Moving Tips

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The adage “Your home is your castle” is absolutely true. But what happens when your castle must face outside invaders? Earlier this fall, in British Columbia,  the unseasonably warm weather has brought with it an invasion of stinkbugs and other insects not normally found this late in the year.

If you’re having problems with any of these insects, or you have a new home and you want to head them off before they become a problem, you’re in luck! There are a few steps you can take to protect your new home.

Take these 4 steps to pest-proof your home:

1. Start Fresh with a Bug Inspection/Fumigation If you’re moving into a new home, then you want to start with an inspection by an extermination expert. Your home should have already been inspected for termites to determine there is no damage to the home. But you also want to get someone who can look around for spider and roach infestations and even larger “critters” like squirrels or possums. If you can, hire an expert to fumigate the house before you move in so that is one less thing for you to worry about as you start living in your new home.
2. Clean Out the House
   Before you move in, make sure that you clean the new house from top to bottom. Insects and animals will come in looking for food and water. If there are leaks that might cause puddles to form or crumbs hidden in the corners of the baseboards, this could be a smorgasbord for ants and other bugs. Get all the cobwebs out as well.
3. Check Your Boxes and Toss them Out Quickly
   If you’re moving into a new home, you’ll be bringing a lot of boxes with you. What you may not realize is that pests can hitch a ride inside these boxes and you may actually be bringing them with you from your old home.
   As you are boxing things up for the move, make sure that you check them and seal them to ensure that nothing has gotten inside. If you are using a storage center temporarily while you wait to move in, make sure that it is reputable and has a good record for cleanliness, ie. being pest-free.
4. Finally, once you’ve moved in, empty those boxes and toss them out as quickly as possible. If an insect or critter did hitch a ride, you want to get rid of the box (and the pest) before they can move out and set up shop in your new home.

Clean Up the Yard and Trees

It’s the last area we think about when moving into a new home. The lawn and area surrounding the home. If you have high weeds surrounding the house, you’ll want to do a thorough inspection of everywhere you and your family will be spending time. Don’t forget your pets!

Depending on where you live, you could find anything from ticks, ants, snakes, or rabbits setting up home in the cover. Don’t put ant poison out for ant hills as they may move inside your home looking for food or shelter.

A good exterior inspection of the house is important here to look for any places where larger pests could possibly use to get inside. Finally, make sure your trees are trimmed so that the branches are not near your home. Not only will this protect you during storms, but it will keep squirrels from using the branches to get into your attic or crawlspaces.

An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure

Nobody wants a house overrun with pests. Unfortunately, the changes in weather have left some parts of the country with an unseasonably warm fall and early winter, which is making bugs more rampant. If you are moving into a new home, take these steps to ensure that you start things off with a pest-free abode.

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.