7 Best Moving Tips for Those Who Are Pregnant

Are you expecting a bundle of joy soon and feeling overwhelmed by the daunting tasks that come with moving? Moving is never easy, but when you’re pregnant it can feel like an even bigger challenge. 

That’s why we’ve put together useful tips to make the process smoother for all soon-to-be mamas! Whether this is your first time relocating or your fifth move in two years, these moving tips will ensure everything goes smoothly while you continue to focus on getting ready for the upcoming arrival. 

Let’s jump right into learning how to relocate during pregnancy without unnecessary stress!

Here Are 7 Tips for Moving While Expecting a Baby:

 

  1. Start preparing for your move as early as possible to make sure everything is in order.

It’s important to start preparing for your move as early as possible to ensure everything is in order. Similarly, pregnancies can come with surprises as they involve not just your health but also the health of your baby. By planning, scheduling, and managing as much as possible, you can reduce worry and be better prepared to handle any possible complications.

  1. Hire professional movers to ensure all your belongings are safely transported.

When it comes to relocating, ensuring the safety of all your belongings is crucial. This becomes even more important when you have a baby on the way and no time to worry about damages during the move, especially to baby items. 

Hiring professional movers not only provides peace of mind but also saves you valuable time in your busy life. Investing in their services guarantees a smooth transition, allowing you to focus on other important aspects. Sleep better knowing that your move is handled with care, and soon enough, a good night’s sleep will become a precious commodity.

  1. Pack only essential items, such as necessary clothing and personal items.

Moving while pregnant can be physically demanding, adding extra stress to your body. It’s important to prioritize your well-being and that of your baby during this time. Regardless of whether or not you’re still exercising regularly, it’s crucial to take precautions when preparing for your move.

Consider this: the moving industry reports nearly one million work-related injuries each year, despite professional training and equipment. With that said, let’s focus on what’s necessary. Start by packing your hospital bag, ensuring you have everything you need in case anything unexpected happens. Additionally, create an essentials box that you can conveniently access upon arriving at your new home.

Remember, taking care of yourself and your baby is the ultimate priority.

  1. Make sure you have snacks and plenty of water during the move-in process.

During the move-in process, it’s important to have snacks and plenty of water on hand. By stabilizing your blood sugar and staying hydrated, you’ll keep your energy levels up and make the move an easier and happier experience for both you and your baby. This will help ensure that you’re in the best condition, both physically and mentally, to tackle any challenges that moving days may present.

  1. Take frequent breaks during packing and moving. 

Don’t overwork yourself and allow your body to rest without feeling guilty. Who else is creating a whole new life inside their body? No one else helping you move likely, so remind yourself you have the most important job of all – moving your new baby to the new place safely!

  1. Wear comfortable clothing while moving.

Wear something that is breathable, fits generously, and won’t constrict even when you swell in areas. Bedroom slippers and leisure wear is perfectly acceptable!

  1. Set up an area in your new home for you to care for your pregnancy needs.

Create a dedicated space within your new home, tailored to your pregnancy needs. Whether it’s a small corner or a spacious room, having an area exclusively for yourself can act as a sanctuary amidst the chaos. 

And Don’t Forget to Set Yourself Up for After Your Move

Make sure you have a doctor to follow up with in your new hometown. As soon as you are there, you will want to establish a relationship with the medical team that will help you through those first few weeks and months of enormous change in your lives!

It Takes a Village to Raise Children and It Takes Moving Pros to Move While Pregnant!

Following the advice above, you can ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible. Keep in mind, this is an important time for you, so don’t try to do everything yourself. Get the help of experienced professionals if you need it. By following these tips, you can rest assured that your move will be successful and stress-free!

You’ve Found the Moving Company with Over 40 Years of Experience, BBB-Accredited and Certified in Canada!

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for many years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

Moving Fine Art & Collectibles: Everything You Should Know Before You Relocate

Are you planning a move in Canada and need to transport your fine art, collectibles, or antique furniture? Moving these items can be overwhelming and stressful because of their fragile nature. However, with the right preparation and knowledge, it’s possible to ensure your valuables arrive safely at their new destination. 

We have compiled this guide to provide you with everything you need to know about relocating heirlooms, priceless pieces, and sentimental items. 

Not All Moving Pros Are Equal When Moving High Ticket Items

Let’s discuss the importance of finding a reliable and experienced mover specializing in fine art packing and shipping. Whether you have a collection of high-investment pieces of art or sculptures, or you have your family heirloom dresser from the pre-WWII era, you need to know these items are very carefully packed and moved to their new location.

You may have friends or family who also have precious items they have moved in recent years and can ask for a referral. If you’re collecting estimates from different movers, you’ll want to ask these questions:

  • –  How long have you been in business?
  • –  Can you show me your Yelp, Google, and Facebook reviews?
  • –  What is your experience with moving highly-valuable pieces of furniture/art?
  • –  Are you certified, licensed, bonded, and insured? (The answer you’re looking for is yes to all of these)
  • –  Ask how they will pack and move the items you care most about. If you don’t feel good about the answer, they are not the movers for you!

Know What It Is You’re Moving 

Create an inventory list of all your valuable items before planning your move. Ideally, this task will be completed before you begin shopping for movers because you will want to give them details of what it is you are expecting to move. 

You’ve likely had family items packed away and haven’t seen them for years. Don’t rely on your memory. Unpack and take pictures or have them available for the relocator specialist to look at when getting estimates as the condition of the items you want moved will determine the exact cost to ship.  

Ask About Additional Insurance Options

Investigate insurance options for protecting your collectibles during transit. Reputable, professional movers will have a certain amount of insurance for every move. This likely will not be enough to cover your highly-valuable items or cover a repair should the item(s) experience a small mishap. 

Check Your Items Right After Your Move

When you reach your new home, inspect each item for any possible damages that may have occurred during shipping. Because you chose a highly reputable professional moving company, you shouldn’t expect to find any issues. Still, heat, traffic accidents, and other problems that are out of the hands of everyone can cause minor issues. If this happens, notify your movers as soon as possible with pictures and documentation. They will walk you through the process of claims and repair.

Pre-Planning and Experienced, Professional Movers Make the Difference

All in all, planning a move that involves fine art & collectibles can be quite daunting. Taking the time to find the right moving company to transport your items is essential to a successful move. Don’t forget, hiring professional movers with ample experience and taking the necessary precautions can save you money, time, and a lot of stress in the long run. Give yourself enough time for research. Safety is paramount when it comes to transporting fragile items – so make sure you have taken every precaution!

Get Help Packing for Storage – From Movers with Many Years of Experience!

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Rain or shine, we’re there for you! Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

8 Tips for Packing Items for Storage

Are you planning a move or renovating your home or office space? Storage units are a great solution to keep your items safe and secure during the transition. But packing for storage can be daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before. 

Is Packing for Storage Different Than Packing for a Move?

Planning for a move or renovating your home or office space can be a stressful time. One thing you should not worry about is the safety and security of your belongings. This is where storage units come in handy. 

Storage units provide a secure and safe place to store your items while you transition. However, packing for storage can be a daunting task, especially if it’s your first time. 

The key to packing for storage is to be organized and label your items. This will make it easy for you to access your belongings when you need them. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends or family, and make sure to choose a storage unit that meets your needs. With the right preparation, packing for storage can be stress-free and easy.

Here are 8 tips that will help you pack your items efficiently and effectively into storage:

Tip #1 – Use High-Quality Packing Materials 

When packing items for storage, it’s always better to use sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper. Investing in high-quality packing materials will ensure your items are well-protected during their stay in the storage unit.

Tip #2 – Label Your Boxes and Keep an Inventory 

Labeling your boxes according to the items inside them will make it easier to find what you need when you return to your storage unit. Be sure to include a list of what’s inside the box on the outside label – this will save you time and effort when you’re looking for something specific.

If this is not possible, or you don’t want others to know what is in the boxes, put a number prominently on each box. Preferably on each side of the box. Write everything that is in each box on an inventory ledger that you keep for yourself, either digitally or on paper. 

Tip #3 – Keep Your Items Organized 

Make a plan for how you’ll organize your items in the storage unit. For example, place heavy items on the bottom and light items on top, or group similar items together. This will not only help during the packing process but also makes it easier to find what you need when you return.

Tip #4 – Use Furniture Covers 

If you’re planning to store furniture, avoid wrapping it in plastic. Plastic can trap moisture inside the furniture, which can lead to mold and other damage. Instead, use furniture covers or drop cloths to protect your furniture from dust and scratches.

Tip #5 – Disassemble Furniture 

If possible, disassemble your furniture before storing it. This will save space in your storage unit and make it easier to move the furniture in and out of the unit.

Tip #6 – Consider Climate-Controlled Storage 

If you’re storing items that are sensitive to temperature changes, like electronics, artwork or photos, consider renting a climate-controlled storage unit. These units keep the temperature and humidity levels consistent, which can help prevent damage to your items.

Tip #7 – Don’t Overpack Boxes 

Packing too many items in one box can make it difficult to lift and move. Aim to keep each box under 50 pounds to make it easy to lift and stack.

Tip #8 – Prepare Appliances for Storage 

Before storing appliances, make sure they’re clean and dry. Empty, defrost, and clean your refrigerator and freezer before storing, and secure any loose parts to prevent damage during transport.

Moving or Renovating, Packing for Storage is All About How You Pack It!

Properly packing your items for storage can make a world of difference in keeping them safe and protected, and organized. Remember to use high-quality packing materials, label your boxes, keep your items organized, use furniture covers, disassemble furniture, consider climate-controlled storage, don’t overpack boxes, and prepare appliances for storage. These tips will help ensure a smooth transition and make returning to your stored items a stress-free experience.

Get Help Packing for Storage – From Movers with Many Years of Experience!

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Rain or shine, we’re there for you! Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

6 Summer Packing Tips for Your Next Move

As Canadians, we all love summertime and the move to a new home during this beautiful season can be quite exciting. However, moving can also be a daunting task that requires patience and careful planning. One of the most important steps to make your move a success is packing. From clothes to dishes and furniture, everything needs to be properly packed to ensure they arrive safely at your new home. 

Happy joyful young family with children

Here are 6 Summer Packing Tips for Your Next Move to Make Your Move as Smooth as Possible:

Tip #1 – Prepare for the Weather:

The weather can make moving a challenge in the summer. The good news is that preparation will help you easily work in the summer heat without issue.

Start by dressing for the heat. Shorts and light, cotton shirts will keep you cool while also being able to lift heavy objects. Get started early in the morning to avoid the hottest part of the day. 

Stay hydrated. Dehydration can make you physically ill and will undoubtedly make you tired before you can get everything moved.

Tip #2 – Declutter Before Packing: 

One of the most important things to do before packing is to declutter your home. This will help you get rid of unwanted items and make your move easier and smoother. 

Take a critical look at everything in your home and decide what you really need in your new home. Donate or give away items that you won’t need or use anymore. This will help reduce the number of boxes you need to pack and move.

Tip #3  – Pack Room by Room: 

When packing for a move, it’s always best to pack room by room. Start with one room and pack all the items in it before moving on to the next room. 

This will help keep things organized and make unpacking easier once you arrive at your new home. Use packing labels to label each box with the room and the contents to make sure nothing gets lost.

Tip #4 – Protect Fragile Items: 

When packing fragile items like glassware, dishes, or picture frames, it’s important to take extra precautions. Wrap each item individually with bubble wrap or packing paper and secure them in sturdy boxes. 

Fill any gaps inside the box with packing peanuts or newspaper to prevent any movement during transit. Don’t forget to label each box as “Fragile” to ensure extra care is taken during the move.

Tip #5  – Keep Essentials Handy: 

When packing for a move, don’t forget to keep your essential items handy. These include medicines, toiletries, a change of clothes, and any important documents. 

Pack them in a separate bag or box that you can carry with you during the move. Keep this bag or box in a safe, easily accessible place that you can quickly access once you arrive at your new home.

Tip #6  – Hire a Professional Moving Company: 

Lastly, hiring a professional moving company can make your move a lot easier. They have the expertise and experience to make sure everything is packed correctly and arrives safely at your new home. A good moving company will offer packing services, transportation, and unpacking services to make the move as stress-free as possible.

Moving in the Summer Can Be Great as Long As You Prepare Properly

Moving can be a daunting task, but these six summer packing tips can make your move a lot easier. By preparing for the heat, decluttering, packing room by room, protecting fragile items, keeping essentials handy, and hiring a professional moving company, you can ensure that your move is smooth and stress-free. 

Remember, the key to a successful move is to plan early and take things one step at a time. Happy moving!

Move Without Worry or Stress. Hire Experienced Movers That Care.

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

Eco-Friendly Packing for Your Next Move

Today, more people than ever are realizing just how much of an impact what we do has on the environment. And a lot of that impact is quite negative. Many of us are looking for ways to become “greener” and reduce our carbon footprint in the fight against climate change. This goes beyond just recycling our daily trash. It can also go into making sure that we are using eco-friendly materials in everything we do. One place to start is with packing and moving. 

What’s Wrong with Using Bubble Wrap for My Next Move?

Before we look at the best eco-friendly packing supplies, let’s talk about one of the most common. Bubble wrap has been a huge asset to the moving industry for years because it is so easy to use, and it does such a good job of cushioning and protecting items for moving. 

However, because it is made from plastic materials, it is not biodegradable. While it is possible to recycle bubble wrap along with your other plastic items, it will still have a negative impact on the environment in the long run. With that in mind, let’s look at items that are good to use for packing that is also good for the environment.

Environmentally friendly packing materials can be found all over your home if you just look closely. Basically, you want anything that is soft enough to put in your breakable items so it doesn’t scuff or scratch them while also providing cushioning between the items so it doesn’t crack, chip, or break. 

Your Clothes, Towels, or Linens Can Be Used for Packing Material

One of the easiest options to use for this is your own clothes and towels. Think about it—you are going to have to pack these items and move them anyway, so why not give them double duty as packing material? 

For instance, you can take a good flannel shirt or jacket and use it to wrap breakables before packing them. The same can be said for your nice fluffy bath towels. All of these can be used for packing materials.

Fabrics For Packing Material

Another good option for biodegradable packing materials would be fabrics. These don’t have to just be clothing. If you do any kind of sewing or craft work and have a few pieces of old fabric material, you can use these for packing. 

 

Or you can head down to the craft store and buy several long pieces of soft fabric and use these to pack your breakables. Then, when the move is over, you can put these materials to another use in your sewing projects.

Biodegradable Bubble Wrap

Research packing materials that are specifically designed to be ecologically friendly. While bubble wrap isn’t biodegradable, there are a few new brands that make bubble wrap that will break down over time. It may be a little harder to find or more expensive, but it could still be a good option for you. You can also look at biodegradable packing peanuts and corrugated cardboard for your packing needs.

What Else Can I Do to Make My Move “Green”? 

Extend your ecological-minded move by hiring professional movers with a record of being more environmentally conscious. Seek out (and ask) about what type of packing materials are used, if they offer eco-friendly options, and what type of recycling the company takes part in. This is a great way to use the power of the purse to fight climate change.

Doing Your Part Doesn’t Have to Be Tedious or Time-Consuming

Going green doesn’t just mean driving an electric vehicle or putting out soda bottles to be recycled. It is a conscientious effort to reduce your carbon footprint in as many ways as possible. To achieve this, you need to look at sustainability in everything you do. One such area is with moving—so you might want to consider ditching the bubble wrap for these eco-friendly options.

You’ve Found the Moving Company with Over 40 Years of Experience, BBB-Accredited and Certified in Canada!

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for many years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

The Best Places to Retire in British Columbia

With its staggering diversity of climates, terrains, and cities throughout the country, Canada is packed with destination possibilities for retirees. If a life in your golden years surrounded by panoramic views appeals to you – then look no further than British Columbia! From coastal beaches to mountainsides and big city adventures – this province has all kinds of retiree-friendly spots up on offer that can cater to whatever lifestyle suits you best.

Learn what the top four towns in British Columbia for retirees are and what each has to offer you!

  • Victoria — Low property taxes and affordable living make Victoria, British Columbia, an ideal option for retirees. The city itself has a population of about 90,000, but the surrounding areas that make up Greater Victoria have about 397,000 residents

The climate is moderate and ideal for older persons who can’t handle extreme cold. An added benefit of Victoria is that it has the highest per capita rate of doctors in all of Canada. 

Naturally, elderly retirees will appreciate the great medical care as their health is a top concern. And, there is a lot to keep you occupied from walking through the Inner Harbor and visiting locations like the Butchart Gardens and the Royal British Columbia Museum.

  • West Vancouver — While “Vancouver” may conjure up images of overcrowded streets and expensive apartments, West Vancouver is different. This enclave has a population of about 42,000 and is home to many parks and other amenities. 

The mountain air and proximity to nature are great for those who are looking to be active into their retirement. For instance, you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the West Vancouver Seawall and see all the natural beauty that this area has to offer. And, the big city of Vancouver is just a few kilometers away if you want access to world-class restaurants, arts, and culture.

  • Parksville — For those looking for a smaller locale to retire to, look no further than Parksville with its population of about 13,000 residents. The temperate climate is another plus for retirees and the location is great if you’ve always dreamed of living at a world-class beach. 

The beach in Parksville is probably its most famous feature, serving as the home for a sand-castle building competition called the Parksville Beachfest. Don’t forget that this city is accessible by ferry, so it will be necessary to move your vehicle with you if you want to commute.

  • Kamloops — Kamloops may not be the city you instantly think of when you talk about British Columbia. But this town of almost 98,000 is the 12th largest in British Columbia. 

If you love watching sports, then this is a great choice as it is sometimes called the “Tournament Capital of Canada.” From baseball to hockey, you can sit back and enjoy a variety of sports. 

But this area is also known for having very close-knit neighborhoods that are great for families or retirees. The area doesn’t just have a lot of natural beauty. It also has a thriving arts and culture scene which can provide a little something for everyone.

It’s Easy to See Why BC Is a Great Place to Retire

If the many wonders of British Columbia have inspired you to happily retire in this beautiful province, be sure to do your research on real estate and neighborhoods prior to your move. Make it easy by enlisting a reputable moving company that can safely transport all of your possessions – no matter how near or far!

Use Experienced, Professional Movers Who Know Your Area

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Rain or shine, summer or fall, we’re there for you! Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

How To Move a Home-Based Business in Canada

Home-based businesses are becoming increasingly popular in Canada as people take advantage of the changing global economy. But what happens when you’re ready to move and need a successful transition for your business? There’s no shame in needing assistance – after all, relocating can be very time-consuming which could result in financial losses if not done carefully. With proper planning though, it doesn’t have to be so stressful!

Here’s how you can move your work-from-home business smoothly:

  • List Out Your Business Belongings — Complete a thorough assessment of your business goods and materials to see exactly what you need to move. If you are planning a major move (like cross-country), it may be easier to donate some of the items to charity and buy new ones when you get to your new destination. 

Also, take an inventory of your computer and technical equipment. If some of this is outdated and in need of an upgrade, consider buying a new one when you get to your new home. (Of course, all of this is contingent on your budget. But this gives you a good starting point with your materials.) Making this list also gives you an idea of special moving considerations that you might need to look at when moving.

  • Do Your Research and Prep Work — Consider how much time you have to prepare for your move before making a timeline. Evaluate your budget and identify what expenses are involved in the moving process. 

Research local professional movers that offer reliable, insured services; this will ensure all of your important business supplies arrive at their destination safely and quickly! Also, companies with great reviews and a long history of moving happy customers will not only rest your mind but almost guarantee a smooth move.

Lastly, look for companies with fast setup times so as not to disrupt operations or cause downtime during relocation efforts.

  • Handle the Paperwork — Moving a home business is a little more complicated than just moving your home. As you prepare for the move, make it a point to complete all the paperwork that is needed. 

First, look closely at your lease or mortgage agreement to ensure that your new home business is compliant with all the legal requirements. Also, research the government paperwork so you know that you have completed all the necessary documents, especially dealing with insurance and business permits.

  • Inform Your Customers/Clients — If you are going to have any kind of downtime when you won’t be able to fulfill orders or handle clients’ work, then you need to let them know in advance. Don’t only post it on your business website and assume that will get the message to everyone. Your best bet is to take the personal route and call each client to let them know exactly what is going on so they can plan their own needs accordingly.

 

  • Organize Your New Space — Once you get your new business space, start planning out how you will set up your business. Consider your current needs in terms of space and materials and then plan where everything will go so your professional movers will have an idea of where to put each item.

 

Remove the Stress and Make the Move Efficiently Smooth with Professional Movers

Moving into a new home can be stressful. But, if you are moving your home business as well, that anxiety is compounded. While a regular move requires careful planning, this type of move is even more of a delicate balancing act. Make sure you have everything planned closely and you have reliable movers so that your business can be moved with as little downtime as possible.

Move Without Worry or Stress. Hire Experienced Movers That Care.

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

What You Need to Move Out of Your Parent’s Home: A Checklist

Shifts in the economy recently have led to more young adults living longer with their parents. In fact, a recent survey shows that over one-third of Canadians between 20 to 34 still live with at least one of their parents. If you’re looking to take that all-important step out on your own, then it may seem daunting to move out. But we’ve created a checklist you can use to easily ensure you take care of everything you need to move.

The Ultimate Moving Out of Your Parent’s Home Checklist

Create a Budget for a New Home — The first thing you need to do is determine just how much home you are able to afford. For most people moving out for the first time, it’s unlikely you will be able to afford the down payments and fees that go with first-time home ownership. 

A more likely scenario is that you will be looking at a small apartment. Decide first what you can afford. Look at your monthly income and figure out how much you have left after setting aside a percentage in savings for emergencies and paying other necessary bills. This will give you a starting point for the types of housing options you can realistically afford.

1- Find Your Ideal Place — Now that you have a budget, start looking for your new home. Don’t just go with the first place that fits your price point. Also, look at the neighborhood (including crime statistics) and other issues such as proximity to parks, hospitals, and retail stores. 

If you’re a student, you’ll want to find a place near the school. Also, consider your transportation needs. If you have a car, does your new place have a dedicated parking area or will you need to pay for this or park on the street? If you don’t have a car, is your new home going to be near a public transportation line? All of this must be considered. 

Before you sign the lease, research your new landlord to find out if they have a reputation for being fair and honest, or if they tend to let their properties fall into disrepair.

2- Hire a Moving Company or Rent a Moving Van — If you’re moving out for the first time, then chances are you may not have much to pack and move on your own. That also means a lot of what you do have has been given to you by your parents or other family members and you want those valuable items protected with the respect they deserve. 

Keeping that in mind, consider hiring professional movers to take care of your valuables. If you don’t have a lot of furniture, just remember that most movers charge by the hour, so it won’t cost as much as a family of six packing up years of belongings. 

It’s worthwhile to hire them as professional movers can ensure that everything is taken care of, and they can even help set up the furniture in your new home. And, of course, the extra expense is saving you countless hours of backbreaking labor hauling boxes and furniture out of your old home and into your new apartment. If you do decide to move on your own, be sure to rent a moving van early as these can get booked up quickly, especially for weekend moves.

3 – Get Packed — Now comes the hard part—the packing. Be sure to have a system for packing your items. Don’t mix boxes for the bedroom and the kitchen. Label them so you know exactly where everything is. Also, be sure to use heavy-duty boxes and packing tape so that you don’t end up with torn boxes and broken valuables.

4 – Set Up Your Utilities in Your New Home — Finally, before you move in, make sure you set up the utilities in your new home. That means the gas, power, and water as well as Internet or cable TV if you plan to have these in your new home. Most of these utilities will require down payments/deposits in advance, so budget accordingly.

Moving Out Is Moving Up in Life

If you’ve decided that it’s finally time to get out on your own, then congratulations! This is a monumental step. Help yourself by planning and performing prep-work to make the process a smooth one.

Save Yourself Time, Money, and Stress – Hire Experienced, Professional Movers

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Rain or shine, summer or fall, we’re there for you! Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

Surrey: A Quick Guide and Why You’ll Love It

Ask any Canadian what makes our country so great, and the top of the list is the abundance of natural diversity we enjoy. From the mountains to the seaside to the big cities and every spot in between, there is literally something to love about every part of the country. And that is true in the province of British Columbia. One of the hottest cities in this area (at least in terms of moving) is Surrey. Let’s take a look at why you’ll love Surrey and how to prepare if you are planning to move to this great city.

Why Should You Move to Surrey

First, let’s look at the many reasons why Surrey is such a great location:

  • Probably the most popular reason to choose Surrey is its proximity to Vancouver. Surrey is just a little over 30 km from the provincial capital of Vancouver, but this is a relatively short commute if you plan to work in Vancouver and live in Surrey. This is an especially smart move since Surrey is much more affordable than Vancouver, which is currently the third most expensive city in Canada to live in.
  • Another major draw is the area’s natural beauty. The city has become famous for having over 600 parks and 200 walking trails. Unlike other areas of Canada, it rarely snows and has a much more temperate climate making it a great place to enjoy the outdoors in areas such as Crescent Beach and Surrey Bend Regional Park.

  • Finally, the great nightlife, restaurants, and retail locations make this a wonderful place for families or singles to enjoy. The area also has great schools from elementary to high school and also has higher education options with Simon Fraser University and Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

    What Do You Need to Do Before You Move to Surrey?

Moving to any new town brings with it both headaches and excitement. Here’s a quick checklist of what you need to do before you move:

  • Find Your New Home — First things first! Find your new home. There are six main communities that make up Surrey: Cloverdale, Fleetwood, Guildford, Newton, South Surrey, and Whalley. Be sure to do your research to find the area that is the best fit for your needs and your budget.

  • Pick Your Moving Company — If you’re moving to a new town (or even a new province), there’s a lot you need to focus on. Take a lot of tasks off your plate by hiring professional movers to handle your move. These movers can ensure your belongings are properly packed and loaded. They can also keep your goods safe in transit and can even set up major pieces like furniture once you arrive at your new home. This saves you a lot of time, energy, and backbreaking work so you can enjoy the move as much as possible.

  • Switch Utilities and Change Addresses — Before you leave your old home, make sure that you fill out all your change of address paperwork so you can get your mail. But you also need to update your address with the government to continue your health care without interruption. (It’s also a good idea to start researching new healthcare providers in Surrey when you arrive.) Finally, make sure you switch the utilities: have the internet and television set up, and ready to go when you move in.

    Find Out What Makes Surrey the Hot New Place to Be

Surrey is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after addresses in Canada. If you are interested in moving there, you will need to do a little research to find the right area and home for you before you start packing.

Move Without Worry or Stress. Hire Experienced Movers That Care.

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

5 Uses for Boxes After a Move

Most of us are trying to be more environmentally conscious these days and that can mean doing a lot of things differently. One way you can help is to reduce the amount of stuff you throw out while finding ways to reuse things in your home. 

When you move into a new home, one of the biggest items that usually go straight into the garbage can is the enormous number of moving boxes. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can find a way to reuse those moving boxes after your move in some truly creative ways. 

Here are five of our favourite uses for boxes after a move:

 

  1. Storage boxes — One of the most obvious ways to reuse moving boxes is to reinforce them with heavy-duty packing tape and use them as storage boxes. Many of us have items like holiday decorations or yard supply items that need to be kept stored neatly in the garage or attic. 

Use your moving boxes as storage boxes for those items so they are organized in your new home. Be sure to put a large label on the outside of the boxes so you don’t have to search through each box to find out what is inside.

  1. Gift boxes  —  Ever notice how you always seem to need and never seem to have on hand different-sized boxes for gifts, especially around the holidays? If you’ve ever tried to wrap a gift that is an odd shape or oversized, then you know that a large moving box would be a perfect option. If you want to keep your moving boxes for the next holiday season, simply break them down and then store them flat in a closet or garage along with your collection of wrapping papers and Christmas bows. 
  2. Gardening — There are actually a couple of options for your boxes if you are into gardening. First, you can go with a simple option and add them to your compost heap. If you do this, then it can become part of the mulch that will go on to make your garden grow well.
    You can also take some of your boxes and turn them into home planters. Especially if you have an apartment or a smaller house without much of a yard, you can turn them into planter boxes that can grow small plants or flowers.
  3. DIY Projects — The cardboard found in the moving boxes can be used for a variety of DIY projects. You can make everything from homemade cat-scratching posts to smaller things like thank-you-notes that are much sturdier than your normal store-bought variety. You can also save the pieces for your kids’ school projects. From dioramas to science fair project backdrops, cardboard boxes can be used for a variety of school projects and other arts-and-crafts projects. 
  4. Playtime — Probably the best use of an empty box is the simplest—use it for your children’s playtime. When we get down to it, most kids don’t really need expensive store-bought toys and fancy electronics. 

Many young children are perfectly happy using boxes to express their imagination. Use the boxes to make forts that they can play inside or homemade doll houses that they can paint and decorate as they want to personalize their play.

Being Creative with Your Moving Boxes Is Doing Good for the Earth

No one wants a bunch of old moving boxes lying around the house, but there is also something kind of wasteful when you dump them for the garbage crews to pick up. That’s why we suggest you use some of these tips to repurpose your old boxes so that you can find new uses for them.

Move Without Worry or Stress. Hire Experienced Movers That Care.

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.