sidewalk and any other pathway that you will be using during the move.  Snow and ice are not only a safety concern, they will also slow down the progress of your move and make it very cumbersome.

Here’s the Deal:

Sometimes shoveling is not enough as it may only expose a layer of treacherous ice.  In this case, use salt to remove the ice.

Protect Your Floors

You do not want to track melted snow and debris all over your floors.  Make sure that you properly protect them in both your old and new homes to limit any clean up or damage.  Large pieces of cardboard are an excellent way to not only provide protection, but also to provide traction to your floors.  Make sure to remove any rugs or mats before laying down cardboard to prevent any slipping.

Start Early

It is important to start your moving day early.  The days are far shorter in the winter and you do not want to be moving in the dark.  It is also warmer during the day, which will make a huge difference especially in the winter months.  An early start will also allow ample time for any unexpected problems that are a result of bad or cold weather.  Make sure to plan accordingly.

Dress Appropriately

Make sure that you are properly dressed for the weather and have not packed away some of your winter essentials.  This includes:

• Gloves, scarf and hat, preferable a toque.
• Winter boots with good traction.
• Extra layers as you will be going from indoors to outdoors quite regularly.
• A warm, winter jacket, but not too bulky or cumbersome.

Hook up Utilities

Before moving into your new home, make sure that you have hooked up all of your utilities and they are working.  You will want electricity, heat and hot water all in working order when you move in.  This often overlooked tip can be a costly moving mistake or disaster, especially if you are moving in sub-zero temperatures or if you have to finish the move in the dark.  A little planning can go a long way.

These simple moving tips can make your winter move a snap.  If you would like any more information about moving in the winter or are interested in the many moving services we offer, please contact us today.  We would love to be a part of your next winter moving experience.  We look forward to working with you soon.

 

 

How to Pack and Protect your Heavy Items

No matter how you want to approach your home packing, it is only a matter of time before you are going to need to pack your heavy and cumbersome items.  Just because an item is heavy does not mean that it doesn’t have to be properly protected from damage.  As the premier Castlegar movers, we would like to offer you the following tips on how to pack and protect your heavy and cumbersome items.

The Right Supplies

Having the right supplies is essential for a successful packing job, regardless of what type of items you are moving.  In order to properly store and protect heavy and cumbersome items you are going to need:

• Strong boxes – make sure that your moving boxes are made of durable cardboard. For heavier items, double walled boxes may be a good idea.  Remember to not over pack boxes with heavy items and make sure that they are marked so you or the movers do not injure their backs.
• Bubble wrap – thick bubble wrap will keep even the heaviest of items safe from all the bumps and bruises of moving. For extra protection try using moving blankets to serve as cushions.
• Packing tape – not all packing tape is created equally. Make sure to use high quality tape to reinforce your boxes and to keep the bubble wrap in place.

Moving Heavy Furniture

Not all your heavy items are going to fit in boxes.  Some of the heaviest and most cumbersome items will include furniture.  When moving furniture make sure to:

• Disassemble any awkward and heavy pieces of furniture such as bed frames, tables or cabinets. Pack bolts, screws etc. in a labeled plastic bag and attach it to the piece of furniture.
• Protect your furniture by either wrapping it or covering it with a blanket.

Moving Heavy Appliances

If you are taking any of your appliances with you, remember to:

• Unplug electrical appliances from power sources before moving.
• Safely remove detachable items from the appliance such as drawers, elements or shelves. If you are moving your refrigerator or freezer, make sure to defrost at least 48 hours before the move.
• Protect and cover appliances during the move.

Packing Heavy Items

Some packing tips for heavy items include:

• Do not over pack boxes. Instead pack boxes with less items to evenly distribute the weight.  You don’t want the bottom of the box falling out on the way to the moving truck.
• Fill empty space with either lighter items or with paper or other packing materials. You do not want heavy items moving around in their boxes while being transported.
• Avoid packing breakable, fragile or easily damaged items in with heavy items. You want all your belongings to arrive safely and undamaged at the end of your move.

By following these simple steps, you should be able to safely pack and move your heavy and cumbersome items.  If you would like any more information on how to pack and move your belongings or would like to see how we can help with your next move, please contact us today.  Our friendly and professional staff would love to be a part of your next move.  We look forward to working with you soon.

 

 

 

 

3 of the Best Organizational Tips for Moving

Being organized is the key to enjoying a successful and stress-free move.  The key to any organized move is a moving checklist.  This detailed to-do list should be your ultimate guide for keeping you organized and on task from the start of your move until the end.  As the premier Castlegar movers, we would like to offer you these three organizational tips to make your move as worry-free as possible.

Start Early

Moving homes is one of the top 3 most stressful events in someone’s life, so getting a head start is key to a positive moving experience.  Time management and some pre-planning will help you have all the pre-moving preparations out of the way and provide you enough time to prepare for the move.

Before the big day, make sure to:

• Have the proper packing supplies such as boxes, packing tape and newspaper or bubble wrap ready.
• Cancel utilities and have them hooked up in your new address.
• Have your moving date and all other details arranged with your movers.

Here’s the Deal:

You will usually have 1 month to organize and complete your move, so having the pre-moving details taken care of is essential in reducing the stress and problems usually associated with moving.

Declutter your Home

Once you have arranged the pre-moving preparations, the next step is to take an inventory of your possessions.  This will allow you to gain a better understating and scope of what needs to be packed and will give you the opportunity to declutter your home.

Your inventory should include:

• Sell –the items that you do not need to pack but still have value. The money that you earn from selling these items can help to pay for the moving costs.
• Pack – these are the belongings that you will be taking with you to your new address.
• Donate/give away – all the things that you do not want and will not be selling.
• Throw out/recycle – broken items.

Decluttering will not only allow you to make a fresh start in your new home, it will also save you time, reduce what you need to pack and save you money.

Employ a Packing Strategy

After you have decluttered your home, it is a good idea to employ a packing strategy.  This will allow you to not just pack randomly, but to help you to better utilize and manage your time. An effective packing strategy will:

• Include labeling your boxes. Make sure to give a detailed account of what is in each box and not a general label such as “bathroom”.  Don’t forget to label fragile, if needed.
• Pack essential items into well labeled boxes. Essential items are items such as prescription medicine or contact lenses.  These items will be packed last and unpacked first.
• Pre-pack items that you will not be needing first. These usually include items in your basement, garage or seasonal items.

 

An organized move is a stress-free move.  By following these simple steps, you should be able to have a relatively easy and problem-free move.  If you would like more information about how to stay organized during your move or have other moving related questions, please contact us today.  We would love to be a part of your next successful and organized move.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Getting Rid of Unwanted Belongings

If you have moved before or are in the process of moving, you may notice that you are finding a lot of items that you have never used or no longer need.  If there is one upside to moving it is the opportunity to downsize and organize your life by removing clutter.  As the premier Kootenai movers here are some tips on how to get rid of all of that unwanted stuff.

How Removing Clutter Will Make your Move Easier

The less boxes and items that you must pack, the easier your move will be.  Less items translates directly into savings for you.  Either you will have to pay a moving company less because there are fewer items or you will need to take fewer trips in your car which will save you gas.  Regardless, it is a great deal for you.

So how do you determine what items are unnecessary and what items you should pack?

What to Get Rid of When Moving

Perhaps the best way of determining whether you need an item or not is to do some inventorying.  This process will allow you to sort through your belongings and see what items are indispensable and will be coming and what items you are somewhat on the fence with.  Belongings such as:

• Clothes or shoes that you have grown out of.
• Duplicate items or outdated belongings.
• Forgotten items and gifts that you never really liked, but kept out of nostalgia.

These types of items should be either sold or donated and should not be part of your move.

How to Get Rid of Unwanted Stuff

Once you have determined what items you will not be packing, take a moment and look at their condition and if they are can be sold or not.  If any of the items are broken or well worn, it is probably best to throw them out.

If you feel that some of the unwanted items are worth money, it may be a good idea to either sell them online or if you have enough sellable items have a yard sale.  The money that you get from your unwanted belongings should be put towards your move.

Another great option is to donate your unwanted items to one of many charities or to your local Salvation Army.  Only donate items that are in good condition, not broken or damaged belongings.

By getting rid of your unwanted or unused belongings, you should be able to significantly reduce the amount of items that you are moving.  Use your move to reorganize your life and open up space in your new home.

If you would like any more information about how to remove unwanted items before a move or are interested in the many moving services that we offer, please contact us today.  We would love to be a positive part of your moving experience.

 

 

How to Properly Pack Your Glassware

When it comes to moving, perhaps the most difficult item to pack is your glassware.  Not only is it fragile, it is also prone to chipping or cracking unless it is packed properly.  As the premier movers in Nelson, here are some tips on how to pack your glassware for your next move.

Pack it Right

The most important part of packing your glassware is using the proper packing material.  Two of the most common items used to properly pack your breakables are:

• Soft Packing Paper – Make sure to wrap each individual glass or dish completely. This will help to prevent any chips or cracks.
• Bubble wrap – This miracle plastic can be used in conjunction with packing paper or on its own to provide a great protection for your glassware. Make sure to buy more bubble wrap than you think you will need as it will be in high demand for many of your other home moving tasks.

Here’s the Deal:

Try not to use newspaper when you are wrapping your glassware.  Unfortunately, newspaper can leave ink stains on your glasses or dishes.  You can use newspaper to fill in the extra space in the box after you have packed your breakables.

Find the Right Box

Not all boxes are created equally.  When it comes to finding the right box for your glassware, make sure that it is:

• Not damaged in any way. This includes no torn flaps, bent corners or creases in the box.
• Have a look at all your moving boxes and try to choose one that has thicker cardboard or even reinforced corners. You want as much protection as possible for your fragile dishes and glasses.

Once you have found the right box for the job, gently place your breakables in the box and insulate each one with an extra layer of paper.  Make sure to fill the empty space with a packing material such as newspaper.  This will prevent any movement while the box is being moved.

Do not over pack your boxes and make sure that they are light enough and small enough that they are not cumbersome or heavy.  The lighter and easier to carry, the less chance you will have of damaging or breaking your glassware.

Make sure that you use proper packing tape on each of your boxes so that the bottoms do not fall out as they are being transported.  An extra layer or two of packing tape is recommended just to be on the safe side.

Don’t Forget to Label

After your breakables have been properly packed, make sure to label the contents of each box and mark each box as fragile.   This will not only allow the movers to pack each box accordingly, it will also make your job of unpacking so much easier.

By following these guidelines, you should enjoy a damage and break-free move.  If you would like any more information about how to properly pack your breakables or are interested in the many moving services that we provide, please contact us today.  We would love to be a positive part of your moving experience.

Surviving Your Summer Move

The summer months offer a wide range of advantages when it comes to moving.  The longer days and warmer weather make the overall experience far more enjoyable and easier.  Summer is also the peak of the home buying season, so there are far more options to choose from when you are looking for your next home.  Even with all the advantages that a summer move offers, there are still many challenges.

As the premier movers in Nelson, we would like to offer you the following tips on how to survive your summer move.

Start the Process Early

Regardless of when you are moving, it is always a good idea to start the moving process as early as possible.  This is especially true in the summer for a number of factors.  These include:

• About 70% of all residential moves take place from May to September, so moving companies will be in great demand during this time. (themovingblog.com) By starting your move early, you can book and guarantee your moving dates with the company that you want.
• An early start will alleviate the stress that is associated with moving.
• The ability to compensate for any mistakes or difficulties that you may encounter as you begin to move.

Manage Your Moving Costs

Because of the advantages of a summer move, it is also the most expensive season to move.  The high demand for moving companies can drive up the cost of your move.  To help manage these higher costs, we recommend:

• Do as much of the packing by yourself and leave only the heavy and cumbersome items such as furniture to the professionals.
• Have a garage sale or sell the items that you will not be taking with you online. Put this money towards your moving budget.
• Only take the items that are necessary and that you will be using in your new home – this will help lower transportation costs.

Pick the Right Date

Take a moment to consider the date you will be moving out/in.  Make sure to avoid long weekends and holidays, such as Canada Day.  If at all possible, try to avoid weekends all together as they are usually busier.  A mid-week move may be easier to book and guarantee that you get the moving company that you want.

Beat the Heat

Kootenay summers can be hot, and the moving process is hard work.  Try to beat the heat with the following tips:

• The earlier the start, the better. Usually the hottest part of the day is between 11 am and 4 pm, so select a mover that can accommodate a morning start.
• Keep hydrated. Pack and have access to water throughout the day.  The last thing you want is to become dehydrated.
• Dress for the season. We recommend lightweight and breathable clothes for moving day to keep you comfortable.

The Right Movers

Finding the right moving company for your move can make all of the difference.  We offer free quotes for a wide range of moving services that will meet all of your needs.  Our friendly and professional staff have years of moving experience and know what it takes to make your move as stress free and easy as possible.  Stop by or call us today and see how our team can be part of your summer moving experience.  We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Essential Things To Do After Moving

All the boxes have been unloaded and the moving trucks have departed, so what’s next? This is the question that many people ask in the often overwhelming post move phase.  As the premier movers in Nelson, we would like to offer you the following essential tasks to do after you have moved into your new home.

Organize and Unpack

The first thing that you will want to address is the mountain of boxes that are piled up around your new home.  The one advantage that unpacking offers is that you are not facing any time deadlines.  Make sure to enjoy the unpacking experience and do it at a leisurely pace.  The main focus should be organizing and getting your new space exactly how you want it.

Some of the rooms that you may want to unpack first include:

• Kitchen – If you are tired of fast food and take out, make the kitchen your first priority. The quicker it is up and running, the quicker you and your family can enjoy a home cooked meal.
• Bedroom – Unless you want to be sleeping on the floor for the first few days, your bedroom should definitely be an unpacking priority.
• Bathroom – You will probably want a shower after an entire day of packing and unpacking. Take the time to unpack your essential toiletries and enjoy that well deserved shower.

Post-Move Essential Checklist

• Change your Postal Address – regardless if you have moved to a new city or just across town, you will want to change your home address as soon as possible. It is also a good idea to leave the new owners of your old home your new home address so they can forward any mail while the change takes place.
• Register at your new school – make sure to register your child at their new home school. You will want to do this as soon as possible to ensure that there is room in your home school.  Contact the local school board to find out the location of your nearest school.
• Find a health care provider – you will want to find a family doctor that can meet you and your family’s health needs.
• Register your car – if you have moved to a new province, make sure to change your driver’s license and probably re-insure your vehicle so it meets all of the province’s motor vehicle’s rules and guidelines.
• Review your home insurance – look to see if your house insurance covers your new home and all of your belongings. While you are there, also update your address.
• Get to know your new surroundings – one of the most exciting parts of moving to a new home is that you get to discover a new part of your own or a new city, meet new people and make new friends. Enjoy the experience and opportunity.

If you would like any more information about post move essentials or would like to see how we can help with your next moving experience, please call us today.  We have been a part of the Nelson community for over 25 years and offer a wide range of moving services to meet all of your moving needs.  Our friendly and professional staff will make your moving experience a stress-free and enjoyable experience and free up time for you to get to know your new surroundings.