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Long Distance Relocation

Guide to Planning a Smooth Long Distance Relocation

Planning to move outside of your state can be a daunting and nerve-wracking event. There are so many things that can go wrong, plus, moving out of state is a big decision for anyone regardless of how many times you’ve ever moved. The good news is there is a way to relocate without any major issues successfully. In this article, we share with you the best tips for a smooth transition for your long distance relocation from some of the best moving companies in Sacramento, CA.

Condense Your Belongings

It may seem ideal to lug everything to your new home, but the reality of the situation is it’s far from efficient. Everyone has things they don’t need or don’t use yet those things take up space in our homes. The more things you relocate with, the more difficult packing, unpacking, and the higher your costs will be.

Check every room including storage spaces for things that you can either sell or give away to family, friends or charity. Consider the place you’re moving to, the things you have more than one of, broken items, and things you have been holding on to for no real reason. You may also want to part ways with large and bulky items like furniture to save on your moving costs.

Consider Your Travel Methods

Now that you’ve condensed your items, it’s time to figure out how you’ll get them to your new place. Since there isn’t a right answer for if you should fly or drive, you will have to consider:

  • The time you have
  • Number of things you have to bring on your own
  • Size of your family
  • Budget
  • Driving takes the most amount of time, and you may need to pay for hotel stays and food during your trip. On the other hand, you can take much more with you, it’s way cheaper, and you and your family will get plenty of bonding time.
  • Flying can be more expensive and doesn’t allow you to bring as much with you. It is faster, easier and safer, though.

Make an Inventory List

A home inventory sheet will give you a clear idea of exactly what you’re taking with you to your new home. The best inventory sheet will include details such as value, model number, condition, designated location, and even photos of each item. This is especially important if an issue comes up with your movers and you need proof. Photos are also a huge help when it comes time to unpack so you’ll know exactly where everything goes and how to reassemble furniture and complicated wiring.

Pack Like a Pro

Now it’s time to pack! Packing is the most important part of relocating. The way you pack affects whether you get everything you need, how your things are transported, and the level of ease (or difficulty) unpacking will be. That’s why it’s time to pack your belongings like a pro! Here’s how to do it:

  • Use proper protection for fragile items. Don’t wish for the best, think ahead and make sure your stuff is well-cushioned for accidental drops, bangs, landings and bumps during transport.
  • Use quality moving boxes. When it comes to long-distance moves, you want to be prepared. Don’t risk damaging your items by using old and worn boxes and containers that may not hold up during your move. Also, don’t forget to line your boxes, pack them to the top and tightly seal them.
  • Label every box with its general contents, the name of the room those items will go in, your name and address, and handling instructions.
  • Wrap your furniture and large items with bubble wrap or moving blankets.
  • Separate your essentials so that they can travel with you versus the long distance movers (e.g., documents, emergency medications, valuables).

Moving far away is a challenge but follow these tips for a smooth and efficient long-distance move, and you’ll avoid many mistakes people make when moving. Do you have any other tips to add? Have any of these tips helped you? Let us know in the comments, happy moving!

Santa Clarita

Santa Clarita Neighborhood Guide – Olda Moving and Storage Co.

California is a very popular place to live. This is evident by the millions of people who live there. The warm climate, miles of oceanfront property, and mountainous regions to explore are some of the many things that draw people to the area. One area that is gaining attention is the beautiful community of Santa Clarita.

ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

Santa Clarita is a great place to live for active people and families. The community is focused on providing ample opportunities for people to experience a vast array of art, culture, and music. The community has several art galleries that offer a variety of exhibits, workshops, and other programs.

One especially popular event in Santa Clarita is Thursdays at Newhall. This event takes place every Thursday throughout the year. During the day, the area is set up with retail shops and various dining experiences. At night, it transforms into an exciting entertainment venue with various musical acts, cocktails, and entertainment options.

The community of Santa Clarita, in fact, holds many events for its residents and visitors throughout the year. The Youth Art Showcase, Earth Arbor Day, and Wings for Life Run are among some of the more popular events. The community also hosts Concerts in the Park and Dive in Movies at the Aquatic Center throughout the summer months.

LUXURIOUS REAL ESTATE

The Santa Clarita community also offers its residents a variety of luxurious real estate options to choose from. There are currently over 200 homes for sale in the community. Prices for these residential properties range from around $240,000 to over $3,000,000. Homes range from modern condos to large, rambling mansions.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Santa Clarita is located in a prime area for commuting families. The community itself is located in the Santa Clarita Valley which is approximately 35 miles northwest of the downtown Los Angeles area. Commuting to and from the area is made is easy by The Golden State Freeway and Antelope Valley Freeway which are located on the Western and Eastern boundaries of the town.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The town of Santa Clarita also has ample opportunities for individuals seeking employment. The town is home to numerous restaurants, hotels, and retail outlets. Six Flags Magic Mountain and Stevenson Ranch Shopping Center are located just outside city limits and provide additional employment opportunities for local residents. The city of Los Angeles, and other surrounding towns, also provide numerous employment opportunities.

CLIMATE

The climate in the area is another draw for people moving to Santa Clarita, California. The climate is often described as subtropical, or Mediterranean-like. The majority of the year the days are warm and dry. The winters are typically mild, but there is often some precipitation, especially during monsoon periods.

There are some great places to live in California. Santa Clarita has been rated one of the top places in California to raise a family. There are ample opportunities for active lifestyles and community events. The area is centrally located to provide excellent employment opportunities as well. If you decide to make the move, be sure to enlist the services of a professional Santa Clarita, CA moving company. Cheap Movers Santa Clarita has some of the lowest Santa Clarita and San Fernando moving rates.

Staying Organized

How to Stay Organized When Moving Out of State

Moving out of state is a stressful process. However, there are many things you can do to stay organized and make the process go as smoothly as possible.

Research Moving Companies

Start researching moving companies as soon as you can; it typically takes more time for movers to accommodate a long distance move vs. a local move. Rather than getting a quote over the phone, Real Simple suggests having a representative come out to your home to give you a more accurate estimate, also known as an in-home estimate. According to the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), an interstate moving company is legally obligated to provide you with an in-home quote if you live within 50 miles of their office. Make sure to request your quote in writing and that it lists a USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) number. The number on your moving truck should match the number provided in the estimate.

Create a Moving Binder

Keep all of your moving estimates, receipts, and a list of everything you’re moving in this binder.

Purge and Donate

Moving out of state can be expensive, so you’ll want to minimize how much you bring with you. Throw away or donate the things you don’t want or need anymore. Donate gently used items to charity, and get a receipt for the items you donate from the organization you give them to. Make a list of everything you donate so that you can claim a tax deduction when you file your taxes.

Research New Institutions

You’ll need a new doctor, and if you have children, you’ll have to enroll them in a new school. You may also need to select a new bank. Research all of your options, and ask for referrals. Collect all the paperwork you’ll need, such as school records and medical records, and pack them into your valuables box.

Change of Address

Good Housekeeping recommends making a list of all the places you’ll need to notify about your address change, such as the post office, credit card companies, bank, and utility company. Don’t forget to change your address on all of your online accounts as well.

Choose Your Mover

Approximately one month before you move, choose which moving company you’ll use. Get all of the details, including costs and your move date in writing.

Pack

Start packing the items you use most infrequently first, such as your waffle iron. Note items of value; these may need additional insurance from your moving company. Write down any items you have that are valued at more than $100 per pound, such as your desktop computer.

Label

As you pack each box, write down all of its contents on your inventory. Label each box with a number and its designated location. Be sure to write the box’s number on your inventory so that you know exactly what the box contains. To make it easier to find your boxes, place color-coded labels on them. Use yellow labels for boxes that go into your kitchen, green labels for boxes that go into your bedroom, and red labels for living room boxes.

Separate Your Valuables

Put valuable items, such as your jewelry and important documents, such as your social security card and birth certificate, into a special box that you will transport to your new home yourself.

Pack an Essentials Box

This moving company Houston, TX suggests designating a box for essential items you’ll need right away. Include enough clothes for each family member for a few days, hygiene essentials, such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, paper plates and utensils, and medication. If you have pets, be sure to pack their medication, food, food and water bowls, a few toys, and their favorite bed or blanket into the essentials box as well. You may want to transport this box to your new location yourself so that you can easily keep track of it.

Making an out-of-state move is stressful. Using the tips listed here can help you stay organized during your move and make the process go as smoothly as possible.

Safely Park Moving Trucks

Tips for Safely Parking a Moving Truck Overnight

You’re all packed for that long ride to a new home. Excitement is in the air as you turn over the engine on your rented moving truck. However, the drive is going to take longer than just one day. You need at least one night to rest and finish up the drive on the next day. Parking at the hotel creates a dilemma because the truck will be visible to anyone nearby. Thieves might get the wrong idea and break into your rental. Be as safe as possible by following a few tips about rental-truck parking. Your move will be a smooth one as a result.

1. Keep it Close

U-Haul suggests that the moving truck should always be close in proximity to your family. When you arrive at the hotel, look for your room and an adjacent parking space. Try to make these areas as close together as possible. Thieves don’t want to be near any people when they break into vehicles. Your proximity is key to avoiding any theft.

2. Choose Well-Lit Areas

Every hotel has both dark and well-lit areas in the parking lot. Along with being close to the parking spot, also choose an area with a lot of light, reports Moving Insider. Pick a space that has an overhead light on for the entire night. Some lights are motion-sensing types, however. Avoid these fixtures because there are too many periods of darkness to be safe.

3. Try a Wall

Back up against a wall so that thieves cannot open the rear door, suggests moving companies SF. This safety tactic is probably the most effective type. If there’s no other access point to your belongings, the entire truck would have to be stolen. There’s too much effort to this crime so thieves will typically skip your vehicle altogether.

4. Look for a Tree

If you don’t have a nearby wall to use, Home Advisor suggests a tree defense. Pull up beside a tree with a strong trunk. It may not block the entire door, but it stops thieves from pulling large items from the truck.

5. Employ Padlocks and Safety Chains

It goes without saying that the truck should be locked overnight. Go a few steps further and add your padlock, suggests Penske Truck Rental. If your moving vehicle is a trailer being hauled by a separate car, use safety chains to bind them together. Thieves won’t want to bother with these challenging obstacles.

6. Consider a Lookout

You’re following every safety guideline, but you’re still concerned about your belongings. Try an old-fashioned strategy by assigning lookouts for the night. Every family member can take two hours out of the night to watch the vehicle from a window.

Always opt for the insurance on the rental truck before you head out on your adventure. The insurance covers any damage to the vehicle. Also, verify the details of your homeowner’s insurance. Some policies cover theft on your items, including when they’re located in a moving truck. Covering yourself with insurance policies will give you peace of mind as you make the trip out to your new home.

Storage Options

How to Decide What Size Storage Unit You Need Before Moving Day

Moving day is almost upon you, and you know one thing for sure: The new place isn’t big enough to hold all of your stuff. You’re going to have to rent a storage unit. This isn’t surprising — nearly 10 percent of Americans require additional space for storing and protecting their belongings. But what size unit will you need? Read on for information about the standard industry options, and which one might be right for you.

5×5 — Closet

This is a popular choice if your new dwelling is roughly the same size as your last, but you need storage for a few household items and pieces of furniture that don’t quite fit the new space. Its compact size makes it easy to return for items you might need once you’re settled in.

5×10 — Walk-In Closet

If you’re downsizing to a home with fewer bedrooms, this size unit should comfortably hold the contents of the lost room. According to Cheap Movers San Diego (cheapmoverssandiego.com), this is good option for those who plan to return to a larger dwelling in the next year or so.

10×10 — Small Bedroom

With the help of a savvy and efficient packing job, this unit can be used to store the contents of an entire 2-bedroom house or apartment. Young adventurers who are moving house only temporarily would be happiest with this choice.

10×15 — Average Bedroom

According to ezstorage.com, this unit will comfortably hold the contents of a 2-3 bedroom house, making it perfect for anyone whose new home is already fully furnished. If you’re downsizing to this degree but aren’t quite ready to part with all your things, consider renting this size unit.

10×20 — 1-Car Garage

If you need to store a vehicle or a boat, then this is the option for you. The unit will shelter and protect your investment until you’re ready to return. Alternatively, it can be used to store the contents of an entire 3-4 bedroom house easily.

10×30 — Extra-Large Bedroom

The largest among the standard industry options, this unit will hold a car and a boat as well as all of the furnishings from a smaller 3-bedroom or average 2-bedroom home. The ideal choice for anyone who is undergoing a significant life change or planning extensive travel, and intends to store their belongings for five years or more.

Whichever size you choose, remember to pack efficiently and stack objects neatly — when it comes time to retrieve your belongings, you’ll be glad you took this extra step. If possible, use color-coding on your boxes to make it easier to locate certain items later on. Proper preparation and planning are the keys to a successful move.

If you have additional inquiries or concerns — especially those that relate to your chosen area — websites such as Storage Seeker can help you make a decision. Best of luck on your new adventure!

Packing and Loading

Tips for Packing and Loading Large Household Appliances for a Move

There are many different areas to address when preparing for a move. Transporting large appliances can be especially tricky because of their bulky size and extra parts. Get your large appliances safely moved into your new home with these expert tips.

1. Read Appliance Manuals

A good place to start when preparing to move a washer and dryer or other large appliances is to read each of their manuals. In them, you should find detailed instructions on how to safely prepare your appliance for a move. If you have misplaced the appliance manual, or the instructions for moving it are not listed, don’t fret. Most manuals can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website or other online appliance manual communities.

2. Prepare the Appliances

Once you have gathered all of the necessary information regarding the appliances you are looking to move, it is time to prepare them for transporting. Preparations often include:

  • unplugging the appliance in advance
  • cleaning the appliance
  • removing drawers and storage shelves
  • unfastening hoses and bolts

The refrigerator often requires the most care during a move because the freezer needs to be defrosted in advance and food should be removed and transferred to a cooler for safe keeping. Additionally, if any of your appliances are connected to a gas line Imperial Movers suggests having a professional come to your home to safely disconnect the line.

3. Storing Parts

Large appliances often have several cords, hoses, bolts, and shelves attached to them. To ensure the appliance works properly and to avoid unwanted additional costs, storing these parts securely during a move is crucial. The best way to keep them in order is to store the parts inside of the appliance or taping the parts to the back of the appliance. If this isn’t possible, label each part with which appliance it goes to and packs it in a box that is reserved specifically for appliance parts.

Place the box towards the front of the moving truck so that it is easily accessible. Appliances should be set up promptly upon entering a new home, so having it readily available will make that a much easier goal to achieve.

4. Protect Appliances During Transport

To avoid damaging appliances during a move:

  • secure doors with packaging tape
  • wrap them in moving blankets
  • utilize appliance rollers or furniture sliders
  • secure appliances to the dolly with furniture straps

Take care when moving heavy appliances so as not to injure yourself. Always lift them with at least two people, and use a furniture dolly whenever possible.

Once you have safely transported the appliances to your new home, make setting them up a top priority. The refrigerator should be the first appliance installed since it takes 24 hours for the internal temperature to regulate and safely store food. Large appliances are a vital part of the home, so handling them with care during a move is important to keep them running efficiently.