Unique Packing and Other Tips for Moving

Plenty of advice exists on the internet for traditional packing. As a matter of fact, since packing tends to be the longest part of the move, that makes sense. If you are a person who likes to think outside of the box however, here are some unique packing tips that can help to make your Castlegar move, or any move for that matter, much easier.

Use That Old Clothing

During the packing process you are sure to come across old clothes that you are planning on disposing of. Instead of throwing them away immediately, why not hang on to them and use them. This might allow you to pack more of your closet so you have less to do closer to your move. Just keep using those clothes until it is time to move and then give them away on moving day. It is a great way to get some final use out of things you were planning on disposing of anyway.

Roll Your Clothes for Packing

While folding your clothes and putting them into boxes might be the easiest way to unpack them, straight into closets it may not be the best way to save space. Rolling your clothing can actually let you squeeze more in them per box. Sure, you might have to do a little ironing or refolding once you are ready to unpack them but you can save a few dollars on boxes.

Make Use of Your Camera

Looking for a quick way to identify all of the boxes you have packed? After your boxes are taped up and labeled take a picture of each one of them. This will allow you to keep a visual inventory of all of the boxes that have gotten loaded onto the moving truck.

Once the truck arrives and has been unpacked, you can quickly see if all of the boxes you photographed have arrived. You should be able to identify any boxes that might be missing and what the contents of those boxes are quickly.

Prioritize Your Packing

This might take a little more effort on your part but it can help you out if you are not going to be unpacking all of your boxes immediately after your arrival.

Start by figuring out what you are going to need first when you arrive at your new home. Set those things aside and pack the things that you are not going to need first.  Put those items on the bottom and then put the more priority items on the top.

When you unpack, everything that you are going to need will be waiting for you on top.

Looking for Movers in Castlegar?

If you are looking for movers to help with a short or long distance move in Castlegar, contact Kootenai Moving for a quote today!

Tips to Prepare your Car for Auto Transport

Sometimes it just isn’t possible to drive your vehicle to its new home. While your Castlegar movers at Kootenai Moving can get your household items there, cars require some special attention. This means that you may need to employ an auto transport service to get the job done for you.

Generally, these services do not drive your car to your new home. Rather, they load it onto a car carrier and transport it that way. This means that you need to do a little preparation of your vehicle to ensure that it arrives safely.

Give it a Thorough Cleaning

The first thing you are going to want to do is make sure that your car is cleaned inside and out. A clean car is much more likely to show any damage that occurred during transport. Dust and dirt can conceal dents and dings.

Your car is going to be jostled around during the transport as well, which can mean that things on the inside get shifted about. Cleaning the inside of the car and removing anything that isn’t necessary will prevent that from happening.

Turn Off the Alarm

The truck driver is not going to be very happy with you if your car alarm is going off for his entire drive to your new home — at least until the battery in your car dies. Disable your car alarm if you can. If not, you may be able to disable it by unhooking the battery. Make sure to check with the driver of the truck before doing this, as it may be necessary to drive your car onto the carrier.

Drain the Tank

You are going to want your vehicle to travel with as little fuel in it as possible. Since it isn’t being driven there, you are going to want your tank to be as light as it possibly can. Gasoline weighs a lot, and having a full tank can add risk to the move. For these reasons, keep your tank as empty as you possibly can without draining it completely.

Check your Tire Pressure

If your tires have too much or too little air in them for the trip, it can cause problems during transport. Just like you wouldn’t want to drive your car around with under or over inflated tires, you don’t want your car transported that way either.

Lock the Car

Once your car is all loaded up, there is no reason to invite people to go looking through it. Lock it up and, if you need to, provide the truck driver with the key. It may be necessary for him to move it around during transport.

For everything else you need during your move, consider hiring the expert Castlegar movers at Kootenai Moving. Contact us today for a quote on your move. We can help you with any move, short or long distance!

Don’t Forget These Moving Day Essentials

Moving day is here! You have your boxes (mostly) packed and you are waiting for your Castlegar movers to show up to get your things on the road. There are a few things that you might need while your things are being taken from one place to the other, as well as items that you should have easy access to you as you walk in the door of your new home. Here are some moving day essentials to have available to you.

Medicines

When packing up the bathroom, don’t pack away any daily medications that you need to have. Set those aside, possibly using the same packing method that you would for a long vacation or trip. You can also make up a medical kit prior to move day so that all of these items are in a central location for you to quickly grab.

Take time to consider things that you might need other that your prescription medications as well. First aid items, quick cold or allergy cures as well as painkillers are all moving day essentials that can be very useful to you. Try to put them in a place you have access to them throughout the move.

Items for the Children

Kids can make a move interesting. It is just as exciting for them as it is stressful for you. Excitement can quickly switch to boredom during a long drive or while you are trying to figure out just how you got that couch in here in the first place. Having snacks and their favorite toys available to them can be a welcome distraction for both them and you. Games for the road or electronic devices are also a great way to keep them occupied during a long drive to their new home.

Extra Packing Materials

A box might break, or you might find some last minute items buried in a barely-used closet. Either way, having some extra packing supplies around to handle any emergent packing work is a great idea. A few spare boxes, tape, bubble wrap and shrink wrap are all great things to have on hand.

Pet Supplies

Just like the kids, your pets are going to have special needs of their own. Unlike the kids, pets are not going to understand what is going on. Make sure to take care of your furry family by having travel food bowls, food and water for them when they need it. If you have cats, you might need to rig up or purchase a temporary litter box as well. If having pets underfoot during the move is going to be too difficult, consider setting them up in a pet hotel or kennel for a few nights. This can remove some of the move stress from you.

Having these moving day essentials readily available can make your move a much smoother process. Even with these tips, moving is hard enough; why do it without help? If you are looking for Castlegar movers, then look no further than Kootenai Moving! Contact us today for a moving quote for your move.

7 Tips for Moving Abroad

Moving is often dubbed one of life’s most stressful events. If that is the case, moving abroad may be one of the most difficult tasks you undertake, though the excitement and experience is unmatched. When you decide to take the leap, pack up your life and move to another country, it is critical that you learn some essential tips for moving abroad.

1. Research the Location

Deciding on such a huge change of scenery is not as simple as pointing to a location on a map and buying a plane ticket. To be successful in your new environment, you need to know what you are getting into. Learn if your community is rural or in a city setting, get familiar with seasonal weather and research local forms of transportation. It is much easier to settle in a new place when you arrive knowing the basics of a location.

2. Find a Residence

As soon as you are certain that you will be moving abroad, begin searching for a new residence. Living in a hotel for an extended amount of time is not pleasant, and you will feel more at home if you actually have a place to call “home”. Consider a short term lease on an apartment if you feel more comfortable taking your time to view housing options. Research locations online and network to get advice on good areas from locals.

3. Learn the Culture

Learning the culture of your new community is very important. You should familiarize yourself with the customs and expectations of the groups of people you will be living among. Learn about the music, food and clothing styles popular in your new area. If a different language is spoken than your own, it is important that you begin to learn that language before your big move.

4. Connect Online

The internet is a worldwide connection between people. Use it to your advantage and meet others in your new location before you move. They will be able to help you better understand the culture and give you necessary information on the area. It is also nice to have a few friends before you arrive to your destination.

5. Save Money

It is important that you have your finances in order before you move abroad. Strive to exceed your savings goals. Unexpected expenses are common when traveling abroad, and you do not want to be unprepared for any near immediate setbacks.

6. Stay Organized

Keep your passports, visas and move information readily available and well organized. Have a copy of your medical records, any pet information and all information on potential jobs and housing on your person and in a folder.

7. Stay Connected

Before your big move, write down the addresses and phone numbers of your friends and family members. Find them on social networking pages and make a commitment to stay connected despite the distance. Modern technology makes it easy to have regular communication with your loved ones even from halfway across the world.

Kootenai Moving representatives are available to assist you with all of your long distance moving needs. For more information on moving abroad, visit our long distance estimate page.

5 Tips for Moving with Children

Moving is normally a huge life event, even for adults. Big moves can be especially hard on the younger members of your family. From announcing to organizing, moving with little ones is a tough task to accomplish. Make your family’s next move smooth by following these 5 tips for moving with children.

1. The Big Announcement

It is very important to communicate effectively with your children when you have made the decision of life events occur that cause you to relocate. Calling a family meeting to sit everyone down and formally explain the situation is a great approach to announcing you will be moving. Be sure to have all of the information, and do not leave anyone in the dark. Know where you are going, when and be prepared to explain why. Tell them how you are feeling about the move and allow them to voice their feelings and concerns as well. As adults, we often forget that our children have built their whole lives in the area they are currently living in. While some may be excited about going to a new place, others will find the experience traumatic. It is important you communicate as effectively as possible to keep the move positive.

2. Keep the Kids Involved

Keeping the kids positive and excited is a big deal. Having them involved in the moving process, from home selection to packing, will help them feel like this is their move, too. Even simply being able to select their new room can help bring some normality to an event that is a big change in their lives. If you are moving to a new city, be sure to take virtual tours beforehand, then visit locations when you arrive in the area. Show your children their potential schools and extra activities that would be available.

3. Cut the Clutter

Packing a family is a huge task. Now is the time to cut the clutter. Have your children go through their things and donate or toss any items they no longer use. You do the same – save yourself the extra time and work packing things you no longer need. Having a yard sale if you have the time is a great way to involve the kids and make a few bucks.

4. Plan the Rooms

After you have found a new home for your family, let the children help with planning the rooms and decor. This will be their house as well and they need to feel like it is home. Creating a safe place for your children in the middle of a big change will insure they do not feel lost in the chaos. Let them help you put together a home that you will all be proud to call your own.

5. See You Later

The hardest part of moving for children is often leaving behind friends or family. Having a party to tell everyone goodbye is a great way to positively leave behind the people you have grown close to. Make sure that you take this time to exchange information so that your kids may keep in touch with each other for years to come. Make moving from your children’s friends “see you later,” not “goodbye.”

Moving can be a huge, life changing event for children, but it does not have to be a negative experience. By following these 5 tips for moving with children, you can help your next big move go smoothly. For more information, speak with a Kootenai moving rep and visit our moving page.

 

3 Tips to Help You Move on a Rainy Day

It is good to properly plan and schedule when you would want Creston Movers to assist you with your move. But in the event that there is a sudden and unexpected downpour, it will make your move a lot more complicated. If you are able to catch up with the news and keep up to date with your area’s weather report, you’ll be able to prepare in case it rains on your big move.

But how can you make your move worry free during the rain? Here are a few tips:

Prioritize your own safety

During a rainy day, make sure you check how strong the rain is and how long it will last. If there is a storm, it may be best to reschedule with your Creston Movers so you can keep yourself safe. But if the weather will not be a hindrance for the move, you can push through with your big move. Just remember that you need to keep yourself warm and dry at all times. You can do this by doing the following:

• Wear sturdy boots perfect for the rainy weather. You can also wear gardening gloves as your furniture and plastic boxes may be more slippery than usual.
• Instead of using plastic drop sheets, you can use old sheets on hardwood floors. This will prevent accidentally slipping on a wet floor.
• If you will be driving yourself to your new home, make sure to drive carefully.

Go with the right boxes

When cardboard boxes get wet, they lose their structure and become soggy. These boxes won’t be able to protect or hold their contents. Unless you would want your items to fall out, prepare for the rainy weather by using plastic moving boxes instead of the normal ones. Apart from remaining rigid in the rain, these boxes are also water resistant. With this, you are guaranteed that the contents of the box will remain dry during the move.

Protect your home

Another thing you have to remember is that you need to protect your home at all times. Since you wouldn’t want your home to have wet furniture or boxes, make sure that you protect the floors. As mentioned, you can use old towels or carpets to protect your hardwood floors. You can also move your things to one or two rooms that are near the entrance of your home. This way, you can limit the amount of leaves and water that get dragged along with the move.

Just because it’s raining, doesn’t mean you have to cancel your big move. There are some things you can do to go through with your move, especially if you have a busy schedule. By following the tips above, you’ll be able to move during the rain without any problems. Call us today so we can help you prepare for your move, no matter what the weather is like.

Tips for Settling in Your New Home After a Big Move

For anyone about to move to a different house, the process can be frustrating as it requires getting used to plenty of new things. In some cases, your family members may even feel disoriented since they will have to get used to the change. If you are leaving a place you have called home for the past years, it might be difficult for you to adapt to the changes quickly. Apart from leaving behind all your close friends, you also have to say goodbye to your old memories. This is usually what makes moving to a new home difficult.

If you have already contacted our Creston Movers to help you with your big move, the next thing you have to prepare for is the changes that will be happening in your life. Here are some tips to help you get accustomed to your new neighborhood and help make you love your new place:

Find the Essentials
The first thing you have to do when you arrive in your new neighborhood is to familiarize yourself with the essentials. Be aware of where the closest hospital, police station, vet, or dentist to your home is. With this, you won’t have to panic when there’s an emergency in your household.

Walk Around
One of the first things you should do when you move to a new neighborhood is to get acquainted with your surroundings. It is pretty normal for an individual to want to discover his new home the convenient way. But if you really want to be familiar with your surroundings, the best way to do it is to get lost. This way, you can find your way around and even discover new friends and delicious finds.

Learn to Make Friends
When you’re curious to know where to spot a good market in your neighborhood, the best way you can find it is to ask other people. See to it that you ask your neighbors where the best restaurants are so you can make friends with them too. This is a great way you can easily get over the anxiety of leaving home. At the same time, you can easily get accustomed to your new neighborhood.

Pay Close Attention to Posters
If you’re trying to find the nearest Yoga class, the best way to do it is to look around. Make sure that when you leave home, you keep an eye out on posters that are available. This way, you get to update yourself on the latest events and happenings in your new neighborhood.

Don’t be Afraid to Try New Things
Whenever you discover a new restaurant that you’re interested in, make it a point to visit at least once. This is a great way you can keep yourself entertained with the discoveries you’ve made. Soon enough, you’ll be knowledgeable of the dining options in your area. You can even start a food blog for all your latest food finds!

Go Online
If you can’t find a specific something that you need, the best way to do it is to go online. You can read up on reviews and discover the feedback of people so you get an idea on important matters.

By following the above-mentioned tips, you’ll feel like a local in no time! For more help on how you can prepare for your big move, contact our Creston movers for some valuable tips!

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Nelson Movers Tips to Moving Plants

Moving can be hard on house plants, especially if you are moving a long distance. Some people think that plants are more durable than they actually are and this can often lead to depressing endings. Even though plants require little attention, they are still very sensitive beings. We thought we’d help prune away any confusion and offer some tips for your next move.

6 Tips to Moving Plants

1. Repot – About a month or 3 weeks before moving day, repot plants from heavy clay planters to light plastic ones which are the same size as the original planter. Repotting a plant from a large planter to smaller planter may harm your plant.

2. Prune – Pruning down your plants before moving them can make the job easier. It allows your plants to be more compact and easier to handle. Pruning also promotes healthy regrowth with bushier and attractive yields.

3. Wrap them up – Before you wrap the plants up, make sure you do a routine check for any insects or parasites. Wrap your plants in a light sheet, firmly but not tight. You can also purchase special wrapping sheets from your local gardening store for this specific purpose but cotton sheets also work well. Place smaller planters in crates or boxes for security and easy handling. Punch holes in the box and mark as fragile.

4. Last thing out, First thing in – Just like your kitchen perishables, the house plants should be some of the last items out of the old home and some of the first things in the new home. If you are travelling long distance with your plants make sure to give them water and avoid giving them too much direct sunlight in the back of the car.

5. Temperature control – A couple days before your move. Water your plants normally and make sure to not over water them as some people do this before they move. Try to match the climate your plants are used to in your vehicle. It will be a balancing act of rolling the windows up and down, adjusting the AC and blocking out the sun, but your plants will love you for it.

6. Take Cuttings – If you can’t take some of the plants you’ve grown while living in your home, try to take a clipping of the plant. This is most often the case with trees, large outdoor plants or bushes. Place the clipping in a plastic bag with some damp peat moss and allow for oxygen to get in. Plant the clipping once you arrive at your new home.

We hope that these tips come in handy while preparing for your next move. If you have any questions regarding our Nelson moving and storage services, please feel free to contact us today.