Tag: DC Moving

Moving during the Coronavirus pandemic? Here are some things to consider

Posted on by jstfort

Moving under normal circumstances can be stressful, but the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic has significantly elevated anxiety levels. For those of you with a closing, lease termination or work-related deadline, postponing the move is not always an option. Below are some suggestions for how to safely move during the coronavirus pandemic.

Pre-Move Health Check

Moving companies should be asking their employees on a daily basis how they and their family members are feeling. If anyone is showing signs of illness, the employee should be sent home immediately.

Clients also need to be vigilant and, if anyone in the home is feeling unwell, the move should be postponed. If there are higher risk individuals within the residence (those over the age of 65, or with immune deficiencies), they should be removed from the premises prior to the move or, if this is not possible, they should be quarantined within one room of the house.

Sanitizing for a move during the coronavirus pandemicProtective Gear and Sanitizing for Move Day

Movers have been doing their best to source PPE in the interest of protecting all stakeholders. They should be sanitizing truck interiors and facilities on a daily basis. Gloves and masks (as available) are becoming part of the standard uniform.

If possible, clients should also wear masks and gloves for the duration of the move. Clients also have the option to provide additional PPE to the moving crew. It is a good idea to sanitize door handles, railings, and bathrooms prior to the mover’s arrival and immediately following their departure. Some clients are taking extra precautions by cleaning furniture after the move.

Distancing Before and After the Move

Before the move, pre-move surveys for estimates can be conducted virtually using various mobile video solutions. This best practice is safe, efficient, and accurate.

During the move, refrain from any direct contact (shaking hands) with your crews. You should maintain 6 feet of distance at all times. It is best to only have one point of contact on move day. Once the initial walkthrough with the foreman is complete, it is recommended that family members remove themselves from the premises or isolate themselves in one area of the residence.

Identify one bathroom for the movers to use and leave soap and, as available, sanitizer and wipes for the movers.

Pre-Move Preparationboxes of items for a move during the coronavirus pandemic

Even under normal circumstances, the client’s preparation largely dictates the success of the move. If clients are packing themselves, it is preferable to use new moving boxes. You can avoid a trip to the store by asking your mover if they provide a packing materials delivery service. While packing, make a “first-night” box filled with immediate essentials such as clothes, linens, toilet paper, cleaning products, toiletries, and hand soap.

We want to minimize any potential confusion. Make sure that all boxes are completely sealed and clearly labeled on the top and two sides. Organize the space so that all items are accessible and, if you are able, stacked around the periphery of the room. Some clients are asking the crew to move boxes to or from a garage or having their belongings moved into their new home a few days before moving in themselves.

Communication Leading Up to Move Day

Communication is always the essential ingredient to a successful move. It is incumbent upon the client to keep the moving company apprised of any relevant developments (packing progress, potential date changes etc.). If you are moving to or from an apartment building during the coronavirus pandemic,  check first with your management, as some residences have revised moving rules during shelter-in-place. As much as possible, we want to avoid surprises on moving day.

Be Respectful of Your Moving Team

On a daily basis, movers make the impossible look easy. They expected to work incredibly hard and maintain a great attitude without exception. Many moving companies have been working around-the-clock to assist organizations with COVID-19 response efforts. Moving crews are doing their best, in uncertain times, to protect their families and their clients, so please be respectful and appreciative.

Staying safe while moving during coronavirus pandemicShared Responsibility for a Healthy Move

During this pandemic, it is incumbent upon moving companies to do everything within their power to protect both their clientele and employees. Similarly, you also need to take all available precautions to secure your own safety and that of the moving team.

We are all operating in unchartered territory. The above precautions will limit the potential for exposure.

If you need to move during the coronavirus pandemic, or any other time, call Olympia Moving & Storage at 800-222-4744 or click here for a free moving estimate. We can start with a virtual video survey.

Historic Homes Around Washington D.C

Posted on by rhunt

As our nation’s capitol, Washington D.C. has no shortage of historic homes. Much of America’s history ties directly to structures in this extraordinary city. From civil rights activists, to politicians, to brewmasters, a wide variety of stories converged in Washington, D.C after the founding of this country. If you’re considering moving to Washington D.C., perhaps you might consider owning your own historical residence. Here are a few of our favorites for inspiration:

Old Stone House

The aptly named Old Stone House is the oldest structure on its original foundation in Washington D.C. Constructed in 1766, Old Stone House was once an inn, then a clockmaker’s shop. Strangely, the house became a used car dealership until it was purchased by the National Park Service in the 1950’s.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tudor Place

Courtesy of Ron Cogswell

Once the home of Martha Washington’s granddaughter, Tudor Place hosted an array of wealthy Washington elite throughout the 1800’s. Unfortunately, it was originally purchased with profits from selling slaves. That fact is recognized by its historic preservers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House

Courtesy of IIP Photo Archive

Mary McLeod Bethune was an African American stateswoman, civil rights activist, and philanthropist who lived through the late 1800’s and into mid 1900’s. Her residence also hosted the National Council of Negro Women until 1949. It continued to serve as a headquarters for the NCNW after Bethune’s death. Today, it is open to the public for tours and educational programs. Its two-story carriage house holds the National Archives for Black Women’s History.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clara Barton House

Courtesy of NPS

Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, lived in this home from 1897-1912. The American Red Cross staff office was briefly stationed here. A replica of the office is available for viewing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heurich House

Courtesy of Wikimedia

Constructed between 1892-1894, this building was once the home of German brewer Christian Heurich. Interestingly, Heurich’s self-named brewing company was the longest-running brewery in Washington, D.C. After Heurich’s death, his widow donated the home to the Historical Society of Washington, who used it as a headquarters until 2003. The Society preserved the entirety of the home’s original interior.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dumbarton Oaks

https://www.flickr.com/photos/ncindc/7042816909
Courtesy of NCinDC

Dumbarton Oaks is home to the Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection. The original owner, William Hammond Dorsey, built the first part of the structure in 1801. A century later, the Bliss family acquired the property and expanded it to its current size. Afterward, the family founded the research institute. Currently, Dumbarton Oaks sponsors fellowships and scholarships in Byzantine, Garden and Landscape, and Pre-Columbian studies.

 

 

 

Owning Your Own

If you love the beautiful historic homes of Washington DC, why not live in one yourself? Though these examples are open to the public, you can find hundreds of historic homes in the Washington, D.C area, just waiting for a new owner. For an updated list of available homes in Washington, D.C, browse Redfin’s listings for homes built before 1900. Or, read Curbed‘s curated selection of D.C homes.

Moving Into History

If you do decide to move into a historic home, make sure that you understand the challenges and responsibilities of ownership. For more information, check out our blog post about Moving Into a Historic Home.

Olympia has the experience to move you into your own historic home. We can make your transition from a modern house into a piece of the past easy and seamless.

If you are planning on moving into a historic home, contact Olympia Moving and Storage today at 800-222-4744 or fill out our free estimate form.

What is an Interstate Move Overflow Shipment?

Posted on by rhunt

Space is major concern when you’re moving. Fitting your whole life into a truck is a daunting task. If you are moving interstate or internationally, sometimes an overflow shipment can occur. However, with the right planning and communication, your move can still go smoothly if an overflow happens.

What is an Overflow Shipment?

An overflow shipment occurs when there is not enough room on the truck to fit all of your belongings. This means a second truck will have to be brought in to ship the remaining inventory.

For an interstate move, if a driver realizes that everything won’t fit, he will call in a second truck to load the remainder. This truck will bring your belongings to temporary warehouse storage until it can be loaded onto a truck heading to your destination. This is to ensure that all of your belongings will still be packed and removed from your old home on time on load day, and does not cause  delays in clearing your origin home.

What Causes an Overflow Shipment?

An overflow shipment can have multiple causes.

The primary cause of overflow shipments generally occurs when either you or one of the other homeowners on the same shipment exceed the space estimate determined by your moving company.

Some people like to get a head start on their new home before they’ve arrived, but do not realize the effect of taking up extra space. Try to avoid buying items in advance that you will have to transport to your new home. Or, you may decide to bring items that you originally planned on tossing or selling. It can be tempting to add to the amount of items you are shipping, but we recommend avoiding adding to your inventory once your estimation is complete. If you decide to move additional items above what was originally discussed with your estimator, give the moving a company a call to let them know in case they need to adjust the planning for your shipment.

The second most common cause of overflow shipments is inefficient packing. Even with an accurate volume estimation, if your belongings are poorly packed, you will have more boxes than needed. Ensure that you pack smart–too much in one box can be as much of a problem as too little. For more information on packing, head over to our Move Planning Center, watch our How to Pack Video Series, or consider Hiring Packing Services.

I Need an Overflow Shipment, What Now?

An overflow shipment is rare, but sometimes unavoidable. The moving team will work with you to minimize the hassle. Ensure that the items you really need–beds, clothes, kitchen utensils–are in the first truck. Everything you pack will still arrive at your door, but make sure the important stuff arrives first. A professional moving company will stay in contact with you about your send shipment and work with you to make the process as easy as possible. Clear communication is the key to making sure that all of your belongings end up where they need to be.

For all of your moving needs, contact Olympia Moving & Storage to plan your move. Fill out our estimate form online or give us a call at 800-222-4474 for a free estimate.

Moving? Get Rid of the Plastic in Your New Home

Posted on by rhunt

Moving often reveals just how much junk we accumulate in our homes. Because of this, a move is the best time to get rid of the plastics weighing you down. By making a few simple changes alongside the major change of your move, you can reduce the amount of waste you generate on a daily basis. Evaluate the plastic in your home has you pack and declutter. Make a resolution to ditch these plastics and make it a greener start in your new home.

Plastic Water Bottles

Cleaning up reminds everyone just how many plastic bottles they go through. If you’re shocked to find mountains of Poland Spring in the nooks and crannies of your home, it’s time to switch to a reusable bottle. Hydro Flask, S’well, and Nalgene are some of the most popular kinds of reusable water bottles. You could also install a water filter in your new home, or use a pitcher filter like Brita.

Plastic Baggies

Most people, especially families, go through thousands of plastic baggies a year. Packing sandwiches and saving leftovers consumes a lot of plastic, but it doesn’t have to. Products like Juco sandwich bags, Bee’s Wrap, and (re)zip washable, resealable baggie can all replace the Ziplock in your cupboard. You can also replace plastic and aluminum wrap with reusable wax wraps like Bees Wrap.

Tupperware

Similar to baggies, plastic tupperware can be recycled and replaced with an alternative. Glass containers are easy to clean and last longer than their plastic counterparts. They are also readily available in most grocery stores.

Trash Bags

Sometimes, it’s not just the trash itself that is the problem. Trash bags are their own source of waste. Biodegradable trash bags eliminate a little-considered source of plastic waste. Biobag and If You Care are two examples of eco-friendly trash bags available to consumers.

Toothbrushes

Plastic toothbrushes are actually one of the biggest sources of ocean plastic waste. Bamboo toothbrushes are a better, anti-microbial alternative to the chemical-filled plastics most people use. Check out Bustle’s review of the 5 Best Bamboo Toothbrushes.

Floss

Yeah, floss! Floss and plastic floss containers build up in your garbage over time. Cocofloss, Eco-dent, and Humble Co. floss picks can be great substitutes for the classic plastic case and fiber.

Moving With New Habits in Mind

Moving is a big change. It can be very scary to leave the home you’ve known for a new one, even if it is just five minutes down the street. That newness, however, doesn’t have to be just about adjusting to new surroundings. Making a major change in your life leaved you receptive to new habits. Use this period of time to make changes for the better and you’ll feel better, too.

For more on eco-friendly moving, take a look at our blog posts Eco-Friendly Moving Tips and How to Recycle or Repurpose Your Moving Boxes.

If you have an upcoming move, contact Olympia Moving and Storage today at 800-222-4744 or fill out our free estimate form.

4 Tips For Moving Into a Historic Home

Posted on by rhunt

Old homes are filled with character and rich histories. For many, old homes are just as much a part of their family history as a part of the story of their location. There are many wonderful benefits to moving into a historic home, but there are also unique challenges.

Olympia has moved many historic homes in Boston, Washington DC, and Philadelphia – where there are an abundance of antique properties. Olympia Moving & Storage knows how to move in or out of a historic home quickly and efficiently, and use the best practices for you and your new home.

These are Olympia’s tips for moving into your own piece of history.

Your Furniture Might Not Fit

An extra-deep sofa or a king-sized bed may not fit through the door of a historic home. Tight spaces like doors, hallways, and unusual corner rooms can spell disaster for the unprepared. Measure the doorways and halls of your destination in advance, as well as the dimensions of your furniture.

If you find that your furniture doesn’t fit, a professional moving crew can offer solutions. One option is to disassemble the furniture piece so it can move through the tight space without damage. Then, the team can reassemble the piece in its new location.

Another option is to hoist or crane large items through a window. The team can pad and protect both the furniture and the window frame, then either hoist up the piece using rope and a ladder. If window is three or more stories high, the movers can utilize a crane to lift the piece.

 

Prep For Low Energy Efficiency

Moving into a historic home means giving up modern energy efficiency–at least for a little while. 1800’s architects did not design homes with energy costs in mind. Because of this, energy-saving appliances and fixtures are good options to reduce unavoidable energy waste. Understand what sort of wiring and plumbing you are dealing with prior to moving in so you can decide whether an upgrade is in order.

 

 

 

 

 

Antique Protecting

Protecting original furniture and fixtures is key during your move. Packing or protective padding and coverings are required for large, delicate objects like pianos, grandfather clocks, and glass tables. Some items may even need custom crates or special servicing. Again, a professional moving crew is the best defense against undue damage to antiques. For more on protecting furniture, see our blog post Protecting Furniture During a Move.

 

 

 

 

Protecting Your Home

The features of a historic house are works of art. Doors, original door frames, floors, windows, stained glass must also be protected from damage during a move. For example, intricate wood carving on walls can be nicked by other pieces of furniture moving past them. A professional crew can also take steps to protect against these kinds of damage as well. For more information, see our blog post Materials Movers Use to Protect Furniture & Your Home.

 

 

 

 

 

Know Your Home

Understand the history of your home. There are many barriers to making renovations and restorations to a historic home. Check the National Register of Historic Places for more information about general ownership. Individual states also have their own preservation laws. Fully understanding the responsibility of owning an historic home requires some research, so don’t wait to get started.

If you are planning on moving into a historic home, contact Olympia Moving and Storage today at 800-222-4744 or fill out our free estimate form.

Protecting Furniture When Moving

Posted on by cclark

Making sure nothing gets damaged is one of the most stressful parts of a move. It’s easy to think that solid items like tables and couches could not possibly break, but it’s important not to overlook protecting furniture when moving.

What You Need to Wrap and Protect Furniture

Before you get started, make sure you have these key materials. You can usually purchase these items from your local moving company, Uhaul, or hardware store:

  • Moving blankets
  • Rolls of shrink wrap
  • Many rolls of packing tape
  • Basic tool kit
  • Mattress bags

Protecting Tables and Chairs

To move a dining room or kitchen table, remove any leaves from the table top and wrap them separately.

The legs are the part of large furniture that damage the most! Avoid this by unscrewing and removing the legs. Make sure to keep all the screws safe in a plastic bag taped to the bottom of the table. If the legs fit well  together, wrap them in one blanket. If they are carved wood or have any detailing on them, wrap them separately for good measure.

To move chairs, set them on top of a moving blanket and fold the sides up onto the seat of the chair. Then fold the top over the chair back and the bottom up, securing the whole thing with tape.

Wrapping Upholstered Furniture

To move upholstered furniture, it is important to protect them from rip, tears, and stains. Use large pads or moving blankets to fully wrap a chair or couch. If the legs are detachable, you should detach them and wrap them safely into the chair so they stay together. Use packing tape to secure the pads around the chair or couch. If you hire professional movers, they will do this for you and supply all the pads needed to get all your furniture from point A to point B safely.

To pack a mattress you should wrap it in a plastic mattress bag if possible, and close the openings with packing tape. The plastic will keep bugs and dirt off of your mattress while it’s in transport and protect it from tears. Again, movers should have special bags for all your mattresses when they arrive to load the truck.

Protecting the Bedroom Furniture

Deconstruct wooden bed frames as much as possible, with the panels individually wrapped. Metal bed frames should be taken apart unless they are soldered together. If this is the case, wrap the frame in moving blankets so it doesn’t scratch or dent anything it comes in touch with in the truck or storage unit.

Wrap dressers with their drawers inside to avoid internal damage. Firmly secure all the drawers in place with moving blankets and tape. If its not too heavy, you can leave clothes folded in the dresser. Filling it will keep it from bumping around.

Protecting Furniture is Important!

If you are protecting furniture when moving, make sure to spend the time to do it right. It is easy to overlook, but not protecting the furniture is the cause of stress after the move. If you want to avoid broken parts and scratched table tops, spend some careful and quality time wrapping and padding your furniture.

When you hire Olympia Moving & Storage, you don’t need to worry about any of this. Wrapping and protecting furniture is part of every one of our moves. We provide all the pads, plastic wrap, and tape. We also have partial and full packing options available to add on to your move.

If you’re ready to hire a moving company, give us a call toll-free at 800.222.4744 or fill out our form online for a free estimate.

Preparing to Move Checklist

Posted on by cclark

Preparing to move house may feel like an overwhelming chore, but if you approach it in a focused, organized way it can be a lot easier than you think.  You may not relish the thought of moving out but if you take these tips on board you’ll see how, with the proper planning and organization, you might even enjoy the process. After all, the door to your new house is waiting to be opened and that’s a cause for celebration.

This blog was written by Angela Pearse, a blogger for Zumper.com.

1. Should You Hire Movers or Move Yourself?

Olympia Moving Crew 11

If you’re looking for a simple solution for your moving woes, then it’s always worth hiring professional movers. Rather than getting frazzled about how you’re going to get your possessions from A to B, let the experts take care of it. Book them in, then all you have to worry about is getting your stuff packed up. Preparing to move is stressful enough, let the professionals deal with the rest.

2. Create a moving checklist

The reason people get stressed about moving is because they leave everything until the last minute and then there’s a mad rush to pack everything up. Start at least a month ahead of moving day and create a moving checklist of all the tasks that need to be done. Ticking off completed tasks week by week will make you feel in control and on top of your packing before the truck arrives. Follow this 9-week checklist for a smooth relocation.

3. Set-up a moving budget

Money, or lack of it, is also a common stress factor when moving out, so do up a list of all the costs involved in the move so you can make sure you have enough cash. Add things like the cost of the movers, packing boxes & tape, utility connection fees and the like. If you have a cat or dog will you need to house them in a kennel or cattery while the move takes place? Add this cost to your moving budget.

4. Transferring Your Information

You’ll need to notify your utility companies about your change of address well in advance so they have time to make the transfers. Not having power or gas when you first move in to a new house can make for a miserable few days while it gets sorted. Don’t forget to notify your employer, doctor, dentist and any other service providers you use, plus your family and friends, of your new address.

5. Measure the new place

While preparing to move, it’s easy to make assumptions that all your furniture will fit perfectly into a new house but sometimes this isn’t the case. It may not be practical to visit your new home to measure up spaces if it’s in another state, but if it’s local then it’s a good idea to do this. If your current furniture doesn’t fit you may need to sell what you have online and order new furniture, but knowing in advance will make things less stressful.

6. Sort through your stuff

You can eliminate two stress factors, lack of money and too much stuff, by sorting through your possessions and decluttering your house before you start packing. Paring down the amount of stuff you have when you’re preparing to move will make it easier to pack, and the less stuff you have, the less it will cost you to move it.

 7. Make hard decisions

Deciding what to keep and what to toss is a lot easier if you apply some rules to the proceedings, and make two piles ‘keep’ and ‘don’t keep’. For instance, to keep it you have to have worn it or used it once in the past year. A pile of tops you’ve worn once in the last five years will go in the ‘don’t keep’ pile, likewise so will a hand-me-down cake mixer from your sister you’ve never used.

 8. What to do with stuff you’re not keeping

Now that you’ve sorted through all your stuff and have items that you haven’t used or are unlikely to use and that are still in good shape, why not consider selling them online, donating them to charity, hosting a garage sale or recycling them? Selling what you can online will top up the amount you have in your moving budget, and donating to charity will make you feel good.

 9. Gather moving supplies

Now you’ve decluttered it’s time to start packing, but you’ll need moving supplies to do so. This includes packing boxes, bubble wrap, newspaper, packing tape, sticky labels and a marker pen. You could beg steal or borrow from friends but a much easier solution is simply to order what you need online.

 10. Pack and label boxes

Pack the items in each room, apart from the furniture, into boxes and label the boxes as you go. You may want to keep an itemized online spreadsheet for each box so you know what’s in it, and also for insurance purposes if anything goes missing.

Here are some takeaway tips to keep in mind to ensure you have a positive and rewarding moving experience.

  • Plan ahead and get organized early on
  • Clear out the clutter first
  • Sell or donate what you can
  • Ask for help from friends and family
  • Take time to say goodbye
  • Eat well and get enough sleep
  • Try to go with the flow

If you are ready to start the moving process, call for a free moving estimate at 800-222-4744 or request an estimate online.

What We Learned From TV Episodes & Movies About Moving

Posted on by cclark

Are you stressed about your move? Here are some tips and tricks learned the hard way by our favorite movie and TV show characters. Moving doesn’t have to be as difficult for you as it was in these TV episodes and movies about moving.

“Friends,” The One With The Cop (1999)

Ross, Chandler and Rachel take on the impossible task of moving a giant couch up a tiny stair case. The frustration that ensues is enough to make you reconsider moving without a moving crew! Professional movers are trained on how to move heavy furniture in and out of tight spaces without damage. After watching this episode, you will agree that hiring movers will prove to be more effective than struggling by yourself! To get a free moving estimate, fill out our online form!

Sex and the City (2008)

 

When Carrie is struggling with packing her apartment, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha surprise her by coming over to help her pack. Once they get to the closet, an impromptu fashion show begins! Watch the scene from the movie to see how going through your clothes before packing will save time and space. You’ll also learn that having friends help you pack (and some wine if that’s your thing!) can lighten your day. For more on de-cluttering clothes and more before your move, see our blog.

Toy Story (1995)

 

Make sure you don’t leave anything behind! In this Disney movie, Woody and Buzz get separated from the rest of Andy’s toys and miss getting packed into the moving van. Make sure you start packing early enough so that you can be sure you haven’t forgotten anything. Prior to the movers departing the home, do a walk through to ensure everything made it on to the truck. Open all closet doors and cupboards. Only the absolute essentials; clothes for the remaining days, toiletries, and bed linens, should be packed last minute. See more tips about organizing a pack to move.

Inside Out (2015)

 

This is one of the best movies about moving for kids, about a family moving from Minnesota to California. Riley and her parents end up arriving at their new house to the news that their moving truck won’t be arriving on the day they thought. All sorts of things can happen when you’re moving, but especially when moving long distances.

First, research your moving company’s reviews before you hire them to see if they have a good track record of delivering when promised. Second, make sure you understand your interstate moving delivery spread. You can read our blog post on this topic to learn more. Third, make sure you pack enough in your car to keep with you, just so that if your moving truck arrives late, you’ll be prepared. You’ll want to take into consideration the window of time given by your moving company, and tack on a few days just in case.

This way you can feel “Joy” not “Anger” during your move!

Cheaper by the Dozen (2003)

 

When Tom and Kate Baker tell their 12 children that they will all be moving across the state, it is met with immediate rejection. Once they hear more about it, though, they begin to come around.

If your family is having a hard time accepting that they will be moving, just like the Bakers, try to frame it in a positive light. Focus on the fun and cool things that will be able to happen once at the new home. Make sure to reassure them that they will be able to keep in touch with their old friends back home. Soon enough, the new place will become home, and they are all sure to make new friends.

Here is some more advice for moving with kids.

Mean Girls (2004)

 

Moving to a new school can be tough, especially if you don’t have time before school starts to make new friends. Cady in Mean Girls was taken by surprise by the clique culture at her new High School in Illinois. Moving into a new school is less intimidating when you have already made some friends to go into school with. To help transition, try moving into the new area as early in the summer as possible. This way, kids can meet people in the neighborhood and around town, and they’ll have a handful of friends by the first day of school.

Follow our 9 week check list for a smooth relocation.

Now that you’ve watched some TV episodes & movies about moving, you’re ready to start planning your own relocation! Call us for a free moving estimate at 800-222-4744 or request an estimate online.

Countdown Checklist For Your Pre-Move Garage Sale

Posted on by Nicole Longo

When it’s time to move to a new home, that could also mean its time to slim down on what you have in your home before the relocation.  A garage sale is the perfect way to do it & make some money while you’re at it! Here is a countdown checklist on how to execute the perfect garage sale!

One Month Before Garage Sale:

  • Get A Date in Mind. Once you have a target date, it will help you remain organized and work towards your goals for the big day.
  • Trash the Trash! As you begin to go through the things you no longer want, separate in to three piles. “Keep, Throw, Sell”
  • Look in to City Requirements & Regulations. Make sure your town or city does not have any specific restrictions that prohibit posting signs around town.
  • Do a some research. Do a little basic research, pricing on antique items and one of a kind pieces. The things you have could have more value than you expect them to!
  • Ask neighbors and friends for grocery bags. Also start to collect folding tables to display the items on.

Two Weeks Before the Garage Sale:

  • Go through the items in your “keep” pile, make sure you still want to keep them in your possession, if not move them over to the sell.
  • Begin to clean and organize your “sell” items – The better condition they are in, the more money they will be worth!
  • Start thinking about pricing – Buy pricing materials & stickers and start a tentative pricing list for the items.

One Week Before the Garage Sale:

  • Begin to distribute ads around town. Post on local town pages & Facebook. Let your friends and family know.
  • Finalize your pricing. Take the list you made a few weeks prior and begin to label all of your items.
  • Go to the bank. Make sure you have plenty of change, all size bills and coins should be in  your possession for the day of the sale.
  • Watch the weather. If rain looks like it could be a factor maybe make alternative plans
  • Have all your sales materials in order. Bags, change, newspaper wrapping, calculator & pens.

One Day Before the Garage Sale:

  • Make sure you have enough signs around town, the day before is the most important day for advertising!
  • Mark off things around the site of the sale as “Not for Sale” – you don’t want anyone trying to buy you potted plants!
  • Check the weather, again – make sure you are good to go for the next day!

The Day of the Garage Sale!

  • Wake up well before the start time of the sale to get everything arranged outside, put the small valuable things close to you so you can keep any eye on them.
  • Organize your items by category so it is easy for customers to browse your sale
  • Lock your home. When you’re busy selling you don’t want to have to worry about your home. Safety precaution!

The idea of a garage sale can be extremely overwhelming. When you break it down by week it can make the day of worry free! Once you know what you would like to move to your new home. We promise to provide you with exceptional service.

For more yard and garage tips, be sure to check out our other blog: Creating the Most Successful Yard Sale Possible

Done decluttering and ready to start moving? Request a free moving estimate online or give Olympia Moving & Storage a call at 800-222-4744

After the Move: Getting Started in Your New Home

Posted on by Nicole Longo

When the movers leave and it’s just you and your family in the new home, it can be overwhelming. It’s time to pick a starting point and start tackling, unpacking, and organizing. We hope with these simple suggestions will help you start making your new house into a home.

Time to pull out that first night box! Something that might have seemed silly a few weeks ago is now essential. Bottled water, snacks, clean clothes & a tooth brush are simple first steps to making your first night in your house feel like a home. Check out the blog on the first night kit  linked here to make sure you have the essentials at your fingertips when they’re needed.

Make sure all the essential services are set up. Double check that the appliances that the movers installed work properly. Make sure the electricity works and you have hot water for a shower. If not, call to get these things addressed.

Boston

Electricity

Water

Internet/ Cable

Washington DC

Electricity

Water

Internet/Cable

Pennsylvania 

Electricity

Water

Internet/Cable

Google “Best take out around me” and celebrate! Make the first day in your new home a memorable one – you’ve worked hard to get to this point and you deserve it! Treat yourself to delicious take-out from your new neighborhood and pop a bottle of champagne. After a full move-in day the last thing you will want to do is worry about unpacking boxes to find pots and pans to cook with, or a trip to the grocery store. Make an indoor picnic, open up a moving pad, and dive in to your first meal in your new home.

Begin to plan out each room. Because all of the moving boxes are labeled and brought in to the designated rooms it will be easy to attack them one by one. A plan will make the unpacking process less stressful. When you are beginning to get settled, it’s apparent that some rooms take priority over others. A simple bedroom set up is essential in the first few days, some clean sheets and hung up clothes will have you feeling refreshed the next day. Nothing is worse than waking up in a new space with nothing familiar around you. That goes for the kids rooms as well, the sooner they get in to a solid routine in the new home, the better. Plus, if you get the kids set up in their rooms it will keep them preoccupied when you set up the rest of the home. After the bedrooms, we suggest getting the kitchen in order. While you might enjoy some take out for the first few nights, nothing gets you settled in a new house like a home cooked meal. 

Safety. Safety. Safety. Make sure that all fire alarms are wired correctly and working. Confirm that the home is child proof as needed. If the new home has a pool, make plans to fence it in.

Change Locks. It is important to change your locks on your new home because you never know who has copies of the keys. It’s an important safety precaution that can be easily over looked!

Manuals & Remotes: When you’re unpacking and unwrapping new things it is easy to throw away or lose track of user manuals and remote controls. Make a designated area for these. You will need them! (Even if you think you know how to work the new fancy washer and dryer)

Schedule a Debris Pick Up. If you find yourself in a pile of empty boxes as you continue to unpack, give Olympia a call to pick up the pieces for you. Also, check out our blog on how to use some of the leftover boxes for the kids entertainment when you unpack!

The most important thing to remember is, the small details can wait. Don’t stress to get everything unpacked and organized in one day! It will all get done, and your home will look great.