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If you are preparing to move, it is important that you toss certain items before moving. These are items that you don’t need or want and getting rid of them before you move can make the moving process easier for you. Here are three items that you should consider tossing before you move.

Food

One type of item in particular that you should definitely toss before moving is all of your extra food. Very few food items move successfully, aside from canned goods. Because of this, it is a good idea to sort through all of your food and toss all the items that you know won’t move well in a box. This includes refrigerated foods, opened packages, breakable jars, etc.

Old Clothing

It is a good idea to go through all of your clothes before you move and get rid of the ones that you no longer want. This is a much more effective method than bringing all of your clothes with you and then going through them once you have moved. You can instead save a great deal of space in your moving vehicle because you aren’t bringing anything you don’t want.

Un-Used Appliances

If you have appliances in your kitchen that either haven’t used for a very long time, or potentially haven’t used at all, then it is a very good idea to get rid of them. This could include crock pots, microwaves, blenders, waffle irons, griddles, etc.  These are items that are simply taking up space in your home, and it just doesn’t make sense to bring them along. You can even consider selling these items to make some money before your go.

To learn about more items you should toss before you move, or to hire great movers today, visit us at Brown Box Movers.

Storing some of your items in a storage unit is an excellent way to get them out of the way when you aren’t using them. However, in order to have a successful experience with storing your items, it is important that you properly prepare them all for the storage unit. Here are two tips for preparing your items for storage.

Create An Inventory

One of the first things that you want to do when preparing items for storage is to create an inventory of all the items that you’d like to store. This involves going through all of your stuff and sorting it out so that you see what you want to store, what you want to keep in your home, and what you want to get rid of. This helps to make the process of storing your items much easier because you are only storing items that you want to keep, and you know exactly what you are storing in the storage unit.

Package And Label Items

Another important thing that you can do to prepare your items for storage is to package them properly. This could be in a box, a tote, or some other container that keeps them together and allows them to stay securely inside while they are being stored. The next step is to then properly label the container so that you know exactly what items are inside it. This makes it so much easier to find the items once they are inside your storage unit. A great way to label these items is with a permanent marker or some type of label made on a label machine that ensures the label stays in place.

To learn more great tips for preparing your items for storage, or to rent your storage unit today, visit us at Brown Box Movers.

If this is your first time moving from one apartment to the other, you can’t rely on personal experience to guide you. In order to keep you from some common misconceptions, we’ve put together this list of the three most common myths people have about moving apartments.

3 Myths About Moving Apartments

Moving apartments is no joke, yet rumors persist that it somehow requires less planning than house-to-house moves. Debunking these myths in advance will keep you from making easily avoidable mistakes.

Myth 1: It’s not as much work.

The reasoning behind this myth is that since apartments are smaller, they generally contain fewer possessions in need of being moved. Therefore, an apartment move is supposedly less work than a move from house to house.

The truth is this: it’s not so much “less” work as it is simply a different kind of hard work. Because apartments are smaller, it’s harder to maneuver, particularly when it comes to furniture, refrigerators, and other large items. Often with apartment buildings, there are often multiple sets of narrow stairways to deal with. There are busy and congested parking lots.  Factors such as these mean apartment moving is just a different kind of hard work.

Myth 2: It doesn’t take as much time.

The same issues that make apartment moving just as much work as house moves have the same effect on the amount of time. While you might think they will be less time-consuming, they often wind up taking up just as much of your day as a house-to-house move would. Be sure to plan accordingly.

Myth 3: You won’t need much help.

Moving is often overwhelming. Even with the help of friends and family, you’ll sometimes feel as if the work will never get done.

The good news is that you don’t have to go it alone. Everybody needs a little help sometimes, and that’s just as true for people moving from apartment to apartment as it is those moving from house to house.

We’re Here for You

Here at Brown Box Movers, we’re ready and willing to take care of the heavy lifting.

To hear more about how we can take the stress out of moving apartments, please feel free to contact us at any time.

Moving can be a stressful event. But it also gives the perfect opportunity to clean the slate, and get rid of things you no longer need (or want), and to start fresh. If moving is in your future, consider lightening your load by tossing these items before moving day:

1. Old clothes

If you haven’t worn it in six months, or if you forgot you even had it, chances are you’re not going to wear it again. You can donate clothes and shoes you no longer have use for, to free up room in the moving boxes and help someone else at the same time.

2. Food

This should go without saying but, just in case, make sure you trash all your food before permanently heading to your new place. Don’t worry about bringing that half-eaten bag of chips or frozen chicken with you. Starting with fresh sustenance instead of being concerned with ensuring your old food gets properly transported will give you one less thing to be bothered with.

3. Random paper/mail 

If you’ve been holding on to a really old water bill, expired coupons to your favorite restaurant, or a Christmas card you received several years ago from your bank, now is the perfect opportunity to put those things where they belong-the recycle bin. It’s incredible how quickly your junk mail pile will grow when you let it.

4. Mismatched Tupperware and silverware 

Now’s your chance to get rid of the warped containers with no lid to match that have been sitting in your cabinet for the past few years. Getting rid of the junk you don’t need gives you an excuse to buy all new stuff to use in your new kitchen after the move.

5. Outdated electronics/appliances

If you haven’t used that cd player since the nineties, or you’re still hanging onto that electric can opener that only works a third of the time, perhaps you won’t miss them when they’re gone. Pass them to a friend or trash them to make room for your newest gadgets.

Final word

Moving day can be exhausting-there’s no doubt about it. But you can ease some of your burdens by getting rid of things that you don’t need, and frankly, don’t want. By tossing these unnecessary items before your move, you’re freed up to focus your efforts on more important things.

If you’re planning on moving, contact us at Brown Box Movers today to get a free moving quote. We’ll help make your move as stress-free and efficient as possible.

Moving from one apartment to another is stressful enough, but if you have to do it during a major holiday you’re adding a whole new layer of challenge to the endeavor. However, if you’re going to be one of the people getting behind the wheel during one of these turbulent times, there are a few tricks that can help you avoid the worst of the holiday chaos. So before you get stuck in another glut of traffic, surrounded by other people who are just trying to make it to their loved ones for the long weekend, keep these tips in mind.

Tip #1: Give Your Vehicle A Checkup

There is nothing worse than getting a hundred miles into a trip, onto to have your “check engine” light pop on. So before you pack up to head to your new living space, listen to Autotrader‘s advice and take a day to be sure your vehicle can handle the trip. Check everything, from your oil and brake fluid, to your tire tread and windshield wiper fluid. Because if you’re going to find a problem, it’s a lot better to find it while your car is sitting in your parking space (or at the auto shop) than when you’re pulled over on the side of the road, a dozen miles from the next exit. Potentially in the rain.

Speaking of rain…

Tip #2: Check The Weather

As 21st Century Car Insurance reminds us, the weather can have a huge effect on the sort of trip you end up taking. Because it’s a lot easier to drive down a highway with the sun shining and a gentle breeze, than it is to plow through a rainstorm where you can barely see the tail lights in front of you. So keep an eye on the weather, and don’t be afraid to adjust your time table accordingly if bad weather is coming so you can get out ahead of it.

Tip #3: Drive During Off-Peak Hours

With so many cars on the road, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re heading out during off-peak traffic. For example, that might mean leaving early enough in the morning that most of the working population is still dreaming about the weekend. Or it might mean that you head out in the evening, and drive during the night hours (if you and any passengers are comfortable with that). You don’t typically need to make extreme shifts in your drive time, though. Just make sure that when you’re in densely-populated areas like cities that you are there in the early afternoon or late evening, rather than during the after work rush when everyone is trying to get home.

Tip #4: Stop To Rest Every Few Hours

Even the finest road warrior should take a break every 100 miles, or every 2 hours, according to CNN. This isn’t usually an issue for folks traveling with kids, but even if you’re making a solo trip and you feel fine, it’s a good idea to hit up a rest area, get a bite to eat, and stretch your legs. Resting helps keep you sharp, and prevents the highway hypnosis that can slow your reactions, and cause you problems behind the wheel. Problems that can be easily avoided by making sure you stop for a brief rest every time you clock triple-digit miles.

Tip #5: Always Pack An Emergency Kit

Before you pack anything else, always make sure you have an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle. Everything from first aid, to road flares, to a can of flat-fix and jumper cables should be present, just in case the worst actually happens and you need them. Because, as the old saying goes, it’s better to have something and not need it, than to need it and not have it. And if you have medications or other personal worries, be absolutely certain that you’ve got some of those with you, too.

For more moving tips you should keep in mind, simply contact us today!

Moving while you are pregnant can definitely be a bit difficult, but it isn’t impossible. Thankfully, there are several things that you can do to help make the process easier on yourself. Here are three excellent tips for moving while pregnant.

Pack Things Slowly

When it comes to packing your items when you are pregnant, it is important that you take it slow. You don’t have the mobility and the stamina that you normally do, so it is crucial that you pace yourself and only do a little bit of packing at a time. This gives you plenty of rest and still allows you to get all of your packing done. Starting early with your packing is a great way to space it out and doesn’t leave you crunched for time and stressed.

Keep Out Needed Maternity and Baby Items

As you are packing for your move, it is important that you keep out all the maternity and baby items that you are going to need. This makes it so that you aren’t trying to scramble and find them after the move. Clearly mark the boxers or containers that have your maternity and baby items in them and either move them separately in your own vehicle, or place them in a location within the moving vehicle where you know that you can find them once you are in your new home.

Hire Professional Movers

One of the best tips for moving while pregnant is to hire professional movers. When it comes right down to it, you shouldn’t be doing any heavy lifting while pregnant, especially if your body is not used to this kind of work. Hiring professional movers allows all of your items to get loaded and unloaded without you having to lift a finger. This makes your move much less stressful and allows you to instead focus on your health and your unborn baby’s health.

To learn more great tips for moving while pregnant, or to hire professional movers to help you out, visit us today at Brown Box Movers.

If you have ever moved, you know that, no matter the reason or exciting opportunities ahead of you, the actual task of moving can be time-consuming and stressful. If you have never experienced a big move before, you may be daunted at the idea of arranging all of the details. Long-distance moving just adds another layer of complexity. It’s important that you are prepared!

When choosing your moving company, you want to choose a company with experience providing long-distance and interstate moves. It is important that you read reviews and ask questions!

1. What services do you provide and how much do you charge?

Knowing how much a move is going to cost is important, especially if you are not receiving any relocation assistance. A reputable company will give you a detailed quote that addresses the amount of belongings you have, interstate mileage, the number of movers needed, truck size, and other factors. They should also be able to give an estimate of the number of moving boxes you will need, or how much they charge to pack your belongings for you, if that is a service you desire. Be sure to inquire in your initial request about other services they provide, because it might not cross your mind that you need junk removal until the last minute. Having a binding estimate for the actual move, and an idea of other potential costs, can help you budget accordingly.

2. Will I share a truck or moving team?

A shared truck means you, and anyone that is sharing the truck with you, run the risk of your personal belongings being mixed up or lost during the move. A dedicated truck means your personal belongings are not sharing space, and are far less likely to get lost in transit. A dedicated moving team means one team loads, transports and unloads your belongings instead of multiple teams handling different aspects of the move. This also reduces the possibility of mix-ups or miscommunications.

3.) What is my timeline?

An experienced moving company knows how long each step of the move should take. They should be able to tell you how many hours they expect it will take to pack your belongings, load the truck, transport your belongings, and unload the truck. Many companies even give a suggested “to-do” list ahead of your move, which is helpful if you’re doing the packing yourself as well as arranging all the other details such as utilities or pet care. So don’t be afraid to ask for their recommendations!

4. Does this company communicate effectively? 

A reputable company will keep the lines of communication open. They should return calls or emails in a timely manner, and answer questions as honestly as possible. They should also reach out before the move to confirm details and timelines.

Getting the answers you need to these questions can give you the peace of mind you need for your long-distance move! Call us today at Brown Box Movers!

Moving day is a very busy day and one that requires a lot of planning and work. It is important that each aspect of the move is properly planned out in order to ensure that things go smoothly for you. If you have pets, it is very important to have a plan set in place for them. This allows the moving company to know that you have pets and helps them to prepare accordingly. Here’s what you should do with your pets on moving day.

Pack A Bag For Them

Since all of your items are going to be packed up and transported on moving day, it is important that you have all the items that you need for your pet set aside.  You can pack a bag specifically for your pet that has all the items that they will need for a few days. This bag could include food bowls, food, a bed, toys, treats, a brush, etc. Having these items on hand will make it easy to ensure your pet is taken care of during the move.

Keep Them In A Quiet Area

In order to make sure your that your pet is happy and out of the way on moving day, you want to make sure you place them in a quiet space. This space can either be a small room in your home that is out of the way of the movers, such as a small bathroom, laundry room, etc. You may also want to consider having them stay at a place besides your home, such as a pet boarding facility, a friend’s house, or some other location where they feel comfortable and safe. This keeps your pet out of the house completely and makes it so that you and the professional movers don’t have to worry about them at all during the move.

To learn more about preparing for your move, visit us today at Brown Box Movers.

When you’re moving from one state to another, you may think that you have to abandon a number of things at your old location. After all, it can be difficult to load, drive and unload a truck yourself or even with the help of friends and family members. Just going through all your belongings and packing them can be tiring. Plus, you know you’re going to have to unpack them too. So it makes sense to use a moving company to help you deal with everything in-between. This way, you can just focus on packing, unpacking and getting used to your new location. Here are some of the benefits of getting long-distance movers:

 

1. Fixed Price: You may be worried about how much long-distance moving is going to cost you. However, keep in mind that a good moving company will come in and evaluate how much stuff you have and give you a fixed estimate. They won’t tack on a bunch of extra costs at the end. So you will know exactly how much long-distance moving is going to cost you from the get-go, and you can make your decision accordingly.
2. Experience: Let’s say you decide to move all your belongings yourself, with the help of your family members and friends. The fact is that none of you is going to have that much experience in terms of moving. Glass-topped tables might get shattered, furniture may get chipped, delicate items might end up crushed underneath items that are not so delicate. However, when you work with long-distance movers, they’re going to have enough experience to know how to avoid all these situations.
3. Money-Saving: You might think that you’re saving money by moving things yourself. But the fact is that you’re going to end up spending more having to replace all the things that broke along the way or the things that you had to leave behind just because you and your helpers were too tired to lug any more stuff up and down stairs. When you opt for long-distance movers, all these situations will be avoided. You’ll preserve all the things that are precious to you, and you’ll avoid damaging things that you spent a lot of money on.

Contact us to learn more about the benefits of long-distance moving services.

Whether your new apartment is truly new or just new-to-you, it’s going to take you a bit of time to settle in and feel at home.

Here are a few quick and easy tips to help get the process started.

3 Ways to Feel at Home in Your New Apartment

Strengthen Your Mental Map

Learning your way around a new apartment is a bit like learning to drive around in a new city. It’s going to take a while for your mind and body to work on instinct.

To speed the process, work on strengthening your mental map. First as a physical exercise (and later as a mental one), walk through the rooms, step by step. Note the twists and turns, the amounts of time it takes to move from place to place. Hone in on the sights, sounds, and the feel of each room.

Establish Scents

Aroma and memory are inextricably entwined.

According to experts at Harvard, there’s a biological reason for this.

Smells are handled by the olfactory bulb, the structure in the front of the brain that sends information to the other areas of the body’s central command for further processing. Odors take a direct route to the limbic system, including the amygdala and the hippocampus, the regions related to emotion and memory. (Harvard Gazette)

You’ve most likely already noticed that your new apartment has an underlying scent that seems strange and new.

In order to bypass this, establish familiar scents as soon as possible. Whether that means doing a load of laundry with a familiar detergent, burning a favorite scented candle, or cooking a favorite meal, the familiar aromas your body associates with “home” will soon help you feel more connected to your new environment.

Settle In

Though it does take a fair amount of time to get all your belongings unpacked and set up just the way you like them, the sooner you settle in, the sooner you can start feeling truly at home.

We Can Help

Here at Brown Box Movers, we’re ready to help you make your new apartment feel like home.

To hear more about our services, please feel free to contact us.