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5 Major Relocation Mistakes

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Relocating is an exciting time for all involved but it’s important not to let the buzz interfere with the cool, rational thinking needed to ensure your move goes smoothly.

Here is a heads up on five common mistakes people make when moving home:

Underestimating the cost of a DIY move

When they start researching the costs of professional moving companies, inexperienced movers often get a shock and decide to go down the DIY route.

Only when they add up the costs at the other end do they realize they have actually spent a lot more than if they had paid for the professionals. Not only will you have to factor in fuel and perhaps extra insurance, you will also spend longer packing and use more packaging materials. You are also a lot more likely to break something during transit.

Rather than immediately rule out a professional moving company, spend time looking for special offers and comparing estimates. You can often bring the price more in line with your budget.

Starting too late in the day

Packing almost always takes longer than expected and then there is the additional preparation time to consider. For most moves, it is wise to give yourself at least a month to organize everything.

In terms of packing, a typical three bedroom house is likely to take around five days (you might want to add a day if you have a lot of delicate items to pack.

Taking too much

Moving everything you own from A to B is usually wasting an opportunity to declutter and even raise some funds for the move. Prior to packing, separate out items you won’t need and either sell, donate or recycle them. Remember, even if you are not charged specifically by weight, every extra pound adds to the amount of labor and fuel needed.

For every heavy item, carefully balance its weight with its value to decide whether it’s worth bringing the item with you or buying a replacement when you arrive at your new home. This will help you keep your home move quick and painless.

Skimping on moving equipment

Professional moving equipment is designed to save you time while ensuring your possessions arrive in perfect condition at the other end. Not hiring moving equipment dollies may save you money but it will add to labor time, increase the risk of damaging furniture and flooring and could even lead to injury. Even opting for used store cartons instead of professional moving boxes can end in breakages and spillages.

Not packing an essentials bag

There is a reason why the ‘essentials bag’ has been given that name. It really is essential. For those who have never come across one, the essentials bag is a duffel bag, suitcase or box containing anything you might need on the first day or so of moving in to your new home. It travels with you and means you don’t have to unpack everything immediately. Every family has their own idea about what is essential but items usually include a change of clothes, small cooking pots, cutlery set, paper plates, torch, matches, batteries, cell phone chargers, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, small towels, face cloths and simple snacks.

About the author
James Levine is CEO of New Haven Moving Equipment. Together with his two brothers, Roger Levine (Co-President) and Larry Levine (Co-President), Mr. Levine manages the executive and daily operations of New Haven. NHME has been manufacturing moving equipment for over a century and they manufacture and distribute high quality moving boxes, furniture moving pads, moving equipment and packaging supplies to professional movers and the general public at wholesale prices.

Mr. Levine has served at New Haven for forty years. He has had several positions within the company prior to becoming CEO, including serving as General Manager of the Louisville, KY office; Vice-President of the Texas Companies, and President of New Haven. Get in touch via Facebook.


Checklist: People You’re Likely to Forget to Tell You’re Moving

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Each year, an estimated 40 million Americans move at least once. It can be a stressful time that involves trying to organize everyone and everything, so it’s no surprise that many people forgot to update their new address with some of the less obvious, but often more important, people and organizations. Changing your address with the post office can get your mail forwarded to you, but it doesn’t update your address on your driver’s license, which can result in missing strict deadlines set by the state you move to, or let your health insurer know that you’ve moved, making it difficult to make a claim.

Your health insurer

Health insurers will often take your zip code into consideration when they work out your premium and cost of cover. Depending on where you’re moving from and to, this can work in your favor or go against you. Moving to what is considered a risky area will likely increase your price and vice versa. Not notifying them of your address change can result in unexpected additional costs and trouble making a claim. Your insurer will also need your address for sending you correspondence and bills, so if you don’t update them you may end up missing deadlines for payments, which can affect your credit score and financial situation. Updating it easy; just go to your insurer’s website or call them to update your address and tell them what date you will be moving.

The Department of Motor Vehicles

It’s always a good idea to update the address that your car is registered to and you may need to get a new driver’s license, particularly if you use it for identification. Some states have tighter deadlines than others for the time limit allowed to change your address. For example, in Oklahoma, the law requires the holder of a driver’s license or Oklahoma identification card to notify the Department of Safety in writing within 10 days of moving.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Letting the IRS know that you’ve moved can help to keep your sensitive personal information secure, such as your social security number, as they’ll send tax returns and other forms to your address. Updating can be done by phone, mail, or in person. Be aware that it can take four to six weeks for the IRS to fully process your change of address, so bear this in mind if it’s tax season and you’re waiting for a refund. Ideally, let the IRS know as soon as you move.

Your employer

This one may seem obvious, but many people talk to their manager and coworkers about moving and assume that’s all they need to do. The people who actually need to know is the human resources department. While most people get their paychecks online and wages directly into their bank account, yearly summaries, tax forms, and other important information will be sent to your address, so it’s important that your employee has this information correct. Worse case scenario? Your personal information gets sent to your old address and is used to steal your identity. Be sure to update this information as soon as you move.

Updating your address at the post office may seem like the best option as you end up with all your mail and get time to let different businesses and organizations know that you’ve moved, but there are some people that you’ll have to let know early on to avoid any problems.

Why People Are Moving to Kansas City

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Why People Are Moving to Kansas City image downtown KC
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Packing up and moving on is something hordes of Americans are familiar with. More than 32 million of us move each year, about 10% of the population. Kansas City is the destination for thousands of those movers, with the metropolitan area showing steady growth over the past 10 years. What is it that pulls folks in? The barbecue? Shopping? The current Super Bowl champs, the Kansas City Chiefs? Some say it’s that good old Midwestern hospitality (and that’s true!), but hard numbers point to economics.

Cost of Living

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Groceries, healthcare, and transportation all fall under the term, cost of living. And in these three categories, Kansas City is about average or just below. But home sales? Well, that’s where KC shines! The metro area is appealing to those who can’t afford a house in other cities. Places such as New York, San Francisco, and Seattle are pricing middle-class Americans out of the housing market with the median price for homes above $700,000. But Kansas City offers some welcome relief. The median home price is $146,300. That’s a whopping $85,000 less than the national average and far less than the big coastal cities. It’s a buyers market in KC, and that draws people who want to own a home of their own.

Job Availability

Job growth in and around Kansas City is a huge incentive for people to move here. Non-farm related jobs increased by 16,000 from 2017 to 2018. The unemployment rate stands at 3.6%. That creates an accelerating economy that’s attractive to outsiders. The largest employers in the city include the federal government, Cerner Corporation (health care information systems), and Children’s Mercy Hospitals & Clinics. Companies with headquarters in Kansas City include Hallmark Cards, Commerce Bank, and H&R Block. Job growth is expected to continue over the next year.

Sports & Entertainment

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Sure, Kansas City is home to the 2020 Superbowl champs, but it’s also in the top 10 U.S. soccer cities. The Sporting KC soccer club has a loyal fan base, at one time boasting a sellout streak of 125 consecutive games. There’s also a women’s soccer club called FC Kansas City. Not a soccer or football fan? Major league baseball has a home in the city with the Kansas City Royals, and rugby, hockey, and women’s football also draw the crowds.

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When it comes to entertainment, Kansas City is famous for jazz, fountains, and barbecue. The jazz district is home to the American Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Country Club Plaza is a 15-block area just north of the river with shopping and dining. The architecture of the buildings is designed to look like those of Seville, Spain. The Plaza is on the list of 60 of the world’s great spaces.

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Family activities include the Kansas City Zoo and Worlds of Fun amusement park. The Power & Light District is a nine-block walkable area filled with restaurants and bars.

As technology makes it easier than ever to move from point A to point B, the allure of a medium-sized city with a low cost of living, a good economy, and a high amount of things to do make Kansas City simply too much to resist.

By Leslie Fischer

Leslie Fischer describes herself as a “slow-motion vagabond.” She finds a place she wants to live, buys a fixer-upper and flips it. She writes about real estate and DIY issues.

4 Must-Adds To Your First-Time Home Buying Checklist

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The home buying process can be daunting on the mind, the body and the bank account. But if you come at it with the appropriate mindset and preparation, you can tear down obstacles and find your dream home with only a few hiccups. Read on to find out how you can cover your bases before moving into your new home.

1. Get Preapproved

Getting preapproved for a mortgage is critical as it’s an indication that you’re able to buy a home and tells you how much house you can afford. Lenders will look at your credit history and other financial information to determine whether you qualify. In today’s real estate market where buyers have to compete and making an offer or counteroffer is time-sensitive, preapproval is all the more vital.

2. Consider A Home Warranty

Home warranties are annual service contracts that guarantee repairs to major appliances or systems in your home when they break, such as refrigerators or heating/air conditioning systems. If you’re a first-time buyer, you’ve purchased an older home or you can afford a larger mortgage payment each month, a home warranty will prevent you from dishing out a large chunk of cash down the road.

3. Carry Out A Home Inspection

A home inspection, while optional, is highly recommended prior to purchasing a home. A credible inspection company can identify issues in plumbing, electrical, roofing, foundation and more before you buy. If your REALTOR®️ includes an inspection contingency in your contract, you may be able to back out of the sale or negotiate the selling price based on the severity of the findings, saving you a headache or a hefty bill later on.

4. Hire A Moving Company

While you might think you can handle a big move on your own, employing a moving team can alleviate much of the stress that comes with buying a home. Sometime we forget about the logistics and headache that goes with the transportation of all your belongings. With a lower risk of mishaps and a more efficient transmission of major furniture pieces, you have every reason to request an estimate with your favorite local moving company.

Considerations When Making a Long-Distance Move

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Family preparing for their long-distance move Kansas City Tulsa

The months leading up to your long-distance move can be a stressful time period. From coordinating details, managing finances, and ensuring everything gets from one place to another safely is a huge responsibility. By keeping the end goal in mind and coming up with a plan to address some common stressors associated with moving, you can keep pushing forward and easily transition into your new place!  

Create a plan

Depending on your particular situation, setting a plan well in advance can help you to better prepare for last-minute changes or challenges that arise. Of course, this can be difficult to do if you are moving on short notice, however, if you have the opportunity, use the time to your advantage. By creating a solid plan in the months leading up to your move, you can feel more at ease about this major change. For example, researching and scheduling your moving company, packing up items that you don’t use every day, making necessary travel accommodations, and using up your refrigerated items can all be beneficial to plan well in advance of your moving day.

Make a budget

When you decide to take the plunge and relocate, there are many emotional and financial factors to take into consideration. Remember that there are going to be other financial costs that you may not regularly pay for and you don’t want to be surprised by these. For example, you might find a temporary increase in what you spend on groceries for the first week or two after moving. With everything that needs to be done, the last thing you want is to have to cook! Try to allocate a slightly higher budget for this until you are fully settled in your new home.

Another atypical expense that you may incur, depending on where you are moving to, is painting or having a professional cleaning done. It can be significantly easier to paint your new living space without all of your belongings in the way, so be prepared to buy items like primer, paint, brushes, and tarps. After the walls are freshly painted, you might want to consider having your space professionally cleaned to remove any dust, dirt, and debris that the previous owner had left. Even if you choose to do this yourself, be prepared to spend money on cleaning products that you might not usually account for in your budget.

Update insurance policies

When you make a long-distance move, there are certain financial changes that are necessary to make. One key consideration is updating your insurance policies so you don’t have any surprises once you actually move. For example, talk to your car insurance provider and let them know that you’re moving because sometimes your rate can either be raised or lowered depending on the demographics and statistics of the area. This will give you a better idea if you need to shop around for other carriers when the time comes.

Additionally, consider reevaluating your current life insurance policy, if applicable. For example, if you are switching jobs and unable to transfer your employer-sponsored policy, it might be beneficial to look for a private life insurance policy. Furthermore, if you are purchasing a new home when you move or purchasing a home with a different value than your current home, make sure that your policy reflects this new amount. If something unexpected were to happen, you want to ensure that your family would have enough financial resources to maintain their current lifestyle. Making a long-distance move and entering this new chapter of your life is a good time to ensure you have enough safeguards in place.

Keep an inventory list

While moving to a new area is an exciting event, it can also bring about certain stressors, especially in regards to packing. While you most likely will pack all rooms together (all bathroom items together and all kitchen items together, for example), it can be easy to forget what items you have or where more universal items have been packed. By making an inventory list of what items are in each box, you can save the hassle of not being able to find something you might need, and can also keep you organized when purchasing any new items for your new space. Start by writing down items on your list as soon as they are packed, and tape the list to the top of the box when done for easy access.

Another important thing to remember when moving is to keep a checklist of people you need to notify of your move. This is especially important for your employer, the IRS, and the DMV. Outside of these, you also need to notify your bank and any credit card companies, any subscriptions you are signed up for, and the post office. Lastly, make sure you are keeping in touch with your family and friends, who will want your new address for any care packages or holiday cards!

Clear out unnecessary items

As you are packing and getting ready for the move, it is important to assess what items are necessary, and which items are able to be discarded prior to the move. You may have a junk drawer full of odds and ends that have been collected over the years; this would be a perfect time to part ways with items that are outdated or you simply don’t need anymore.

This same mentality can be used when judging the need for clothing, children’s toys, or linens. When packing, bring extra boxes for donation and garbage, and box these items up appropriately. Packing for a big move is the perfect time to be practical with what you truly like and want, versus those items you’ve held onto without wearing or using. Consider packing sentimental items last, as you don’t need the added stress of determining if these items are making the move with you early on in the packing process.

Research the area

After all of the work you’ve put into packing, relocating, and unpacking, it’s time to meet your new neighbors! Many areas have social community events to not only help you get acquainted with your new neighborhood but also to get you familiar with the people in your community. Events like scheduled garage sales can help you sell any extra items you are looking to get rid of, and cook-offs are a great way to exchange recipes and make connections. While it may not seem to be an important part of your move, this small act of community can benefit you in the long run, especially if you will be in the area for a while.

Making a long-distance move can be exciting, but it can also be demanding. By putting thought into the process and starting preparing early, you can make this experience easier for yourself and your family while maximizing your time spent.

Top Tips to Streamline Your Move to Kansas City, MO

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There are a plethora of reasons why you may have to sell your house quickly and during the chaos that’s to come, you don’t want anything to be overlooked. You can save yourself from a whole lot of unnecessary worrying by having a plan. 

We’ve asked some of the best Kansas City, MO realtors for their top tips that’ll help streamline your move to Kansas City. 

1. Start packing early

Word to the wise – pack as early as possible! 

You don’t want to wait until the last minute to start packing because it’s only going to be super stressful and unorganized. Ideally, you’ll want to start packing at least 30 days before the big day. We recommend starting with rooms and closets that get used the least and then saving your everyday essentials (clothes, toiletries, cooking supplies, etc.) for the final days leading to moving day.

2. Have a garage sale

This is the perfect opportunity to go through all of your belongings and get rid of what you no longer need or use and make a few extra bucks! Then after the yard sale, you can take whatever else is left over and donate it to your local Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, or even church or homeless shelter.

3. Change your address

It’s a good idea to submit your change of address form to the USPS at least one to two weeks before you’re set to move. It should give the postal service enough time to enter the change in the system, but it’ll also give you enough time to change your address with the state (drivers license, car and voter registration), credit card companies, banks, and so on.

4. Transfer utilities

If you have a paper bill, make sure the final bill for any utilities are sent to your new mailing address. Sometimes you can simply have your utilities transferred to your new address without any interruption of service. However, if you’re moving from out of state, your real estate agent should be able to offer some assistance in getting your utilities turned on at the new place.

5. Make sure to do a final walk through before closing

Prior to closing, you’ll have the chance to go through your new house before closing. You do not want to skip this! During the final walk through, you’ll want to make sure everything is as it should be. If the contract says the appliances are included, you’ll want to make sure they are there. If the contract says certain repairs will be made, you’ll want to check for those as well. 

keys to your new home in Kansas City

6a. Have a moving inventory

As you’re getting ready to load up the moving truck, have an inventory of what is being moved. You can label your boxes by room and jot down the contents of the box. You can keep track of your belongings when you’re loading and unloading the truck by using a master checklist. 

6b. Hire a reputable moving company

If you aren’t going to move your belongings on your own, you’re going to want to make sure you’re hiring a reputable moving company. You will want to look at online reviews or ask your real estate agent for recommendations. 

7. Have a game plan for unpacking

Some people find unpacking just as tedious as packing – especially if you have a lot of stuff! You can make the unpacking process a little less overwhelming by having a plan. If the boxes have been labeled prior to being loaded in the van, make sure the boxes go into the appropriate room when they’re being taken off the fan. This will help keep everything a little more organized and moving smoothly.

Most Importantly: Breathe!

Moving to a new house is as exciting as it is overwhelming – especially if you’re moving to a new city. However, you can mitigate some of the stress associated with moving by having a plan and taking things step by step. If you feel overwhelmed, take a step back and breathe. 

We hope that these tips will make your move to Kansas City, MO a positive experience. If you have any questions or concerns about moving to a new neighborhood, don’t be afraid to ask your real estate agent for advice or recommendations. Remember, a top-rated agent will be your best friend throughout this entire experience!

Things to Know About Buying Your First Home in Missouri

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For whichever event has brought you to Missouri, you have plenty to celebrate. Moving to a new place and starting a new phase in your life is a major accomplishment 一 one that requires great research, attention to detail, and not to mention money. If you’re planning a big move to Missouri, think about some of these factors before putting in any offers on a house and packing up your rental truck for a cross-country trip.

Learn about Missouri

Did you know that Missouri and popular cities within it have landed some pretty impressive rankings? Here are some examples that might influence one’s decision to buy a home here:

  • Missouri ranks #8 on the list of most affordable states to live in.
  • US News ranked Missouri #4 in its “Opportunity” category based on its affordability, equality, and economic opportunity.
  • The best cities to live in in Missouri are Columbia, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Springfield, respectively.

Find a home in Missouri

With interest rates at record lows, lots of buyers are looking for houses for sale. However, homes are getting scooped up rapidly, inventory is lacking, and home prices are increasing. That said, do your due diligence before starting your home search; research local Missouri neighborhoods and prices of houses for sale in the area to understand the neighborhoods that fit your budget and lifestyle. Once you’ve chosen the appropriate location, dive into the initial steps of the mortgage process so that you can make timely offers in a competitive market.

Research Missouri’s cost of living

As a part of the top ten most affordable states in the US, places like Kansas City, St. Louis, and Springfield are practical, cost-effective communities in which to plant roots. If you’re moving from one state to another, it’s important to factor in cost of living and compare it to your net income. This will help you comprehend the amount of money you’ll be putting toward typical living expenses and ultimately the amount of money you’ll bring home at the end of the day. World Population Review labeled Missouri’s cost of living index the 4th best in the country, with its housing index the second lowest of all 50 states.

Get preapproved

A mortgage preapproval will indicate the amount of money you’re qualified to borrow if you’re planning to take out a loan for your home. After weighing your credit history and your financial wellbeing, a lender will preapprove you for a certain amount, which will guide your home search. This amount will determine the neighborhoods you can explore in Missouri, and the size and type of your future home.

Hire a professional mover in Missouri

The moving process calls for accountability before, during, and after your move. Great Day Moving is a trusted, professional service to lean on when it comes to your Missouri move-in day. Before you make any long-distance treks or make any offers, contact us with any questions regarding your move to get an estimate for your upcoming move to or in Missouri.

Your One Stop for Cross Country Moving!

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Providing you peace of mind in your long distance relocation!

Moving can be a stressful and expensive process, esMovers unloading customer belongings from moving truckpecially when it comes to long-distance moves. Many people worry about the fluctuating prices of moving companies and whether or not they can afford to hire a nationwide moving company. That’s why at Great Day Moving, we offer a flat fee for our long-distance moves across the country.

During your consultation with our move manager, we will determine the details of your move and provide you with a flat rate quote. This fee will not change once the job has been booked, as long as your details do not change. This gives you peace of mind knowing exactly how much you will be paying for your move, without any surprises or hidden fees.

Not only do we offer a flat rate, but we also guarantee the delivery of your belongings on the agreed-upon date. This is because your items will be the only ones on the moving truck during transport, unlike most cross country movers. We understand the importance of timely delivery, especially when it comes to long-distance moves, and we are committed to providing impeccable service.

At Great Day Moving, we pride ourselves on our commitment to providing exceptional service at an affordable price. Our flat fee pricing, guaranteed delivery, and flexibleProtecting your possessions on the moving truck payment options set us apart from other long-distance moving companies. We understand that moving can be a stressful time, and we strive to make the process as smooth and worry-free as possible.

So, if you’re planning a long-distance move across the continental United States, look no further than Great Day Moving. Contact us today for a consultation and let us take the stress out of your move with our flat rate pricing and exceptional service.

Click here to discuss your moving options!

These are just a few of our recent long distance moving clients!


“We had an excellent experience with Great Day Moving. Roger coordinated our long distance move from Kansas City to Austin, TX. He was very knowledgeable and responsive to all calls/texts/emails. The loading and unloading crews were very efficient and careful. We highly recommend Great Day Moving and would definitely use them again.” David V., July 2023

*Google Review

“Roger moved us from Olathe, KS to Palm Valley, TX and he was so amazing! He told us exactly what we needed to do and his communication through the whole process was awesome! I was really stressed about the move after reading reviews from several different moving companies, but he calmed those fears and the move was seamless! The crews he hired on both ends went above and beyond. I would recommend him for any out of state job. He is such a nice guy and really knows what he is doing.” Debbie K., September 2021

*Google Review

“My wife and I made a move from Lenexa to St Pete’s, FL and called Dana for some direction as our plans were a little unique. I was totally surprised that Dana and Roger had a “White Glove Service” program custom to my needs. With Convid-19, our actual move date was a moving target and couldn’t rent in FL until the last moment. “No Problem” was all I heard and the service I received. They arrived at 8:00 am with their crew, had me packed up in 2.5 hours, and our stuff was loaded into storage a few days later. But it gets better. When Roger arrived he discovered the storage company didn’t have my locker cleared out yet and was full of someone else’s things. With a quick phone call we had new units ready to unload. Having Roger onsite and in charge of the situation took their “White Glove Service” to a different level. I never had to worry about not being there when unloading. Great Day Moving is one of the best companies I’ve ever worked with. Roger and Dana run a tight ship and [office manager] is on top of her game. Thanks guys for making the first stage of our new journey a success. Your friends for life.” Michael M., July 2020

*Google Review

The post Your One Stop for Cross Country Moving! appeared first on Great Day Moving.


How to juggle your studies with moving house

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Moving home can be a major life change, particularly as a student, where it can happen more or less on a yearly basis. With studies to juggle alongside packing up and shifting your belongings, navigating this time can be stressful. So, is there an easier way to go about this process? Here are our top tips for a smoother experience relocating as a student.

Plan in advance

It’s not always possible to pick and choose exactly when you move house, although the need to do so will rarely come as a surprise. Those living in student accommodation will often find that their lease comes to an end at the end of each academic year, offering them the chance to then either renew it or move. For most, this means that they’re able to pack up and relocate over the holiday period, once studies and exams have finished for the year.

Of course, some students will find that renting on a short-term basis can be a more affordable alternative that offers them more freedom than staying in one property for an entire year. While lodging or being on a rolling contract has its perks, a shorter notice period means that you have slightly less stability and security throughout the year.

In order to avoid an unplanned relocation getting in the way of your studies, you’ll want to plan in advance as best you can. You may want to think about the length of your lease, and avoid signing up for short-term contracts during demanding study periods. You could also have a think about just how long it will take you to pack up should you need to move on short notice, and consider storing some of your personal belongings if you’re expecting to relocate often, in order to make the process as easy as possible.

Create a schedule

If you do find yourself having to meet academic deadlines at the same time as moving house, you’re going to want to find a way to organize your time so that the process works for you. Taking into account how long you have to relocate, you’ll want to create some sort of schedule or study plan – this will allow you to allocate time throughout the day to both your studies and your moving tasks.

Perhaps you’ll decide to devote your mornings to study, and then pack in the afternoon. Or, maybe you’ll want to focus on college work during the week, and spend two days on the weekend getting things ready to move house. Whatever your setup, it’s important to take key dates and deadlines into account – it may be that you have to be out of your current property by a certain time, or that you have a moving van booked to arrive on a certain day.

Ask for support

Luckily, most students won’t find themselves going through the moving process alone. Usually, you’ll have other roommates around who are also eager to juggle their study responsibilities with relocating tasks.

By collaborating with your friends, you should be able to make the moving process much less demanding. For example, you could arrange for those who don’t have any lectures on certain days to devote that time to getting the house ready for viewings, or perhaps have someone view a potential new flat when they have the time to, while you study at home.

Similarly, you should be able to communicate with your college if you’re finding it particularly stressful to devote time to studying while moving house – after all, you want to give yourself the best chance of succeeding in the subject that will define your future career. In some instances, they may be able to offer extensions to deadlines, or provide access to out-of-hours study support if you can’t make the usual daytime hours.

A smooth relocation process

During your time at college, your studies should be your number one priority – but, in order to give the proper attention to your work, you need to be on top of many other areas of your life too. By planning ahead, scheduling your time and reaching out when you need support, the relocation process should go smoothly without affecting your studies.

The post How to juggle your studies with moving house appeared first on Great Day Moving.

8 Steps to Ensure Your New Home Is Critter-Proof on Moving Day

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By Teri Silver

The excitement builds as moving day approaches, but before settling into your new home or apartment, you want to be sure that no unexpected roommates are squatting in the abode. Check out these eight steps to ensure your new home is critter-proof on moving day.  

Clean critter free kitchen on moving day

Thorough Cleaning

While it seems logical that a home would be clean when you move in, you may not want to trust the previous owners. It’s easy to overlook cracks and crevices, especially in bathrooms and the kitchen. Tiny crumbs and food scraps hide in dining areas, kitchen nooks, and crannies — there may even be a few in the bedrooms and living areas. Where there are crumbs, there may be ants, roaches, mice, and other hungry little dudes.

Hiring a professional service for a thorough cleaning not only gets the job done but will give you peace of mind that the home is ready for a new occupant. Necessary cleaning for moving day includes removing food residue from the oven, refrigerator, and sinks. The cleaner the home is, the less chance you’ll inherit bug or mouse problems from previous owners or tenants.   

Seal Entry Points

Mice and bugs are resourceful critters; they’ll find a way to get into the home — especially in cold weather. Pests get into houses and apartment buildings through tiny cracks in the foundation, window frames, and entry doors. Caulk seals cracks and gaps in buildings and will help to keep bugs and rodents where they belong — outside. (Use weather stripping on windows and doors that are opened frequently). Caulking the whole house also makes the home more energy efficient.  

Inspect and Treat   

Before signing on that dotted line, a thorough home inspection is a given for most buyers. If bug or rodent problems exist, call a professional exterminator (or require the seller or landlord to remedy the problem). DIY-ers can do it too with rodent smoke bombs and ready-to-use insect repellents. In any case, addressing bug and mouse problems before you move in will lessen the chance of surprises later.  

Books and Paper Items

Old books and papers that move in with you may be full of dust and cobwebs, or worse: Carpet beetles, roaches, termites, silverfish, and other bugs that eat the pages, covers, and binding glue. Inspect all books for stains, pellets, dust, and holes…something may have been chewing through the paper. Insert damaged books into plastic bags and stick them in the freezer for a few days. This should kill any surviving bugs. 

Sealing and Food Storage    

Unless you’re moving cross-country, you probably will be moving a lot of your pantry food. And because ants and mice are always looking for something to eat, they’ll sniff out moving boxes of foodstuff that aren’t well sealed. In the time it takes to get your kitchen in order, unsecured food can become a feast for pests.

Clean the Yard

Yards and outdoor recreation areas invite rodents and pests to the living space. Ragged lawns and bushes make good shelter and hiding places for moles and voles. Trash attracts bugs, mice, rats, skunks, raccoons, and whatever else likes to crawl through garbage. Cleaning up the trash before moving in helps to prevent infestations. 

After the Move  

The house and yard are clean, now you must keep them that way. After moving in, keeping the home clean and dry will ward off unwanted pests and lessen the chance of mold growing in moist, dark places. Set up dehumidifiers in damp areas like the laundry room, bathrooms, and basement.  

Monitoring Schedule

It may not be something you’d think about during the move, but setting up a schedule for regular pest monitoring is a good idea, at least once or twice a month. Look for bugs or mice in the pantry, kitchen, attic, basement, and crawl space. Keep a written log of where you see pests, and if necessary, hire an exterminator or pest control company.   

It’s a Great Day for moving, especially when your new home is clean and pest-free. Get a free estimate for professional packing and moving, and leave the critters behind.    

Teri Silver is a journalist and outdoor enthusiast. She and her husband live on 5 acres with a vast lawn, three gardens, a farm, a pond, many trees, and a lot of yard work! The best parts of the year are summer and fall when home-grown veggies are on the dinner table.

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