Moving Tips

Moving day is here! It’s the culmination of weeks, maybe even months, of preparation and hard work. For families moving into a new home, it’s a mix of excitement and stress. You may be wondering, what should I be doing while the movers move all our stuff?

Movers take care of many aspects of moving. Still, there are many jobs that need to be completed before you are finally ready to say goodbye to your current home. To ensure your move goes smoothly, we’re sharing essential tips to keep in mind on the big day.

What You Can Do While the Movers Move Your Stuff on Moving Day:

 1 – Be Present

Being present on moving day is crucial. Your movers need guidance and communication to execute the move efficiently. Ensure you’re available to answer any questions and offer assistance.

2 – Conduct a Home Tour

Before the heavy lifting begins, give your movers a quick tour of your home. Point out special items that require extra care and highlight any fragile or valuable belongings. This prevents any mishandling and ensures your prized possessions are moved with the utmost care.

3 – Provide Parking Instructions

Set aside a designated parking spot for the moving truck. This avoids unnecessary fines and ensures the movers have easy access to your home. In some areas, you might need to arrange for a parking permit in advance.

4 – Clear the Path

Safety is paramount. Ensure all pathways are clear of obstacles to prevent any trips and falls. This includes removing any rugs, cords, or clutter that could be potential hazards.

5 – Keep Kids and Pets Occupied

Moving day can be chaotic, and the last thing you need is kids or pets getting underfoot. Arrange for a babysitter and/or a pet sitter to keep them safe and occupied during the move.

6 – Offer Refreshments

Moving is hard work. Keeping your movers hydrated and fed will boost their energy and morale. Offering snacks and drinks is a small gesture that goes a long way in maintaining a positive atmosphere.

7 – Be Available for Quick Decisions

On moving day, quick decisions are often necessary. Whether it’s deciding where to place a piece of furniture or addressing an unexpected issue, staying on hand allows you to make swift choices and keep the move on track.

8 – Protect Your Floors

Heavy foot traffic can leave your floors looking worse for wear. Use protective coverings like floor runners or old sheets to shield your flooring from scuffs and dirt.

9 – Have Essential Supplies Handy

Keep a toolbox, cleaning supplies, and any other essentials readily accessible. You never know when you’ll need to tighten a screw, clean up a spill, or make a quick fix.

10 – Double-Check the Inventory

Before the movers leave, double-check the inventory list. Ensure everything is accounted for and in good condition. This is especially important if you’re using a moving company that provides inventory services.

Moving Day May Be Busy, but It Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful

Moving can be a daunting task, but with these tips, you can alleviate some of the stress and ensure everything goes smoothly. Remember, hiring a highly reviewed, award-winning, and experienced moving company can make all the difference. Our team of professionals provides a seamless and stress-free moving experience. 

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.

After the excitement of moving into a new home wears off, you may find yourself staring at a collection of old furniture that doesn’t quite fit the style or aesthetic of your new space. But before browsing for new pieces, consider the eco-friendly and budget-friendly option of upcycling your existing furniture. Creativity and elbow grease can transform your old furniture into unique, stylish pieces that perfectly suit your new home.

Benefits of Upcycling Furniture

1. Saves Money: Upcycling your existing furniture is significantly cheaper than buying new pieces, allowing you to allocate more of your budget to other aspects of settling into your new home.
2. Reduces Waste: By repurposing old furniture instead of discarding it, you’re keeping it out of landfills and reducing your environmental impact.
3. Allows for Customization: Upcycling will enable you to customize your furniture to perfectly match your personal style and the aesthetic of your new space.
4. Creates Unique Pieces: Upcycled furniture is one-of-a-kind, adding character and personality to your home.

Creative Upcycling Ideas for Your Furniture

Paint and Stencils

One of the simplest ways to give old furniture a new lease on life is with a fresh coat of paint. Choose a color that complements your new home’s color scheme, and consider using stencils to add intricate patterns or designs for a more customized look.

Reupholstery

If your old sofa or armchair is still structurally sound but has seen better days, consider re-upholstering it. Choose a fabric that suits your new home’s style, whether it’s a bold pattern or a neutral texture. You can even mix and match fabrics for a unique, eclectic look.

Hardware Swap

Updating the hardware on old dressers, cabinets, or nightstands can make a significant impact with minimal effort. Replace old knobs and pulls with sleek, modern options or vintage-inspired pieces to give your furniture a fresh, new look.

Decoupage

Decoupage is the art of decorating surfaces with paper cutouts. This technique adds interest to old furniture pieces like side tables, dressers, or headboards. Choose paper with patterns or images that suit your new home’s aesthetic for a cohesive look.

Functionality Refresh

Look for ways to change the functionality of your old furniture to suit your new space better. For example, turn an old ladder into a unique bookshelf, repurpose a vintage suitcase as a side table, or convert an old door into a rustic headboard.

Tips for a Successful Upcycling Project

1. Plan Ahead: Before starting your project, take measurements and create a plan to ensure your upcycled piece will fit and function well in your new space.
2. Prepare Your Space: Set up a dedicated workspace for your upcycling project, and protect your floors and surfaces from paint or debris.
3. Gather Supplies: Make a list of all the supplies you’ll need for your project, including tools, paint, fabric, and hardware, and purchase them ahead of time to avoid delays.
4. Take Your Time: Upcycling furniture can be a time-consuming process, so be patient and take your time to ensure a quality finished product.

Upcycling Furniture After a Move

Upcycling furniture is a great way to refresh your home after a move. Still, it’s important to remember that moving can be stressful and time-consuming. To make your move as smooth as possible, consider hiring experienced professional movers like Crescent Moving and Storage. 

As an award-winning, family-owned business, Crescent Moving and Storage can handle all aspects of your move, from packing to transport to unpacking, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home and planning your upcycling projects.

Get Started with Crescent Moving and Storage

Ready to start your upcycling journey in your new home? Contact Crescent Moving and Storage today for a free estimate and to learn more about their comprehensive moving services. 

They can make your transition to your new space as seamless as possible. With their expertise and your creativity, you’ll be settled into your new home with beautifully upcycled furniture in no time.

Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone but comes with its fair share of responsibilities. One of the most crucial aspects of settling into your new space is securing it. After all, your home is your sanctuary, and you want to feel safe and protected within its walls. Let’s explore essential home security tips to help you secure your new space after the move.

10 Tips to Safely Secure Your New Home:

1 – Change the Locks

The first step in securing your new home is to change all the locks. You never know who might have had access to the keys before you moved in. 

Even if the previous owners seem trustworthy, it’s better to err on the side of caution. Hire a professional locksmith to install new locks on all doors, including the garage and other entry points.

2 – Install a Security System

A security system is an excellent investment for your new home. It provides an extra layer of protection and can deter potential intruders. 

Choose a system with door and window sensors, motion detectors, and surveillance cameras. Many modern security systems can be controlled through your smartphone, allowing you to monitor your home even when you’re away.

3 – Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

In today’s digital age, securing your Wi-Fi network is just as important as securing your physical space. An unsecured network can allow hackers to access your personal information and compromise your home security. 

Change the default password on your router and enable WPA2 encryption. Consider setting up a guest network for visitors to use, keeping your primary network private.

4 – Light Up the Exterior

A well-lit exterior can deter burglars and make your home less appealing to potential intruders. Install motion-activated lights around the perimeter of your property, especially near entry points. Consider adding timers to your interior lights to create the illusion that someone is home even when you’re away.

5 – Get to Know Your Neighbors

Building relationships with your neighbors can go a long way in keeping your home secure. Introduce yourself to the people living nearby and exchange contact information. 

A tight-knit community is more likely to look out for one another and report suspicious activity. Consider joining or starting a neighborhood watch program to enhance the security of your area further.

6 – Secure Your Windows

Windows are a common entry point for burglars, so it’s crucial to ensure they are correctly secured. Install window locks on all windows, even those on the second floor. 

Consider adding window sensors to your security system for added protection. If you have sliding glass doors, place a wooden dowel or metal bar in the track to prevent them from being forced open.

7 – Don’t Advertise Your Absence

Avoid announcing your vacation plans or extended absences on social media. Burglars often scour online platforms for potential targets. If you’ll be away for an extended period, arrange for someone to collect your mail and newspapers so they don’t pile up and signal that your home is unoccupied.

8 – Properly Store Valuables

Don’t leave valuable items, such as jewelry or important documents, in plain sight. Consider investing in a safe or hiding them in unconventional places. Keep an inventory of your valuable possessions, including serial numbers and photographs, in case they are stolen, and you need to file an insurance claim.

9 – Maintain Your Landscaping

Overgrown bushes and trees can provide cover for burglars and make it easier for them to break in undetected. Keep your landscaping well-maintained and trim any foliage that obscures the view of your windows or doors. Consider planting thorny bushes beneath ground-floor windows to deter potential intruders.

10 – Hire Professional Movers

While it may not seem directly related to home security, hiring experienced professional movers can actually contribute to a safer move. Reputable companies like Crescent Moving and Storage have trained staff who are background-checked and experienced in handling your belongings with care. This reduces the risk of damage to your property during the move and allows you to focus on other important tasks, like securing your new home.

Moving into a new home is a significant undertaking. Still, by implementing these home security tips, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your space is safe and secure. Remember, taking proactive steps to protect your home is always worth the effort.

Ensure a Smooth, Stress-Free Moving Experience

Hire Crescent Moving and Storage, our team of experienced professionals will handle your belongings with the utmost care, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home and implementing these essential security measures. Contact us today for a free moving quote and to learn more about our services to assist you with your upcoming move.

Moving is an intense, exhilarating, and often stressful experience. It can be a symphony of logistical challenges, emotional goodbyes, and new beginnings. One of the most crucial pre-move tasks is selling your current home and doing so quickly can free you from the strain of double mortgages or looming deadlines. With these seven tips for a swift home sale, you can streamline the process and ease into your future with assurance and calm.

Here Are 7 Tips to Sell Your Home Fast Before Your Next Big Move:

Tip #1 – Understand the Real Estate in Your Area

Understanding the local real estate market is like scouting the battlefield before a war. It’s the foundational knowledge that informs all your subsequent decisions. Before anything else, scout the trends in your area. 

Is it a buyer’s or seller’s market? 

How do competing homes compare with yours? 

Research sales prices for similar properties to determine a fair and competitive listing price. Knowledge is power, and in real estate, it’s the key to swift deal closing.

Tip #2 – The Right Real Estate Agent Can Make the Difference

When time is of the essence, partnering with an experienced real estate agent is strategic. Agents possess insights into local market dynamics and possess the network to market your home effectively. 

Seek referrals or browse for agents with a quick home sales track record. Remember, the right agent can significantly shorten your time on the market, so don’t cut corners in this critical selection.

Tip #3 – Choose Experienced, Professional Movers

The movers you select are pivotal in the choreography of your move. If you’re staging your home, you may need to unload certain items into storage temporarily. 

Professional movers with storage solutions can alleviate the stress and streamline both the home staging and moving processes. Look for movers with positive customer feedback and industry affiliations to ensure a smooth transition.

Tip #4 – Make Necessary Home Repairs

In the dispassionate eyes of a buyer, every scratch, wrinkle, and blemish detract from the perceived value of your home. To present your home in its best light, complete the necessary repairs. 

A fresh coat of paint can work wonders, as can small repairs like fixing leaky faucets and creaky doors. The polished façade might be the key to a quick and lucrative sale.

Tip #5 – Increase Light and Reduce Clutter

Light is a home’s natural magnifier. Bright and airy interiors create warmth and invite potential buyers to see how their lifestyle fits inside the house’s layout. Keeping personal effects and tchotchkes to a minimum helps tremendously in selling your home quickly.

Maximize illumination by replacing dim bulbs with brighter lights, keeping curtains open during showings, and, if needed, repainting dark rooms with lighter colors. This simple step can create a buyer’s emotional connection to your home, significantly reducing its time on the market.

Tip #6 – Clean Your Home Better Than You Ever Have

Before welcoming potential buyers, give your home a thorough cleaning. An immaculate home is more than a sight to behold; it invites you to envision your life within its walls. 

Dust bunnies and grime can overshadow the most exceptional features of your home. Professional cleaning services can be an investment that yields substantial returns by accelerating your home’s sale.

Tip #7 – It’s All About Curb Appeal

Curb appeal isn’t just for vanity; it’s your home’s first handshake with a buyer’s eyes. Stand across the street and ask yourself if your home beckons as kindly as possible. 

Simple enhancements like landscaping, exterior painting, and a well-tended entryway can create an immediate and lasting impression. Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression—in real estate, this adage rings especially true.

Taking These Steps Can Increase Your Home’s Worth While Selling Quickly

Implementing these tips will allow you to take proactive measures to sell your home quickly and potentially increase its selling price. A hot property market might mirror the frenzied pace of your life as you prepare to relocate, but with careful preparation, you’ll be sure to hurdle the obstacles and cross the finish line to your new home.

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.

Moving to a new home can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when transporting your gadgets and gizmos. Packing electronics for a move isn’t like tossing clothes into a suitcase — it’s a task that requires more nuance and care. Since these devices are integral to our daily lives and often carry sensitive information, ensuring they arrive at your new destination unscathed is paramount.

Here Are 5 Important Tips for Packing Electronics When You Move:

1 – Back-Up Important Documents and Files

Before anything else, safeguard your data. Backing up important files and documents is a crucial first step in preparing your electronics for a move. 

Whether through a cloud service or an external hard drive, ensure you have duplicate copies of everything important. Devices can be replaced, but a lifetime’s worth of photos and documents cannot.

2 – Use The Right Type of Electronics Packaging Boxes

When moving, the correct box makes all the difference. Professional movers know how to pack electronics in sturdy, appropriately sized boxes that protect them during transit. In most cases, the proper supplies are included with professional movers.

Don’t skimp on this step! Seek out specially designed electronic boxes with double walls for extra protection; your devices deserve it.

Use Special Packing Materials for Your Electronic Equipment

Bubble wrap and foam padding are the suits of armor for your electronics. Carefully wrap each piece of equipment to cushion against bumps and jostles. 

Ensure there’s no room for movement inside the boxes — the less they move, the better. And don’t forget to seal those packages with strong packing tape for added security.

3 – Organize Cables and Peripherals 

Cables are the lifelines of electronic devices and misplacing one can be a real headache. Organize and label these cables before packing them. 

You can employ cable ties or plastic bags and labels to keep everything in order. Don’t forget power cords and accessories. This step will not only protect your cables during the move but also save you countless hours of frustration trying to figure out what goes where when setting up your electronics again.

4 – Remove Delicate or Temperature-Sensitive Accessories Inside Your Electronics

Heat and electronics don’t mix well. Remove temperature-sensitive items, such as batteries or CDs, to prevent damage from temperature fluctuations. Store these separately, preferably in a climate-controlled setting.

Delicate items should be removed and packed well. Moving can be hard on technical items that require calibration to work. There may not be a way to overpack for these items, especially considering how expensive some of the devices can be. This is an important step you don’t want to overlook.

5 – Give Special Attention and Packing to the Screens of Your Devices

Screens are often the most vulnerable part of electronic devices. Whether it’s your TV, computer monitor, or tablet, make sure to pack screens with a protective covering such as foam coverings or wrap them generously in bubble wrap. For added protection, consider packing them in their original boxes if you still have them.

Moving Electronics Safely Requires Careful Planning

Protect your investment in the electronic equipment and devices you’ve purchased by using proper materials, planning, and a gentle touch. From backing up your data to wrapping and padding your devices, each step is crucial in making sure your electronics are protected. Remember, paying attention to the details now can save you time and money, helping ensure you’re set up and ready to go in your new home. 

Want to ensure ALL your electronics are moved properly? Don’t hesitate to call in the professionals. Experienced professional movers understand how to pack electronics for relocations effectively, and they can provide that extra level of care and expertise your valuable devices need.

Choose Crescent Moving and Storage for Your Next Move

When you choose Crescent Moving you are getting a team of professional movers who are licensed and insured, bonded, and Certified by the Canadian Association of Movers. Our certified moving agents guarantee the best door-to-door service. Get a FREE, no-obligation quote: https://crescentmovingandstorage.com/moving-quote/

Moving doesn’t have to be a source of stress and anxiety. By choosing the right professional mover, you can ensure your relocation is as seamless as possible. When researching potential professional movers for either local or long-distance moves, be sure to look for certain traits that indicate an experienced team ready to provide you with quality service and not a fly-by-night organization that will leave you with a disaster. The following are the hallmarks of reliable professionals who will help reduce your worries about moving day!

7 Traits to Look for In Your Next Moving Company

Your upcoming move doesn’t have to be stressful. By doing your due diligence in researching professional moving companies, you can make sure the one you choose is reliable and qualified for the job. 

Reputable movers should possess these seven key traits: 

1 – A Legitimate License 

To guarantee a reputable moving company, it is always best to verify their authorizations and licenses. Although licensed companies may cost more upfront, they can provide you with important protection in the case of an unexpected event – no extra paperwork or financing costs are needed! 

If seeking help from a reliable mover, the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) can be consulted for trustworthy providers. These licensed companies can also provide you with something incredibly valuable — peace of mind that your move is in the right hands.

2 – Positive Feedback from Other Customers 

Understanding the value of online reviews is vital during your search for a reliable moving company. Ask trusted neighbors, relatives, and colleagues to offer insights into their experiences – it’s often one of the best indicators as to whether you should put faith in that business or not. 

But you should also look at the online reviews as well. When looking through Yelp or other online reviews, beware of reviews that are a little too glowing as they may be fake. But also look at the negative reviews closely to see if they are legitimate issues or needless nitpicking. 

Moving your home requires careful planning; therefore, look for companies that have a good reputation when it comes to customer satisfaction. Opting for an award-winning service guarantees excellence throughout every stage of the relocation process!

3 – Long-Standing Industry Experience 

Another sign you want to look for is a company that has been in the business for years. Just because a company is new doesn’t mean they aren’t reliable. But it is a good sign that if a company has been around for years, they are more likely someone you can trust with your belongings. If they have managed to make it this long, then they must be doing something right!

4 – Recognition as Reputable Professionals (within the field of moving services) 

Professional organizations aren’t just thought of highly by their customers. Many of them belong to organizations within their field that provide them with feedback and ratings. Look for those who have been recognized by professional organizations such as the Canadian Association of Movers. This can help you determine who the established moving companies really are.

5 – Highly Trained Team Members 

A truly important characteristic is that any moving professional you are looking at hiring employs highly trained team members to handle your move. These are members who are capable of safely handling belongings during transport and packing/unpacking your belongings with great care and efficiency. If you are going to pay for professional movers, you want those who do this regularly and know the best way to safely move any item, no matter how delicate or cumbersome it may be.

6 – Active Involvement in the Communities They Serve 

If you want a real indicator that a business isn’t a “here today, gone tomorrow” proposition, look at how involved they are in the local community. The top businesses participate in civic matters on an ongoing basis within the local communities where they operate.

7 – Processes That Help Optimize Time Management 

Finally, the best moving companies are those that use time management solutions when it comes to planning out residential or commercial moves properly ahead of schedule. These are the companies that know how to save time (and money) by efficiently packing up quickly.

Don’t Risk Your Sanity or Your Furniture – Hire True Moving Professionals

Trusting complete strangers to handle your precious belongings can be nerve-wracking. But if you look for these seven characteristics when you are doing research for your moving company, then you will be able to relax knowing qualified, experienced professionals are handling your move.

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.