Tag: moving

How To Move Out Of Your Parents’ House?

Posted on by Dorothy

Congrats and good luck for taking the first step toward becoming a grownup! There are numerous benefits to living at home with your parents, such as cost savings and support from the family, but now you will have independence, and you’ll love it. A first-time mover could have concerns. It may be both exciting and scary to leave your parents’ home since this stage is equally about freedom and making your way into the world. You take on more obligations when you move away from home. While remaining grounded, there are strategies to simplify the entire process. The instructions in this article will help you successfully begin your new life and move out of your parents’ house. We are glad to help you on your journey when you are ready to take that step.

Make sure your leaving is motivated by the proper reasons

Whatever you choose to do after leaving your parent’s home, it is a huge challenge. Therefore, before you move out of your parents’ house, consider whether are you able to manage the cost of paying your rent and other expenses. It is also important to know do you adapt well to new experiences, or do you wish to explore relationships and activities that aren’t possible where you now live. Or maybe you just dislike the rules your parents have set for you. If you can answer any of those questions with “yes”, then maybe it’s time for you to go.

Consider delaying this choice if your urge to move out is motivated by societal pressure, you’re just temporarily dissatisfied with your family, or you are unable to afford to move.

A Young Woman Is Moving Out Of A Parents' House

Speak with your family

Inform your family that you are planning to leave, and go over your options. It’s possible that your parents are ready for you to go and have been urging you to do so for some time. Or maybe they want you to stay forever. No matter what they think of the situation, it’s important to make your plans and your relocating strategy clear to them. Just keep in mind that even though they are thrilled for you and your new life, they can still be a little sorry to see you leave. When making them aware of your plans to move out, be highly conscious of their needs and feelings.

You can get in contact with the services you’ll need along the way, such as movers, lenders, and real estate agents, by asking family and friends who have moved in the past.

Set a budget

The most important thing, when you need to move out of your parents’ house, is money. Moving out on your own will definitely cost you money. There are a few additional expenses, ranging from moving your possessions to paying your security deposit. If you’re relocating to a different state, these costs will rise even higher. Even if this isn’t the most enjoyable aspect of moving out, it’s a good idea to optimize your finances.

Did you know that landlords look at your credit history to decide if you’ll be able to pay the rent on time? You are required to pay your rent and other monthly payments on time, therefore you must go through a thorough evaluation of your financial status in order to rent an apartment. There are two categories of expenses: fixed and variable. Variable expenditures change from month to month while fixed expenses remain constant. Before you make the decision to move out for the first time, figure out how much you can spend on each category based on your current or expected income.

Setting The Moving Budget

Start looking for a new home

The apartment search is maybe the most thrilling part of moving out. Start with making a list of everything you need in your future apartment. You may then compare that list to an apartment that you can afford. Remember that you can face other costs related to your apartment in addition to your rent. The property owner may also ask for extra maintenance costs and utilities. If the rents are expensive for you, consider living in an apartment with a roommate. This might result in a rent reduction of more than 50%.

Think about how far you have to go to work and which facilities are most essential to you. Make sure your chosen neighborhood matches your preferences if you like access to outdoor activities, restaurants, cinemas, or shopping. You may start submitting applications to apartments once you’ve narrowed your search. Make sure to prepare the necessary documents for your apartment application in advance.

Hire movers or get the assistance of friends

If you want to move out of your parents’ house, we advise getting friends or experts to help you relocate unless you have very little to move. If you’re planning a DIY move with friends, think about hiring a moving truck from a reliable company. You may employ moving and storage Brooklyn professionals to aid with packing the moving boxes Brooklyn, loading, and unloading. If you want to reduce moving stress, hire experts to help with some aspects of the relocation. This will undoubtedly be less expensive than employing full-service movers to manage the entire relocation.

Consider hiring long distance movers Brooklyn if you’re moving a long distance or have a lot of items to transport. You’ll have less stress during your relocation if you employ more services. If you decided to hire movers, make sure to reserve their services as long in advance as you can. Moving at the last minute is more expensive than planning ahead. Additionally, if you wait until the last minute, it could be tough to find movers who are available on your dates. If you want to lower the cost of your moving, schedule it during the week rather than on the weekend.

 

Finally, it’s time to gather your belongings and start living a more responsible life. Moving out is stressful. Being organized is the only way to reduce anxiety. Make sure you’re prepared financially and emotionally so you can benefit the most from your new experiences. Every difficult step on the path will be worth it after you feel and taste your newfound independence.

What Are The Average Moving Costs

Posted on by Dorothy

Without question, one of the few life experiences that affect everyone, despite location or socioeconomic standing, is moving. Millions of Americans relocate around the country each year, according to statistics. Whether you’re moving to another state for a new job, or just changing the apartment, moving your belongings takes time and effort. That’s why hiring a moving company is a great way to make the process less demanding and stressful for you. However, finding out how much movers charge may be tricky and complicated. Before deciding if using movers or a moving service is best for you and your finances, you should do some research. This article explains the most important factors that might impact price as well as what are the average moving costs.

Moving Costs

Important factors in the calculation of moving costs:

The average cost of hiring one of the movers services Brooklyn might change depending on a number of factors. It may also get complicated due to the various costs that some moving services may charge you. There are a few terms you should pay attention to, including base pricing, hourly rate, truck cost, and price per mover. The quantity of your move, whether you’re moving locally or across the state, and the qualities of your belongings might all affect your final cost.

There is no fixed relocation cost because no two houses that are the same. You should be able to obtain a baseline estimate that is later modified for you considering how far you’re moving, the number of movers required, the number of rooms and pieces of furniture you have, and how accessible your items are. As we just covered, a number of factors contribute to the overall cost of your relocation. You probably do have a moving budget, though, and you need a starting point.

Distance

For shorter transfers (under 100 miles), you can ask for an estimate based on the number of things being moved. Because the distance is less and it is easier to calculate the costs, some local moving companies provide fixed travel fees rather than charging by the mile.

There are often no set costs for long-distance moves. Moving outside of a 100-mile radius or across state lines will cost more since you will additionally have to pay for the distance traveled, fuel, and travel time.

Distance Affects The Moving Costs

Amount to move

It’s not just the distance of your relocation that will result in a considerable price variation. Moving special things like pianos could result in additional moving costs. Therefore, be on the lookout for any heavy goods you possess and ask your moving company to include them upfront in the free moving estimate to prevent a surprising price in the end.

If you’re moving between already furnished apartments, there won’t be as many items that need heavy lifting by several movers. This might reduce your overall moving costs if you are simply relocating your personal belongings in boxes. Moving the contents of a furnished one-bedroom apartment costs less than moving the contents of a five-bedroom house, depending on the amount of furniture and appliances being relocated.

On the other hand, packing and relocating a more-bedroom house with all of its furnishings takes a lot longer. After all, a significantly larger moving truck is required to transport it all. Following that, the moving company will attempt to estimate the kinds of rooms that will be relocated. Living rooms typically have fragile TVs and big, heavy furnishings. Attics, basements, and garages can have many stored boxes. Bedroom furniture is usually massive and bulky. By evaluating each of these variables, a custom estimate for your relocation will be provided by your chosen moving company.

Access

Moving companies will also consider whether is it difficult or not to access your house or apartment. If there are many steps to climb without an elevator, moving bulky furniture and other goods will take more time and effort. Depending on how difficult it is to reach your home, movers could charge an extra fee. The amount of time it takes the movers to load your items onto the truck determines how long the move will last. We advise arranging as many of your boxes and bags in one location close to the truck. Particularly if your residence has many floors. Additionally, it’s also important to try to pick a moving truck parking spot that is close to the entrance to your home.

Additional fees and relevant factors:

Packing and unpacking

Many people find it more comfortable to leave the packing and unpacking of a home to experienced movers. Thanks to their resources, movers will pack appliances for relocation in no time. You may want to take only a few boxes of your personal stuff and leave the rest at home. Keep in mind that it may cost you an additional several hundred dollars or more to hire movers to pack up your possessions, regardless of how easy it is. If you are willing to pack your own belongings rather than hiring movers, you will save money. Finding old boxes rather than brand-new ones is another way to save money.

Packing Costs Moving

Extra-large or fragile items

Any specialized, delicate, or very large items you may have may cost extra to transport. This might include things like a hot tub, pool table, artworks, etc. The relocation will take longer, and your shipment of items will weigh more as well. Costs can go up as a result of this. As a general rule, moving will cost more the more stuff you need to transport.

Insurance

The fact that your possessions will be immediately insured by limited liability insurance is one benefit of working with a reputable moving company. Whether movers offer moving insurance or not is one of the best ways to evaluate local moving companies. Also, you should consider buying additional insurance if you possess a lot of pricey items. You should make a request in advance because it might not be available on the day of the relocation.

 

Okay, people, that’s it! You are now aware of the expense of moving. If you’re prepared to move forward with your plans, hire a professional moving and storage Brooklyn service to assist with this important task. Here, at Dorothy And Martha Moving, we make sure your relocation goes without problems. Just remember to be organized, as you get ready for the big moving day, and don’t forget to give yourself time for breaks.

How To Help Your Movers?

Posted on by Dorothy

Whether you’re moving for the first time or already have experience on the matter, it’s important to plan and organize the whole process before it starts. Usually, moving consists of several tasks, including packing, loading, transport, unloading, and unpacking all of your belongings. Depending on how big your place is, you’ll need some time to pack and clean the property. This can be very time-consuming. As if all these tasks aren’t tiring enough, moving is ranked as one of the most stressful events you can experience in your lifetime. We are aware that this statement sounds pretentious. But there are too many tasks to think of, especially if you have never dealt with anything similar. One of the ways to make your move easier is to learn how you can help your movers do a better job.

Whether you are moving nearby or you need to prepare for a cross-country move, you’ll need a vast amount of time, money, and energy to take care of the whole process. In addition, there are very important decisions you have to make. One of the most important ones is choosing the right way to conduct your move. There are two ways you can choose from. You can perform the whole move by yourself or hire a professional moving company to take care of the whole thing for you. However, choosing the right movers isn’t an easy job. It will require research and taking enough time to explore all available options. If you’ve decided on the moving company you want to hire and want to learn how to help your movers, check out the following text below.

A Mover And Customer

No Surprises

One of the main things you need to know is that you should avoid surprising your movers. Avoid showing up with a bunch of stuff on a moving day without letting them know. This is one of the common moving-day mistakes to avoid. They must know in advance if they should transport additional items. Let’s say, you’ve already received an estimate, and you add more stuff on top of it. Your movers won’t be prepared to transport a new jacuzzi, bathtub, or a bunch of clothes that can easily fill up half of the moving van. By doing so, you’re risking a higher cost of the move ( and in some cases, a significantly higher cost) or even cancellation.

However, no one is saying you can’t purchase more stuff. But if you decide to do so, inform the movers at least a couple of days before the move. In any case, make sure to inform the movers of any possible changes that might occur. This is the only way they’ll be fully prepared to conduct the move in the best possible manner. So, if there are any changes, like, for instance, changing the time or even the date of the move, contact the desired moving service in a timely manner.

Drinks and Snacks

Even though you are paying movers for the job, they will need a lot of time and energy to move you. If you have many things to transport, chances are the whole process will be tiring, and they will sweat a lot. If you remember to offer them drinks and snacks, the movers will be more than grateful and value your effort. This way you’ll help your movers to perform the move more efficiently. However, when we say drinks and snacks, we’re referring to light snacks and cold drinks. Remember not to overdo it. In any case, a small act of kindness can truly go a long way.

Snacks In A Box

Don’t Get Bossy

We understand that you’re worried about the treatment of your belongings which is completely normal. However, avoid telling movers what to do and let them focus. Let them handle lifting and carrying heavy items. If you have worries about certain items, we highly recommend labeling moving boxes as fragile or hazardous. We’re not saying you shouldn’t point out how to take care of fragile items. It’s just that bossing them around isn’t a good idea since most movers have a hard time working under pressure. In any case, bossing them around isn’t smart and will usually serve them no purpose rather than stressing the movers out. They are perfectly capable to take care of the move in the best possible manner. What matters is that you choose a reputable and reliable moving service.

Valuables

For items like artwork and jewelry, we advise that you keep them with you. This way, you’re not risking any damage, loss, or even theft of your belongings, which will ease your mind. Besides, it isn’t the movers’ job to take care of your valuable items, meaning that if you don’t sign an insurance agreement, chances are you’ll have no one to hold accountable. However, if you want to help your movers and have a truly hassle-free move, we highly recommend getting insurance in agreement with the desired moving company.

A Jewelry Box

Kids and Pets

If it’s possible, keep your kids and pets entertained to ensure a hassle-free move. By doing so, you’re not only helping the movers but keeping your kids and pets safe and sound. If possible, get a babysitter, or pay for daycare. Injuries and accidents often happen, which is why we advise you to put some thought into keeping your kids occupied. In addition, make sure to clear the path of any possible obstacles to prevent injuries and damage to your belongings.

Cleaning

While your long distance movers Brooklyn take care of your belongings, we advise you to clean out the property. Cleaning out your residential junk before the local move is essential. Not only will you save up a bunch of your time, but you’ll also make sure that the move is performed in a timely manner which in some cases can lower the cost of your move.

How To Disassemble A Couch When Moving?

Posted on by Dorothy

Everyone experiences tension while moving. Packing and moving delicate furniture is a big issue for people who are relocating, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Before you begin loading the truck or moving van, disassembling your furniture is one of the best ways of making your move simple. The same goes if you have to disassemble a couch when moving.

You might not realize how difficult it can be to move a couch to a different house. Of course, the first thing to do is to determine if the couch is really worth the work. The time and money required to disassemble heavy furniture for movement, pack the individual pieces for safe transit, and move the piece to a new location are all directly related to transporting heavy furniture. Because of this, taking your large, heavy couch with you inevitably necessitates disassembling the furniture item for safety reasons.

The problem is that moving large furniture pieces intact—without first dismantling them—increases the likelihood of severe personal injury and expensive property damage. So, it’s crucial to know how to disassemble furniture when moving.

Couch Disassembled

Reasons why you should disassemble a couch when moving

Here are a few reasons why it’s generally a good idea to disassemble your couch before transporting it:

Easy transport

The couch will be easier to transport outside of the house and put into the truck if it is partially disassembled. And by doing this, you’ll safeguard both you and your workers from the serious injuries that frequently result from heavy lifting, including back strains, herniated disks, pinched nerves, and muscle injuries

Protecting walls and floors

If your couch is partially dismantled, you can leave the house without worrying about scratching the floor or walls. The elimination of any protruding components that may touch the walls or the floor and result in any kind of property damage is the primary factor contributing to a higher degree of safety. Also, when the couch is disassembled, it will be able to pass through all small openings and tight areas, like doorways, narrow and long hallways, sharp curves, and staircases much faster.

The tools you’ll need

Although each piece of furniture is unique, you’ll likely need some or all of the following tools before you start:

  • a screwdriver with flathead and Phillips heads
  • you’ll need a wrench or Allen key
  • a staple remover
  • pliers
  • a clawed hammer for removing nails

Let’s begin the disassembling now that you have all tools in your hands.

Hand Tool For Couch Disassembling

Take out all the furnishing

Remove the cushions and back if your couch has them. To prevent unintentional disposal, place the small pillows and couch cushions in plastic bags and mark them. The entire frame’s upholstery must be taken off as a first step. This applies to any glued-in fabric components, such as pillows, arm coverings, cushions, and so on. In order to prevent damage from boxes resting on them during transport, it is advisable to pack these things last. Before putting them on your moving truck, we advise putting them in zip-top bags to prevent anything from getting lost during transport.

Keep any mattresses or furnishings you want to reuse

This step kind of goes without saying because it’s basically the reverse of what you have just done. To save money, you may preserve any cushions or upholstery that are in good shape and use them on your new couch.

Take the couch’s arms and legs off

Unscrew the couch legs, or remove the screws holding most couch legs to the frame. Now that the couch’s legs have been removed, you may be able to fit it through your entryway and elevator.

If it’s still big, the arms of your couch should now be removed. In most cases, staples are used to secure the couch upholstery. Pull out the staples holding the couch’s upholstery using the staple remover or a flathead screwdriver. Remove the staples securing the upholstery on the arms after revealing the couch frame. Roll the cloth back until you can see where the couch’s base meets the arms. There are often two screws or bolts on each side that you should remove. Remove the arms while keeping the upholstery safe. Once both arms have been taken off, place them somewhere they won’t become forgotten or dirty until later in the procedure.

Disassembling A Couch

Remove the seat’s frame from the seat

The seat’s frame should be separated from the seat itself. All of the screws holding the frame and back support of your couch together should be removed using a screwdriver. When removing them, take caution not to press any buttons too hard because they are often fastened with tiny metal tabs that are easily broken. After removing all screws (usually three on each side), flip the couch over and stand it up on its front side. Make sure you replaced any loose or damaged screws during assembling if it won’t disassemble.

Get rid of the removed cushioning or upholstery materials

After you disassemble a couch for moving, getting rid of the cushioning is the last step! The best course of action for this is to take the items to your neighborhood recycling center for appropriate disposal unless they are still in excellent condition. There are also designated pick-up days in some places, where you may bring these goods out for collection.

Give yourself enough time to complete the task

Usually, tenants don’t realize they need to disassemble a couch before the moving day. It’s advisable to take measurements in advance. Depending on how the couch is built, disassembling it might take anything from 30 minutes to several hours. We’re sure you wouldn’t want to take on this duty while your goods are loaded into the truck. It all contributes to the stress of moving day.

Your couch shouldn’t be too difficult to disassemble for transportation. However, if you run into trouble and are unsure of how to continue, don’t be afraid to call in professional Brooklyn movers who will assist you when you need it the most. If you lack the necessary time or skill, or moving long-distance, let the expert long distance movers Brooklyn handle it for you and ensure that everything goes smoothly when you move. The antique furniture movers NYC will also assist you in disassembling and protecting other big and heavy pieces of furniture in your home. You want it to look wonderful in your new place, after all!

Moving Company or Moving Pods – How to Choose?

Posted on by Dorothy

There are a couple of ways to conduct the move, including various DIY methods or hiring a professional moving company. Also, you can choose to rent or purchase moving pods which is becoming a more and more popular solution. Keep in mind that although moving is one of the most stressful events, in reality, it doesn’t have to be as long you organize and prepare for the move in the best possible manner. If you are trying to decide whether you want to hire a moving company or obtain moving pods, we are here to help. Both options have various pros and cons, making it easier for you to decide on the best option depending on your needs and preferences. So, if you want to learn how to choose between hiring a moving company and moving pods, check out the following text below.

Moving Company Pros

Lowered Risks

If you choose to hire a moving company, you won’t have to be scared about injuries, especially if you need help with heavy and bulky items like furniture. A professional moving company, such as Dorothy And Martha Moving, will provide you with experts who have enough experience lifting heavy objects. If you have no prior experience on the subject, the situation can even get even more complicated. Now, there is nothing wrong with DIY methods, but if you can’t find help, moving heavy items can be dangerous and result in damage to your belongings and injuries. Also, if you plan on selling your old home, property damage can significantly lower the price, which in cases like this happens quite often.

Moving Company

Moving Supplies

Before you start looking for estimates and moving companies, you need to conduct a budget that will help you organize and prepare for the move. One of the crucial aspects you need to take care of is obtaining moving supplies which can get tricky as there are a lot of things to think about, which can be extremely hard if you have no prior experience on the subject. Without proper moving supplies and moving boxes Brooklyn, you won’t be able to move certain items in a timely manner, meaning that the move can take up more than just your weekend.

Stress

As we already mentioned earlier, moving can be extremely stressful, especially if you are planning on moving with your family and work long hours, leaving you little to no time to rest and prepare for the move. You can take care of all the stress by hiring professional Brooklyn movers that accentuate the client’s needs and ensures that the move is performed best.

Moving Company Cons

Less Control

By hiring movers, you will have less control over the move, which in some cases can be a pretty big downside. In most cases, you will not be able to decide how your items are loaded and unloaded, meaning that if you are one of those people that need to have control of every aspect of the situation, avoid hiring movers.

Pricey

Hiring moving and storage Brooklyn services can be very pricey, especially if you are on a very tight budget. The average cost of the move is more than $1200, which can be quite a big expense, especially since you’ll have to spend a lot of money on other expenses related to moving into your new home. Keep in mind that long-distance moves, especially if you plan on moving cross-country, the cost of the move can get even bigger.

Trust

When you choose to hire movers, you will have to give them your maximum trust, meaning that when dealing with rogue movers, there are high chances that complications will occur. The best way to prevent this is to hire reputable moving companies with lots of experience.

Moving Pods Pros

Storage

The best description of this benefit is “killing two birds with one stone.” By purchasing a portable moving container, you will grant yourself additional storage. All you need to do is to arrange transportation by hiring a moving company which is quite cheap, as long as you hire a professional moving company.

Moving Pods

Your Own Terms

Moving pod companies charge their customer monthly, meaning that if you need an extra month to take care of their belongings, they can do it with the moving container meaning that you’ll have more control over the process.

Affordability

When compared to professional movers, renting moving pods is a far cheaper option. A long-distance move of more than $1500 miles while using a moving pod will cost you about $3000 while hiring a moving company for the same distance can cost you more than $5000. So, you can see that the price difference is pretty big, which can be very important for those moving on a tight budget. However, you need to know that these costs can vary depending on the company and your own preferences.

Moving Pods Cons

DIY

A DIY move is exactly that: a do-it-yourself move. By using moving pods, you are deciding to conduct the whole move by yourself, which can be quite hard, especially if you have no prior experience on the subject. Without the help of professionals, you’ll have to pack, load, and unload by yourself, and if you have no one to turn to for help, the whole situation can get even more dangerous. If you can’t get friends, family, and colleagues for help, the risk of injuries and damage to your property is pretty high, making it a pretty big downside.

Availability

As we mentioned earlier, proper planning and organization are crucial, especially if you plan on storing the moving container before, during, or after the move. You absolutely need to reserve the spot, and if you forget to do so, you’re risking the prolongation of the move and, inevitably, a significant loss of money.

Space

While you take care of loading and unloading, you’ll definitely need a place to park in front of your old and your new home, meaning that you can come across various complications, especially if you are dealing with unfriendly neighbors.

How To Help Your Parents Relocate?

Posted on by Dorothy

Taking care of aging parents is both rewarding and difficult, and it’s especially challenging when it’s time to relocate them. Whether you’re relocating your senior loved ones across the state, or to a senior facility, the process can be difficult. Many scenarios would necessitate relocating a senior parent from their own home, and their adult children will want to make sure the transition is as painless as possible, taking care of their best interests. It’s important to understand all of your alternatives before selecting whether or not to transfer your aging parents. The moving process may not be simple once you’ve made the final choice. Here are a few suggestions to help your parents relocate:

Elderly Parents Are Relocating

Communicate openly

Seniors can be emotionally attached to the house they’re leaving, and it’s natural for them to feel sad and anxious about the transition. Allowing your aging parent time to grieve the change and talking about where they will be living and why they are relocating will help make the move easier. When seniors are requested to leave their long-term residences, one of the most common sources of distress is a sense of loss of control, so give your loved one as much power as possible as they plan and execute the transfer. Your parents could want to be in charge of every detail of the transfer, or they might choose to stay out of it entirely. However, it is up to them to make that decision.

Plan carefully

It’s difficult to move, especially for elderly parents who aren’t used to such drastic changes. Show them images or plans of their new house once you’ve located a spot for them to dwell. This will assist them in becoming acquainted with their living circumstances before the relocation.

Measure all of your furniture ahead of time to ensure that everything will fit. Walk through each area and make a list of everything your parents will need. Following that, you should have a better notion of what not to carry on the move.

It will be helpful for families to get a vision of what they are getting into before they begin the sorting and arranging process. Allow your elderly parent to recollect while you assist them to sort out their items, respecting their emotional relationship with them. Remember, you’re not simply transferring items; you’re dealing with memories. Also, especially if this was your childhood home, be receptive to your own feelings.

Downsize

Check the new place to discover what furnishings it has, so you don’t end up with duplicates. Relocation is an excellent opportunity to get rid of excess items. It’s time for a new beginning—one with fewer belongings. It will make it much easier for you to relocate your elderly parents.

A Son Is Helping A Parent Declutter And Relocate

Assist your parents in getting rid of any items they may no longer require. Donate whatever you don’t need to charity, and toss anything you can’t use. If your parents have relatives or friends nearby, they might even give gifts to them. This way, they’ll know that their possessions continue to bring joy to others.

They’ll be free of the tension and fear that comes with relocating after they’ve settled into their new home, and it’ll be simpler for them to say goodbye to non-essential belongings.

Ask family to help

There are a lot of moving aspects to deal with when you want to help your parents relocate. But you don’t have to do it alone. Enlist the support of friends and family members to do errands, assist with packing and unpacking, and help your parents with the move. This will be a big job, so seek the assistance of your family. Encourage your siblings or other close relatives to take a few days off work. Even kids and younger family members are welcome to join in. Surrounding your elderly parents with loving and encouraging loved ones may also assist to reduce the emotional burden of moving as well.

Rent a storage unit

Perhaps your loved ones are hesitant to part with specific possessions. Alternatively, maybe they want to pass them on to future generations. Whatever the case may be, you may need to contact a moving and storage Brooklyn company and rent a storage unit to keep some of their stuff. For people who require a safe, accessible, and easy-to-access temporary storage facility while relocating, rented storage units are a great solution.

You may also assist them in deciding what will be placed in a storage locker. It is great for storing old picture albums, sporting equipment, and other precious items that your parents won’t need right away. Even if the reasons aren’t obvious to you, your parents will have their motives for wanting to preserve some stuff. While you are free to make recommendations, these decisions should be made by your parents.

Hire a reliable moving company

Now is the time to talk about the most efficient method to accomplish your parents’ successful move. The last thing you want to worry about as you help your parents relocate is transferring all of their stuff. You won’t be as efficient as professional movers even with the aid of friends and family.

Professional Movers Are Moving House Items

Professional Brooklyn movers will provide you peace of mind on your big day, enabling you to concentrate on what matters most. Hiring competent movers can not only make moving a lifetime’s worth of possessions easier, but it will also ensure that those goods arrive securely at their new location. Most professional moving companies include packing and unpacking services in addition to loading and unloading the truck, so make sure to ask about the costs of these services as well. Here, at Dorothy And Martha Moving, you’ll also get packing and moving tips for seniors, and free moving quotes Brooklyn for moving your parents. It’s a good idea to look for specialized NYC art movers since a company that’s doing shipping art across country is usually more careful during the whole moving process. And having careful movers help your parents relocate is crucial.

 

There’s no doubt that the relocation of your parents is an emotional and difficult experience. However, by preparing yourself and your parents and following these instructions, you may make things a lot simpler. We hope that these suggestions will assist you in better planning and executing your senior loved one’s next steps. They should have a lot smoother transition if you adequately prepare for the transfer. Wishing you the best of luck and a smooth move!

How to Move a Dresser

Posted on by Dorothy

Some items are easier to move than others simply because of their size and dimensions. While you can always find a way to load, move, and unload these hefty objects, in some cases, it`s not very safe to do it by yourself. In addition, for outdated, bulky objects, it might be a good idea to throw them away and purchase new ones. We`re not saying you should throw away anything you find difficult to move, but this is an option if you consider buying new things. One of those objects is a dresser, and because most dressers contain mirrors, the situation can get even more dangerous. So, it’s not easy to move a dresser. Besides breaking your dresser, you can even hurt yourself during the process.

A Dresser

Usually, dressers are both large and heavy, which is a pretty disadvantageous situation, especially if you want to perform the entire move by yourself. Still, moving the dresser by yourself is indeed possible if you know the right tricks and conduct the process with extra caution. So, if you want to read about how to move a dresser, check out the following text below.

Decide

Although we already mentioned this earlier, it might be a good idea to rethink the decision whether it would be worth it to move the dresser to your new place. There are a couple of reasons why moving the dresser to your new home might be a bad idea:

  • a dresser is too old, worn out, or damaged to be worth moving to another part of the state or country.
  • it has no sentimental value and just represents a piece of furniture that will very likely cost you more to move than it would buy a new one.
  • a dresser isn`t practical to be worth the hassle and the money related to moving it.
  • it will not match the decor of your new place or fit the layout either due to its mismatching design, big size, or an outdated color.

Either way, before we lean into it, you need to decide whether it pays off to actually move your dresser.

An Old Dresser

Preparation

If you have made up your mind and decided that you truly want to move your dresser to the new home, the next step is to prepare. Make sure to obtain all needed packing materials, so your furniture piece gets the best possible protection to get to your new place in one piece.

Unfortunately, there are numerous risks before you can even load the dresser into the moving van, including carrying it out of your bedroom, down the hall, taking it out of your home, loading it, and finally securing it. Before we start talking about the packing materials, it is very important to clear the way of any possible obstacles that might get in front of you. One of the most important things you need to pay full attention to if you have kids are toys. So, before you start carrying the dresser, clear out the way and keep your kids occupied.

Also, if you have pets, make sure to keep them out of your sight for as long as you need to carry and load the dresser into the moving van (truck). Furthermore, when you arrive at your new home and unload the truck, the same process needs to be done, just in reverse order. Again, and we can`t stress this enough, keep the path clear of any possible obstacles.

Packing Materials and Equipment

Next, you`ll need packing supplies to fully protect the dresser from any possible influence, especially if you have sentimental value and want to make sure your dresser doesn`t get scratched or damaged in any way. Visit some of the best places to find packing supplies in Brooklyn and acquire the packing supplies you need. Packing materials you`ll need include:

  • stretch wrap (plastic wrap)
  • furniture blankets
  • cardboard
  • bubble wrap
  • packing tape
  • masking tape

Heavy Duty Tape on Cardboard Boxes

Besides packing materials, you`ll also need the right kind of moving equipment like:

  • furniture dolly, which represents a flat platform made of steel or wood that usually has four wheels under its base. Although its design looks very simple and it might doesn`t seem very helpful, it can make a big difference, help you move easier, and protect floors when moving a dresser.
  • furniture sliders are a must. They`re called furniture sliders because they`re specifically made to help you slide the dresser through the house without scratching the floor. Usually, they are made out of rubber or durable plastic and are placed underneath the piece of furniture you need to move.

Get Help

Another important tip that can ease the whole move is to get help in any form you can find. Getting an extra pair is very important, especially if you have no prior experience on the subject, since moving the dresser can result in damage to the dresser itself and injuries usually related to your back (mostly spine). Again, this is no joke since one small mistake, for instance, a slippery floor can cause big problems, where the move will be the least of your concerns. So, how to prevent damage and injuries and lower this risk? By getting an extra pair of hands. Ask your family, friends, and colleagues for help, especially those that have already moved big and bulky pieces of furniture.

Hands In Working Gloves

And there is no need to rush, meaning that you should take a couple of breaks on the way and have water or juice somewhere nearby. You can repay them by getting pizza for everyone or having a beer after the move is over. However, if your friends don`t have enough time, it is always better to hire professional movers than to deal with everything by yourself.

Hire Professionals

So, if you decide to hire professional moving services Brooklyn, note that antique furniture movers NYC are ideal for moving your expensive furniture, including dressers. But, make sure to explore all available options and compare moving quotes before making the final decision. There are numerous firms to choose from, but remember to only hire companies that accentuate the clients` needs and happily answer any question you might have. Also, check for discounts and avoid moving during the season since this is the time when there are a lot of traffic jams, the weather is extremely hot, and movers are very stressed out, meaning that, in some cases, they will conduct the move in the fastest ( not safest) possible manner.

The Most Common Moving Day Mistakes To Avoid

Posted on by Dorothy

There’s no doubt that moving is a big change in your life. All the things that should and must be done can easily overwhelm a person, and it’s completely understandable. It’s easy to miss or forget something, and those moving mistakes can delay the move and ruin the whole day. Find out what are the most common moving day mistakes that people make and how to avoid them.

A Couple Experiencing Trouble Due To Moving Mistakes

Hiring a random moving company

No matter how much time you have before the move, you shouldn’t skip doing some research before hiring a moving company. Finding reliable moving professionals is like a half job done. The last thing you want is to end up with some extra fees, or even worse, damaged belongings. A good moving company can make your moving day effective and easygoing as any other day.

So, where to start looking?

If you’re wondering how to pick the right mover, we have a few guidelines for you. The best way to evaluate local moving companies is to ask your family members, relatives, or friends if they already had a good experience with some movers. In case they didn’t, you’ll have to look on your own. Search the Internet and compare different deals and packages. Check relevant accreditations and qualifications, and pay attention to ratings and eventual complaints. Any of the quality moving services Brooklyn will offer free moving quotes Brooklyn before making a final deal. If your Brooklyn movers offer full-service packing, then you don’t have to worry about how to pack appliances for relocation. Plus, you’ll get insurance for your stuff.

Failing to take care of utilities

When you move, don’t forget to schedule turning off your utilities on the day that you leave the old place and inform relevant people about changing your address. If you need to transfer your utilities, don’t wait until the last minute. Also, you need to turn on electricity and gas in your new home before you arrive. The last thing that anyone wants after a long day of moving is to run a cold shower or spend some time with a candle.

Delay packing until the last day

Moving requires some time and won’t just happen overnight. If you don’t want to hire packing experts, start with packing as early as you can. If you wait until the last day, you’ll end up surrounded by a pile of incorrectly packed boxes and an all-around mess.

A Man Is Napping On A Box Discouraged By Lousy Packing Planning

It is important to make a good plan to avoid moving day mistakes. First, you have to decide what things you’ll bring with you. There is a bunch of unwanted or old items in every home. Keep the things that you use, or the things that have sentimental value, and get rid of the items you haven’t used for at least a year. You don’t have to throw them all away, you can also donate or sell them. Fewer items you move mean less money spent on extra boxes, packing material, or a bigger trunk.

When you finish purging, start packing the things you don’t use so often, like books, blankets, season clothes, sets of dishes, etc. As the moving day approaches, pack the rest of your home and wait for the movers ready. Labeling boxes properly is also a must, especially the boxes with fragile items.

Cleaning home on a moving day

Cleaning the old house is important as any other moving-out step. When you move out, you should leave the apt in the same condition as you found it. If you don’t, money can be deducted from your security deposit for a cleaning service. So, be sure that you organize cleaning or painting if it’s necessary without delay.

As you pack things that you don’t use often, clean the empty areas after that. You’ll need less time later when you begin detailed cleaning. Make sure you clean the appliances, floors, ceiling fans, and the bathroom. Start with rooms you don’t use so often, just like with packing. Do not leave cleaning the apartment or scheduling the cleaning service for the last day!

Forgetting to pack an “essentials” bag

Another of the moving day mistakes that people often make is forgetting to pack a moving-day essentials box, for the first day or night in a new home. When you arrive in a new apartment, the last thing you want to do is to open the boxes right away looking for some necessities, like a toothbrush, or sleepwear. An essentials bag should contain some toiletries (like soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, etc.), medications, important documents, clothes for the day after, a phone charger, snacks and water, and everything else that you might need in the first 24 hours in your new home.

A Box With Essentials For A Moving Day

Forgetting to prepare appliances

You’ll be surprised how many people forget to unload the dishwasher or washing machine when the moving day comes. You may need to call an electrician or plumber to properly disconnect your appliances. When they are disconnected, clean them thoroughly. Defrost the refrigerator and freezer a couple of days before the move, so that you can dry them out completely. Any moisture left will promote mold, so make sure that every part is dry and clean. A few containers of baking soda can help you with neutralizing any eventual odors.

Skipping a final tour

After a long day of packing and taking care of everything, many people are just too tired or focused on the steps in front, so they easily forget about things left behind. Even if you thoroughly followed every planned step, there’s always a chance that something was overlooked and missed. You don’t want an unpleasant surprise after a few days in a new home when you discover that something is missing, so try your best and take one more step around the old house, before you lock it up for the last time. Check every corner, cupboard, or cabinet, just in case. Better safe than sorry!

 

Remember that moving doesn’t have to be a terrifying experience, and you don’t have to go through it alone. With the right packing, cleaning, or moving professionals on your side, such as Dorothy Movers, and a proper organization, it can be easy as a pie. Good luck!

The 8 Best States For Retirement in 2022

Posted on by Dorothy

It is natural that we all look forward to retirement and want to make the most out of it. Therefore, it is very important to choose the right place and the right state to move to. The main factors are safety, affordability, and healthcare. Some states are definitely better than others, especially when you take all three factors into consideration. It might be hard for you to decide which are the best states for retirement because of other factors like climate. Although there are pros and cons of moving to a cold state, most of us prefer sunny weather. Still, it is normal that others want to live in a state that has lots of snow throughout the year.

Besides, some states offer a tax deduction and are generally cheaper.

Another “problem” related to deciding where to retire is that the best states for retirement change every year, so it might be a good idea to check for updates frequently. So, if you want to learn about the best states for retirement in 2022, check out our following list.

A Senior Couple Is Moving To A New Home

1. Hawaii

This might not be a surprise, but Hawaii is probably the best state for you to move to, especially in terms of the general quality of life. With a population of 142000 residents, Hawaii is known for more than 700 miles of coastline full of miraculous volcanoes that can’t be seen everywhere.

Although it might be a bit complicated to move to Hawaii, it is absolutely worth it. Moving to Hawaii will offer you numerous rewards, including access to wonderful beaches, great weather all year round, numerous outdoor activities, and the unique aloha spirit. However, some might argue that Hawaii has probably the highest cost of living in the US. You’d be surprised that healthcare costs are even below the national average.

2. South Dakota

South Dakota frequently ranks as the best state to retire in the US. The average cost of living is more than 4 percent below the national average. With a population of around 880000 residents, South Dakota is a state in which you can enjoy all four seasons and a lot of sunny days. It is well-known for its high quality of life. It has one of the highest numbers when it comes to art, entertainment, and recreation. So, if you want to move to a smaller state, with the cost of living far below the national average, miraculous nature, and very friendly folks, consider moving to South Dakota.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota - Aerial

3. Georgia

Georgia, with a population of about 3700000 million residents, is often referred to as the Peach State. It is the third-best state for retirement. The cost of living is 3 percent below the national average, meaning that it is very affordable. It was ranked as the very best state to retire in 2021. Georgia is famous for its subtropical climate and lots of agriculture. It’s also very safe. So if you value a great climate, safety, and affordability, consider moving to Georgia.

4. Tennessee

Tennessee has a population of 6770000 residents and is famous for its country music, southern food, and very beautiful landscape. Moving to Tennessee is great if you want to retire somewhere in the south, and the cost of housing is very affordable. Also, it is very safe, which is a big plus, especially when talking about retirement. Tennessee is among the best states for retirement. It is a very rural and peaceful state which is important for mental health and making sure that you spend your retirement in a quiet area. You can choose whether you want to live in bigger cities that offer many amenities or in rural areas. However, you can choose to live in a rural area close enough to one of the bigger cities, which means you’ll be able to get the most out of both worlds.

A Senior Man Is Playing An Acoustic Guitar

5. North Dakota

North Dakota has a population of no more than 700000 residents, making it one of the smaller states in the country. It is officially the fifth-best state to retire in. It is known for its miraculous nature, and the residents are fit and healthy, and relatively prosperous. Also, it has the lowest unemployment rate in the country. Besides being a great place to raise a family in, it’s also a great state to retire in. North Dakota is pretty safe and affordable, and healthcare facilities are highly rated. So, if you are having second thoughts, we can happily inform you that North Dakota is a great choice.

6. Virginia

Virginia has a population of 8509000 residents and has one of the best retirement systems in the country. The only reason it isn’t ranked higher on our list is the cost of living which is above the national average, which might be a dealbreaker for some. Also, it’s a very tax-friendly state for retirees and is also known for beautiful natural scenery. You can choose between bigger cities and more rural areas.

7. Utah

Utah, with a population of more than 3000000 residents, has a lot of advantages if you want to stay active in retirement. It is known for skiing and numerous outdoor activities you can indulge in. Utah has five national parks meaning that it will always be new places to discover. It has something to offer for everyone and is a brilliant choice for sports enthusiasts.

Also, it is a moderately tax-friendly state and is often considered pretty much affordable. The safety rate revolves around the national average.

A Happy Senior Woman Is Hiking With A Dog In Utah

8. Florida

Florida has a population of 2100000 residents, making it the biggest state on our list. It is among the most popular relocation options for retirees because of the magnificent weather and beautiful beaches. Also, it can save you a bunch of money in taxes since it has no state income tax. There is plenty of outdoor recreation, both urban and rural living, lots of nature, and very friendly folks. So, if you want to retire in the sunniest state, think about Florida.

 

Whichever state you choose to move to after you retire, make sure you contact reliable long distance movers Brooklyn to help you out. Here, at Dorothy Moving, we specialize in helping seniors move to another state. So, contact us and get free moving quotes Brooklyn on your interstate move.

NYC Parking Rules to Know on Moving Day

Posted on by Dorothy

While driving a car gives you the feeling of freedom, especially when your favorite song is on the radio, the situation is a bit different when it comes to parking. Parking in NYC is not the easiest thing to do. It is why many people decide to not own a car in the first place. They use public transport or a taxi instead. However, it is important to become familiar with NYC parking rules to know on moving day. It can save you from an unnecessary parking ticket.

Movers On A Parking Lot Are Loading Items In A Truck

Parking in school zones

Generally, parking in school zones is not allowed. The only exception is when schools are at recess. However, you need to be careful here as some schools work even during recess. In case there are meetings, classes, or any other activity in a particular school, parking will not be allowed, even though there is an ongoing holiday. To prevent any confusion, if you are moving during a school holiday, and you need to park next to some school, the best thing is to call the school and ask them whether they will be in recess on the specific date that you need. Only then will you be sure that parking is allowed.

Parking at T intersections

Parking at T intersections in New York is allowed when the conditions are met. For example, if there are no crosswalk markings near the T intersection you will be able to park there. Also, there should be no traffic signals, or all-way stop signs at the intersection so that parking is safe. When these conditions are met you can park at the T-intersection even if there is a curb cut at that specific location.

Three important signs

In NYC you will frequently encounter three signs you need to follow strictly. No parking, no standing, and no stopping sign. With the no parking sign, you will not be able to park your vehicle at all. But you will be able to stand to grab a cup of coffee or pick up a friend. With the no-standing sign, you can stop for a brief moment, but not park.

And when you encounter a no-stopping sign, you cannot stand, park, or even stop for a second. If you see that there are two signs in the same street, for example, then the most restrictive one should be followed. Also, if there are no signs in sight, then the remaining posted regulations are the ones that are in effect.

A No Parking Sign

Alternate side parking

Have you heard about the alternate side parking regulations? They are in effect in NYC as this is a city where millions of people and vehicles go by each day, making it hard to clean the streets. So, the cars can park on one side on specific days so that the other side of the street is completely cleaned. On the other days, the vehicles will park on the other side, so that the first side will be cleaned. This system is not hard to process, you should just follow where the rest of the vehicles are parked.

Places that are prohibited to park your vehicle

In NYC it is prohibited to park your vehicle near the fire hydrant. You have to park at least 15 feet away from all sides of the fire hydrant.

Furthermore, you should not park in the bus or bike lanes. These areas in town are strictly prohibited from parking.

New York City is in the tow-away zone

The entire city of New York is in the tow-away zone. This implies that your car can be towed from any location in the city if not properly parked. The tickets are expensive, but they get more expensive if you have to add the expense of towing to it. Plus, if you are not able to pick up your car immediately, you will have to pay a delay fine for the extra days your car is in the tow zone. This expense is not something that you would want on your moving day. Hence, you should be very careful when parking your moving truck or your car.

Also, there may be exceptions for no stopping, standing, or parking signs when there are public holidays. However, where no stopping, standing, or parking are in effect seven days a week, these exceptions do not apply.

A No Parking-towing Sign

Double parking is prohibited

If you were planning to double park your car, know that it is strictly prohibited in all locations, and for all durations. This is because the occupied vehicle that is parked in this way represents an equal safety hazard as the non-occupied vehicle.

Parking rules may differ from block to block

While in general, the NYC parking rules apply to the who city, there may be some differences depending on the block you are moving to. We highly recommend that you take a good look at signs, and drive extremely carefully, and within the speed limit. In this way, you will never be in danger of parking inappropriately. Also, if you are not certain about whether you parked correctly, always have someone at the moving truck or your car be there in case someone decides to give you a ticket. You will be able to react immediately, and avoid towing your car.

Hire professionals to avoid any stress

We have seen that there are plenty of NYC parking rules to know on moving day. And while the rules are clear and simple, the traffic is not. A hectic lifestyle and jammed traffic are one of the root causes of a stressful moving day. Luckily, there is no need to worry about these parking rules once you hire reliable moving services Brooklyn who are aware of how the parking on the streets of NYC functions. It’s one of the reasons why hiring movers is better than a DIY move.

Here, at Dorothy And Martha Moving, we will pack your belongings perfectly into the moving truck. Then, we will park the moving truck in the best parking spot, taking care that we are not breaking any laws, thus avoiding potential parking tickets. On the other hand, you can hail a cab a come to your new house, without ever stressing about the NYC parking rules on your moving day.

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