The Movers.com Blog

In case you didn't know... SPRING IS HERE. Do something about it.

Though spring doesn’t officially start until tomorrow, we were lucky to have gotten a sneak preview of it with some great weather this week. And, with the changing of seasons upon us, we thought it was more than appropriate to share with you the top ten reasons for moving in spring.

1. Spring has arguably the best weather of any season. With warm days and cool nights, spring weather is perfect moving weather.

2. No more snow! Although this reason could fit in with the one above, after the winter we’ve had, I really wanted to point that out.

3. So many people have a “spring cleaning” mindset this season. You may be more inclined to give your new home a thorough cleaning when moving in, instead of leaving the home as is.

4. Summer is the busiest time of year for moving companies and truck rental places. Beat the rush by moving before the busy season sets in. (You might also get lower prices compared to the summer.)

5. By moving in spring, you can get settled into your new home before the summer. This way, you can enjoy that season better, as you won’t have to worry about moving during the summer.

6. With all the trees and flowers blooming in the spring, your new home will look even more appealing when you move in.

7. Since it isn’t yet the busy season for moving, your movers will likely be more focused on the job at hand. In the summer, they may rush through the job to get to take care of another move on the same day.

8. If you move in the spring, you’ll be able to start a garden in your new home as soon as you move in. (Speaking of gardens, have you seen Patrick’s new feature?)

9. Did I mention no more snow?

10. Because of all the reasons listed above, you’ll probably be in a better mood on your springtime moving day. Moving can be stressful, so anything that can reduce some of that stress will be welcome.

A handy visual metaphor for new beginnings. And gardens.

At Movers.com, we’re always looking to try new things. We like to keep it interesting, for you and for us.  If you’ve recently moved into a new home, you may be looking for a way to make it your own.  We know a good way to do that: start a garden!  That’s why we’re starting this new feature: every other week I’ll be throwing some gardening tips at you. Apropos, I think, considering the weather (we are having incredible weather over here). So! Let’s start with some beginner’s tips.

• Start small. If this is your first time starting a garden, don’t make it a massive undertaking. You can always expand it next year. You have to learn the fundamentals before you can win the Superbowl (or something). 100-square-feet is recommended as a maximum.
• If you plan on expanding, pick a spot in your yard that will make this feasible. Keep in mind that plants will have to compete with nearby trees for water and nutrients. It should also receive at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.
• Ask your local greenhouse or nursery for some advice on what plants are going to thrive in your area. They can also help you figure out if your soil is good, or if you’ll need to buy some loam or bagged soil to mix in with it.
• Once you’ve picked out a spot and what plants you want, draw yourself a map of your garden. This way, you can plan out where you want to plant things and have that as a reference.
• You’re going to need tools! A hoe, a rake, stakes and string, a spade, and a sprinkler or garden hose attachment are all essential items.

A garden is one of the most rewarding endeavors you can take up for yourself. It’s a one-of-a-kind hobby that gets you out in the fresh air, gets your hands a little dirty, and relieves stress. Even though it’s hard work, a well-tended, beautiful garden is an incredible payoff. Plus, if you’re like me, the journey is just as satisfying as the destination. That was very cheesy, but also true! Let’s get to work!

"I just flew into town - boy, are my wings tired! Uh, is this thing on? Tough crowd..."

It’s hard to imagine moving to a new home without bringing your pets. They are often just as important as any other family member. While there are plenty of resources offering advice about moving with a dog or cat, there is less information about moving a pet bird. So if you have to move your finch, cockatiel, or parrot, here are some tips for doing so.

Well before the move, you’ll need to make sure your bird is healthy enough to make the trip, especially if you need to take a plane to get to the new home. Bring your bird to the vet to make sure everything is okay. You can also ask the vet if he or she can recommend another vet in your new town. If not, you can check out this site to find bird-specialist vets throughout the country.

The most important thing is to keep your bird as calm as possible. Getting stressed out can lead to diseases and other health problem. So, as you begin to pack your home up, keep the bird’s cage in a quiet place away from all the action. This will be especially true on moving day as you go in and out of the home.

The next thing to focus on is getting the bird to your new home. If you need to take a plane, make sure you have the appropriate pet carrier. For smaller birds, you can usually put the carrier under the seat. Larger birds will often have be put in the cargo hold. Whatever the case may be, make sure you bring plenty of food, bottled water, a cage cover, and toys. Also, keep a copy of vet records and any pet licenses on you during the trip. Read the rest of this entry »

Local sports can be fun for both you and your kids.

The basic rule for getting involved in your new community is to get out there. Every town has clubs and activities that bring people together. All you have to do is find something you’re interested in and join up. Here are some ideas:

Get involved in local sports - This is a great option for you or your kids. Pretty much every town has recreational sports teams for your kids as well as teams and leagues for adults. Softball, soccer, flag football, basketball: most towns have one or even all of these.

Volunteer - Doing so will allow you to get to know people while, at the same time, pursuing your passions. Get involved at a local library, nursing home, or animal shelter.

Attend town meetings - If your interested in local governmental affairs and the like, check out your town’s website or just stop in to find out about town meetings. If you’re interested in helping your new town be green, go to the environmental commission meeting. If you just want to get to know your town’s leaders, go to the general council meeting. Look at the schedule and see what piques your interest. Then check it out.

Get involved at school - Both you and your kids should get involved in their new schools. Encourage them to join teams and clubs, and then see if you can get involved as a coach or chaperone.

Finally, just get out in the town. Find local hangouts like bars, gyms, athletic clubs, and coffee shops. Strike up conversations with the people you meet, and, before long, you’ll be an integral part of the life of your new town.

For more tips on getting involved in your new community, check out this Movers.com guide!

Spit shine may work for your shoes, but it won't for your house.

It’s important to get your new home nice and clean before you move in. You’ll never have a better opportunity to get into all the corners than before all of your stuff arrives. Sometimes, the house is cleaned for you before you arrive, but other times it’s up to you. So here are some quick tips for making your new place sparkle.

Get the Right Supplies

Gather all of the things you’ll need ahead of time. Here’s a list of some supplies you’ll probably need:

• Rubber gloves
• Dusting cloths and spray
• Paper towels
• Sponges
• Glass cleaner
• Antibacterial cleaner
• Mop, bucket, and floor cleaner
• Vacuum
• Grease remover
• Trash bags

Start From the Top

If you clean the floor and then dust, all the dust will fall on your nice clean floor. It’s best to start with the highest things on the top floor and work your way down.

Go From Dry Cleaning to Wet Cleaning

If you mop before you sweep or vacuum, you could just smear the dirt around. It’s better to start with drying cleaning, like dusting and vacuuming. This will take care of the bigger debris. Then you can feel free to use spray cleaners and the mop.

Tunage

To keep yourself entertained during the cleaning process you might want to bring some tunes along. There’s nothing better than sliding around on bare floors in your socks while listening to Twist and Shout. Or, maybe this will be the time for you to try out your reenactment of Risky Business.