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How to Reduce Stress During a Move

how to reduce stress during a move

Moving can be an exciting time in your life. Or, it can be a negative, unwelcome event. This is especially true if you’re moving to a new city and you’re not sure if you chose the right neighborhood. Moving, in fact, is one of life’s top stressors, right along with a job loss, a major illness, divorce, and death of a loved one.

Luckily, there are lots of ways to reduce the stress of moving. Here are 7 ways to manage your stress before, during, and after you’ve boxed up your whole life and decided to start over.

1.    Outsource and delegate.

As the saying goes, many hands make light work. And when moving, you need as many hands on-board as you can get. Craigslist and TaskRabbit are good online resources that you can use to search for people who can help you pack and move.

Prior to them leaving, request them to help you assemble the furniture and get the big stuff done first.

2.    Create ample time and deadlines.

Time is not always in your control. Sometimes you may need to move last minute when a move has sneaked up on you, and you’ll have to act fast. If it’s possible to plan ahead, allow yourself a couple of weeks. Eight weeks will do!

If you are planning a summer move and/or need to hire movers, then you’ll need even more time. Generally speaking, though, eight weeks are enough to do everything without putting too much stress on yourself.

3.    Protect your valuables.

how to reduce stress during a moveMoving is a major undertaking and in the process, your belongings can easily become damaged. Luckily, there are ways to avoid that.

Below are tips to pack your valuables when moving house.

  • Get sufficient packing supplies. How you pack your valuables determines whether they will remain in one piece during the move or not. Ensure you have enough bubble wrap, packing paper, and boxes.
  • Consider purchasing insurance for your valuable items. Contact your insurance company and ask them if your current home insurance policy covers the relocation of valuables from one point to the next.
  • Make a detailed list of your valuables. Also, keep any accompanying documents like certificates of authenticity, warranty cards, bills, receipts, etc. Don’t also forget to take photos of the items.
  • Pack your valuables safely. You want to invest in high-quality cushioning and protection. Most valuable articles are rather delicate and easily breakable.

4.    Clear out the clutter.

how to reduce stress during a moveDecluttering is a must before moving house. Some of the benefits you’ll get include:

  • Your new home will be easier to organize/clean.
  • You’ll have less to unpack in your new home.
  • Your home will be easier to stage (if you are selling).
  • You’ll save money. The less you have to move, the less it’ll cost to move it.

Before you begin decluttering, have markers, a shredder, and trash bags ready to help with the process. Next, be methodological and start small. Decluttering smaller places first will give you a sense of accomplishment that’ll help you tackle larger tasks later.

As you declutter, keep this quote in mind: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

5.    Hire professional movers.

No one really likes packing and lugging around furniture. If your budget allows it, then consider leaving the work to the experts.

Here are good reasons why you should consider moving experts:

  • Professional movers are insured. Having peace of mind that you’re protected by a professional mover’s insurance is priceless.
  • Professional movers have storage facilities. You can rely on them to safeguard your possessions either for short- or long-term durations.
  • They have the vehicles. They supply both workers and drivers as well as trucks of all sizes to fit your needs.
  • They have the right equipment. They arrive armed with labor saving devices like dollies, lifts, and ramps.

6.    Plan the move.

how to reduce stress during a moveCarefully planning can make things go a lot more smoothly. To be efficient, pack your stuff methodically. Move from room-to-room packing everything before proceeding to the next one.

Keep one suitcase for each person. Pack it as if you are going for a vacation, and then pack the rest of your home into boxes. Store the items that you’ll need to immediately access, such as clean socks, underwear, and a toothbrush.

In addition, clearly label each box based on the room it should be deposited to.

7.    Have a backup plan.

Have some options should some things fall out of place. For instance, allow a few days on either end of your move out/move-in day should your moving company not show up or cancel.

Also, keep a short list of back up movers and rental agencies, just in case.

Moving is part thrilling, part awful, always emotionally fraught. Be that as it may, it’s something that most of us will do at some point in our lives. With these tips, you can rest assured that you’ll have a stress-free move when that time comes.

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Moving To Guides: Bakersfield, CA

Bakersfield California

Located near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley and the Central Valley region is the ninth most populous city in California. We’re talking about Bakersfield, and more than 464,000 residents call it home.

History

The first settlers were attracted to the area because of the discovery of gold at the bottom of the Kern River.

When a large number of people began to settle in the valley, Colonel Thomas Baker was tasked with laying out the plans for all of the residents. After looking at the alfalfa field in his backyard, he decided to name the city Bakersfield.

When the gold became harder to find, Bakersfield still continued to grow as it was a great place to live. Today it has much to offer residents, and if you’re looking to call this city home, here are some things you may want to know:

Demographics

The median age of residents is 30.6 years, which is lower than the state’s median age of 36.2 years. Over 79 percent hold a high school degree or higher, and the median income is $61,039.

Employers

If you are looking for a job, the city is home to hundreds of employers. They include:

  • Bakersfield Memorial Hospital
  • Bank of America
  • Nestle
  • University of Phoenix
  • Superior Grocers
  • State Farm
  • General Electric
  • Granite Construction
  • Black Angus Steakhouse
  • PetSmart

Neighborhoods

Bakersfield offers a variety of neighborhoods, and when compared to other areas in California, the home prices are generally reasonable. Neighborhoods include:

City in the Hills – Featuring picturesque mountain views, this planned community is perfect for those who want rural living with easy access to good amenities. Within the neighborhood, you will find a theater, ballroom, spa, tennis courts, and a swimming pool.

Seven Oaks – This master-planned community offers tree-lined streets and beautiful landscaping. At the center of the neighborhood is the Seven Oaks Country Club that boasts a pool, golf course, tennis courts, and restaurants.

College Heights – College Heights is appropriately named as Bakersfield College is nearby. Homes date back to the 1950s, and residents often enjoy activities and events hosted by the school.

Education

Bakersfield City School District – The district’s website states that its vision is to be a leader in public education through a collaborative and supportive learning community that ensures all students are inspired to achieve academic excellence and become life-long learners and productive citizens. The district educates thousands of students, and consists of thirty-five elementary schools and ten middle schools. Students in grades 9-12 attend the Kern High School District that enrolls more than 35,000 students and features eighteen comprehensive campuses, three career technical education sites, and one adult education center.

California State University, Bakersfield – Established in 1965, California State University, Bakersfield is a comprehensive public university that offers a variety of undergraduate majors and programs. They include Anthropology, Kinesiology, and Political Science. Students can participate in sports or join student organizations to enhance their college experience.

Restaurants

Residents enjoy the city’s many restaurants, and two you won’t want to miss include:

Boss Pizza – Located downtown, Boss Pizza displays the toppings out in the open to allow diners to experience the custom crafting process first hand. Signature pizzas include Jack of Hearts, Jalapeno Popper, and Greenhouse.

Frugatti’s Italian Eatery – Frugatti’s is where you will find the best Italian dining experience in Bakersfield as the cooks use the freshest ingredients and authentic equipment such as a wood-burning oven from Milan. In a laid-back atmosphere, you can enjoy friendly service and meals such as Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine, Chicken Parmesan, and Tortellini Alfredo.

We hope this moving to guide has helped you learn more about Bakersfield. When you’re ready to call this city home, please contact us. We will help you find movers who will help you relocate both quickly and efficiently.

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Moving To Guides: Waynesboro, Georgia

Moving to Georgia brings up pictures of peaches, Tara, wide open green spaces, pine trees and lots of sunshine. All that is true and then some. Georgia red clay produces some of the most delectable fruits and vegetables this side of the Mississippi. Georgia is the home of Perdue chickens, peanuts, Frito-Lays potato chips and the 80s rock group Brownsville Station. It will also be your home when you move to Waynesoro. Grab another box and keep on packing while we give you a moving to guide to Waynesboro, Georgia.

Where is Waynesboro?

Waynesboro is 24 miles south of Augusta and 50 miles northwest of Statesboro. Atlanta and Macon are one hundred to a couple hundred miles to the east and west of your new home. In Georgia, some cities are the seat of the county. Waynesboro is the county seat of Burke County, located on the eastern edge of the state and home to over 5,000 residents. Various small towns and villages populate the county, but Waynesboro is where it’s at, so to speak. There is much commerce and other traffic moving through Waynesboro.

Homes in Waynesboro

Since the town is outside the larger cities of Statesboro and Augusta, home prices will be better. Prices vary, though, according to the age of the house, upgrades and location. For example, a three bed two bath house in 1,500 square feet on a 2.5 acre lot will run you $163,000. The same house, more or less, on less than an acre of land and with 1,800 square feet will cost you $220,000 but only because it backs to a golf course. So you’ll need to pick and choose your locations. You can pick up a two bed two bath home with 2,200 square feet on two acres for $91,000.

Education in Wayesboro

Counties in Georgia are small, and there’s a lot of them. Each county manages its own education system. Georgia schools go from Pre-K or K to 5, while the primary school goes from Pre-K to 2. The middle and high schools run as expected. Burke county hosts:

  • SGA Elementary School – Pre-K up to 5
  • Blakeney Elementary School – 3 up to 5
  • Waynesboro Primary School – Pre-K up to 2
  • Burke County Middle School – 6 up to 8
  • Burke County High School – 9 up to 12
  • Burke County Alternative School – 6 up to 12

The Burke County Bears won the state championship in 2011.

Higher education is available in Statesboro, Augusta, Savannah, Macon and Atlanta. Some driving will be necessary to attend:

  • Georgia State University, Atlanta
  • Georgia Southern University, Statesboro
  • Emory University, Atlanta
  • Savannah College of Art and Design, Atlanta and Savannah
  • Savannah State University, Savannah
  • Mercer University, Macon
  • Spelman College, Atlanta
  • South University, Savannah

Employment in Waynesboro

If you don’t want to travel to Savannah, Statesboro, Augusta, Macon or Atlanta to work, there is plenty to do in Burke County and the surrounding environs. ADT has a viable presence in town, as do the insurance and banking/credit industry. The medical community, IT and computers, trucking and logistics, the education system, and the energy industry all have a major presence in Waynesboro.

Anything to Do in Waynesboro?

Waynesboro is full of historical sites and buildings, parks and lakes as well as antebellum mansions. How many people get to see historic Confederate cemeteries or battlefields from the Civil War? You won’t tire of hiking and biking trails, water sports, the Farm Festival in September (children’s activities, music, food, arts and crafts) as well as Vince Gill and Styx at the Bell Auditorium in Augusta! There’s poker, too.

We help people move, offering packing supplies, move to information and quotes from cross-country moving companies in your price range. To learn more about it, contact us today.

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Moving To Guides: Tampa Bay, Florida

Located on the west coast of Florida, Tampa is the largest city in Hillsborough County and the third most populous city in the state.

If you are moving to Tampa,” here are some things you may want to know:

Demographics

There are more than 346,000 residents and the median age is 35.3 years. Over 86 percent have a high school diploma, and many residents work in management, sales, and construction occupations. The mean travel to work time is 21.9 minutes.

Top Employers

There are a variety of employment opportunities available in the Tampa Bay area, and the top employers include:

  • Publix Supermarket Inc.
  • BayCare Health System
  • Walmart
  • Verizon Communications Inc.
  • TECO Energy Inc.
  • Times Publishing Co.
  • Lakeland Regional Medical Center
  • Caspers Company (McDonald’s)
  • Bealls
  • OJI Restaurant Partners Inc.

Neighborhoods

Tampa has several great neighborhoods that provide easy access to major roadways and are also close to entertainment and shopping destinations. They include:

Seminole Heights – If you are looking for a neighborhood with unique architecture, tree-lined streets, and a sense of community, look no further than Seminole Heights. According to Movoto, it’s defined by its bungalow architecture that reflects the Craftsman and Arts & Crafts influence.

Brandon – Located east of downtown, this family friendly community is known for hosting the annual Brandon Balloon Classic which features more than fifty hot air balloons from around the country.

Hunter’s Green – This award-winning master planned community includes approximately 1,500 homes and amenities such as basketball and volleyball courts, jogging paths, and a playground. Also within the community is Hunter’s Green Country Club that offers 18 holes of golf and more.

Education

Children attending public school will receive their education from the Hillsborough County Public Schools. The district offers highly trained teachers and the school board’s mission is to provide an education that enables each student to excel as a successful and responsible citizen.

Higher Education

There are several colleges and universities within Tampa’s boundaries, including:

  • Hillsborough Community College
  • The University of Tampa
  • Remington College
  • Concorde Career College
  • Everest University – Brandon

Restaurants

The city is home to several popular restaurants, including:

Ulele – Pronounced you-lay-lee, this restaurant celebrates the vibrant fusion of ingredients from Florida waters and the land once home to many native Americans. Located just north of downtown Tampa, menu options Mahi Mahi, Crackling Pork Shank, and Muenster Chicken.

First Watch – First Watch opened in 1983, and it has received numerous accolades including “Best Breakfast and Brunch.” Menu options include Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos, Inspired Italian Omelets, and Belgian Waffles.

Bella’s Italian Cafe – Bella’s is one of the longest standing and most popular eateries in the area. Since 1986, it has been known for its authentic Italian cuisine and vibrant atmosphere that provides the perfect setting for a meal with friends. Menu options include PolloRosso, Spaghetti and Meatballs, and Lasagna Con Pollo.

Things to Do

While calling Tampa home, you will never lack for things to do. The fun includes:

Lowry Park Zoo – Voted the #1 Family Friendly Zoo in the U.S. by Parents Magazine, Lowry Park spans sixty-three acres and is home to animals such as African penguins, Florida panthers, and Bornean Orangutans. To enhance your visit, enjoy petting stingrays, feeding giraffes, and mingling with ponies.

The Florida Aquarium – Ranked one of the top ten aquariums in the United States by TripAdvisor, The Florida Aquarium is home to an array of marine life from around the world. Exhibits include Journey to Madagascar, Coral Reef, and Bays to Beaches. Visitors can also enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour, feeding fish, and swimming with sharks.

Where you’re ready to relocate to Tampa, please contact us. We work with the best licensed and insured movers in the United States.

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Green Hills is a Fascinating Place to Live in Nashville-Davidson TN

Nashville is a vast place, stretching up to 500 square miles. That’s a lot of territory to cover. Visiting for a couple weeks, seeing the sights, tasting the flavors and colors of the city as well as checking out housing, jobs, entertainment and the necessary shopping would be a good idea before picking up and moving. Moving to guides can help you there, but we’ll take it one step further and suggest that Green Hills would be a fascinating place to live. You can’t walk all over Nashville in order to get the feel of the city, but you can walk all over Green Hills to get that feel. Alert us if you need packing supplies so you can keep packing while we’ll tell you all about it.

The Aura

Every city has its aura. It’s the feeling you get when you’ve finished seeing, eating and doing it all. You’re left with a feeling that wraps you around in its very essence. The aura of Green Hills is one of the well-lived, well-educated wealthy family. The famous Southern charm and hospitality is alive and well here in Green Hills. Nashville proper is a few miles up the road, leaving Green Hills more or less a city unto itself. Let that aura wrap around you for a couple weeks. We’re sure you will feel right at home.

Exclusivity

If you want to live near those of your type, you look for certain neighborhoods. Green Hills is the neighborhood of the executive, the professional and the entrepreneur. There is no poverty at all in Green Hills. There is no disruption nor unpleasantness. This exclusivity, all of whose facets make Green Hills around 95 percent over Tennessee neighborhoods and not far off in the nation, makes Green Hills the place to live for executives and professionals.

The Lifestyle

Living in a 1.3 million dollar house and wearing clothing to work from Lilly Pulitzer and Anthropologie, wearing Jimmy Choo shoes and Tiffany jewelry bespeaks a certain lifestyle. This lifestyle could be yours when you move to Green Hills. Some of the most amazing food is to be enjoyed here, along with craft beers, boutique shopping and dozens of art galleries and craft shoppes. Sports, events, festivals and amusements are available by the dozen for family entertainment. Check them out on your visit, and then be prepared to enjoy those and much more when you move to Green Hills.

The Homes

Not much in Green Hills is truly old, but mid-century homes add a certain cache to Green Hills. Newer homes were built between the 70s and the 90s. Some homes stand empty, not because they were foreclosed, but because they simply haven’t been bought yet. Zillow tells us most homes are three to four beds with two to three baths and go from around $350,000 on up. New builds begin around $600,000 to $700,000 and go up. Condos and apartments are also available, with studio options as well.

Education in Green Hills

Here, the Williamson County and Davidson County lines offer residents excellent schools on either side. Green Hills is home to some of the best public and private schools in Nashville:

  • Julia Green Elementary School
  • Covenant School
  • Montgomery Bell Academy
  • Ensworth School
  • Linden Waldorf School
  • West End Middle School
  • Moore Middle School
  • Hillsboro High School

Colleges and universities are many in Nashville, including:

  • Vanderbilt University
  • Tennessee State University
  • University of Tennessee
  • Belmont University
  • Fisk University
  • Welch College
  • Nashville School of Law

After you’ve visited in order to get the feel of Green Hills, we’ll be helping you pack and move. That’s what we do. Please contact us to learn more about it.

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Moving To Guides: Aurora, CO

What was once a budding frontier town is now one of the most vibrant, energetic, and exciting cities in the United States.

We’re talking about Aurora, Colorado, and it’s the state’s third largest city with a population over 351,000.

If you’re relocating to this great city, here are some things you may want to know:

History

According to the city’s website, Aurora was incorporated as the town of Fletcher in 1891. It was four square miles of prairie and named after developer Donald Fletcher. A short time later, a drought put an end to the water system and the Silver Panic in 1893 caused a decrease in property values. In 1907, Fletcher was renamed Aurora, and twenty-one years later, the Colorado Secretary of State recognized it as a city.

Demographics

The median age of residents is 33.5 years, and more than 86 percent hold a high school diploma or higher. Over 47 percent are married, while 34 percent have never said “I do.” The mean commute to work time is 27.6 percent minutes, and the median household income is $54,695.

Housing Market

The median sales price of homes is $280,000, making the price per square foot $187.00. Trends in the city show a fourteen percent year-over-year rise in median sales, and there are a variety of home styles from which to choose.

Neighborhoods

Aurora is home to several great neighborhoods, including:

Park Villas – This is a wonderful neighborhood for those who enjoy the outdoors, as its western and southern edges are against Cherry Creek State Park. Residents also like the neighborhood’s family friendly atmosphere and its proximity to Highway 83 and Interstate 225.

Saddle Rock – Saddle Rock is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city. It’s adjacent to Saddle Rock Country Club and several homes overlook the golf course.

Cherry Creek East – Cherry Creek East is horse shoe shaped and it’s one of the most luxurious neighborhood’s in the greater Denver area. Most of the homes overlook a golf course or the Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park. In the middle of the neighborhood is a multi-million dollar facility known as the Cherry Creek Soccer Complex and Cherry Creek State Park sits to the north.

Education

Aurora Public Schools – The Aurora Public Schools consists of fifty schools that educate over 34,000 students. There are over 2,000 licensed teachers, of which 58.28 percent hold a master’s degree.

Higher Education – There are several higher learning institutions in Aurora, such as:

  • Community College of Aurora
  • Pickens Technical College
  • Colorado Technical University – Greenwood Village
  • American Sentinel University
  • Pima Medical Institute – South Denver

Places to Eat

There are several great places to eat, including:

Monsoon – This restaurant serves delicious Indian cuisine that’s prepared using fresh, preservative free ingredients. The tandoor oven can reach temperatures as high as 800 degrees, which adds a distinctive smoky flavor to protein selections. Menu options include Salmon Tikka, Tandoori Chicken, and Lamb Masala.

Cafe Paprika – Since 1993, Cafe Paprika has offered Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine. It has a casual atmosphere that brings the warmth of Morocco, and menu items include Ziti Chicken, Vegetarian Couscous, and Apricot Lamb.

Cheddar’s – The founders of Cheddar’s believe that when a meal is prepared and cooked fresh, it not only tastes good, it makes you feel good. Chefs begin slow-cooking the meats early in the morning and the recipes are made from scratch using natural ingredients. Menu options include Smokehouse Burgers, Baked Potato Soup, and Chicken Pot Pie.

Best Time to Relocate

The best time to relocate to Aurora is in the spring or fall. You will avoid the peak moving season as well as the snow and ice during the winter months.

When you’re ready to call Aurora home, please contact us. We will help you find the movers who will do the job efficiently and professionally.