Tips for Moving in Winter

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Moving is always a challenge, but it can become a little more difficult when dealing with winter weather conditions. If cold and wet weather is in the forecast for your upcoming move, don’t panic – you might have to bundle up a little more, but you can still execute a stress-free and successful move while keeping all of your things safe. This article will present some basic tips for dealing with winter conditions during a move.

 

Steele & Vaughn is a trusted long distance moving company that is up to any challenge Mother Nature might have in mind. Among the leading movers in Greensboro, NC, Steele & Vaughn can be trusted to treat your things with the respect they deserve. Get in touch today to learn more or to get a quote on your upcoming move.

 

The Right Supplies

You don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute to track down the supplies you need to get through this move successfully. Instead, you’ll want to have everything you need on hand and ready to go when the day arrives. That includes various things that can help you deal with adverse weather conditions, such as the following –

 

  • Salt or sand. If outdoor surfaces are a bit icy on the day you plan to move, having a couple of bags of sand or salt available will help make those surfaces easier to navigate.

 

  • Floor coverings. Moving means coming in and out of a house over and over again, and your shoes may be covered with snow (or with the salt/sand we mentioned above). So, have a roll of plastic that can be used to cover the floor in the house, along with some mats to place at the doors. Also, it’s a good idea to move as many things into the garage for staging as possible before you take them into the house with clean feet.

 

  • The right clothes. Dressing in layers is the best approach for a winter move, since the weather will be cold but you’ll be working hard physically. With layers, you can easily add or subtract clothing as you get warm and then cold again.

 

Watch the Weather

You can only trust a weather forecast roughly a week in advance, and even then, you need to watch for any changes in those predictions. As the day of the move closes in, pay attention to the weather forecast and consider backup plans, if necessary. For instance, if your moving route goes through an area that is expected to have bad weather, look for other routes that could get you safely to the destination. In a worst-case scenario, you might need to push the move to another day if a storm comes in and makes it unsafe to go ahead with your plan.

 

Working with a proven mover like Steele & Vaughn will go a long way toward making this winter move a smooth one. Reach out today to learn more about scheduling their services and you can ask any questions you may have about planning this move. Keep in mind, the Steele & Vaughn team has moved thousands of families successfully in all types of weather conditions; so no matter what Mother Nature has in store, Steele & Vaughn can get you through it.

 

Moving and Mental Health

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When thinking about the challenges of moving, you probably think first and foremost of the physical aspects. Moving is a lot of work, with plenty of heavy lifting and logistical puzzles to get everything where it needs to go. But it’s important to remember the role that mental health plays in this process, as well. The article below will dive into some of the mental health concerns that can arise when moving and how you might be able to sidestep those issues.

 

As leading Greensboro NC movers, Steele & Vaughn can help you complete this project with minimal stress and disruption. Whether you need to rent storage units in Greensboro NC or you can just move from one home to the next, it’s important to have the right professionals by your side. Reach out today for a free estimate and to reserve the ideal time to complete your move.

 

Two Forces at Play

The experience of moving can play negatively on your mental health for a couple of reasons. First, there is the stress of managing the practical side of this process. You’ll need to pack up all of your things, move them to a new location, and unpack them once again. That’s not only a lot of work, but it can be stressful as you worry about whether or not everything will make it safely.

 

Beyond the practical reality of a move, there is also the emotional element of leaving one life behind to start a new one. This is particularly relevant when moving a significant distance away from people that you have developed relationships with over the years. Even if you are excited about the move for various reasons, you might feel sad about the potential loss of friendships and other connections that you’ve come to value in your life.

 

Dealing with the Practical Side

The act of moving is the easier of these two issues to address. Getting started early on the moving process can reduce stress as it will allow you to gradually pack your things up and not rush at the last minute. Also, partnering with an experienced mover like Steele & Vaughn will go a long way toward making the move easier. Put as many of the pieces in place for a smooth move as soon as you can and you’ll find that your stress levels naturally decrease.

 

Confront Your Fears

You don’t want to simply ignore the social implication of your move and hope that you’ll feel better about it later. Instead, address it by taking some proactive steps before you leave. Try to make plans with current friends for how you will stay in touch after you move away. Look into groups or organizations that you could join in your new area to make connections with people around common interests. For example, if you like to exercise, look for workout groups that are accepting new members and join before you even arrive. That will give you somewhere to go right away and you can begin making connections immediately. These steps won’t necessarily eliminate the sadness over leaving, but they can go a long way toward getting you settled happily in your new home.

Remember that moving is high on the list as one of the big stress causing events; so if your emotions are running high or you are feeling particularly sad, this is not unusual when moving and there is nothing wrong with you that you have these strong emotions. As always, seeking professional help if the emotions are too much is a good idea.

 

Moving Hacks to Help Make Your Move Go Smooth!

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man carrying lots of moving boxesA big move can be really stressful. Let’s be honest… ANY move can be stressful!  Moving is commonly listed as one of life’s most stressful events.  It can be overwhelming to think about packing up all your belongings and making a transition to a new residence. A few simple tips (and partnering with a top-rated mover such as Steele & Vaughn) will help make the move go smoother. Some of these tips follow.

 

Label your Boxes

 

As you are packing your boxes (or totes), label them clearly so the movers can place them in the correct location at the new home (this not only helps with overall organization, but in the case of a local/hourly move, will save you money). If you decide to have Steele & Vaughn pack boxes for you, the same strategy should still be used… you will need to tell the packers how you want them labeled. One simple method is to name the room where the goods are coming from or going to (example: Master, Sarah’s Room, Office, etc.) and putting that name on the wall of that room so the packer knows how you want it labeled. Anything that requires special attention such as fragile goods should be marked as FRAGILE, TOP LOAD ONLY, THIS SIDE UP, Etc.

 

Use the right size box

 

If you choose to pack your own boxes, it is important to use the correct box size for the many different types of items being packed. There are six basic box sizes: Small (also called a Book box), Medium, Large, Dish, Mirror and Wardrobe. Here are a few general guidelines. Books should be placed in book boxes only! Soft goods such as bed linens, pillows, and folding clothes should be placed in Medium or Large boxes. These items can also be placed in the bottom of a Wardrobe box as well, in the void often left by hanging clothes. Lamp bases should go into whatever size box will hold them; dish boxes are good for taller lamps. Often, two or more lamps can be packed together. Lamp shades should go into the appropriate size box but that is all that should be placed in it (one, or two shades max if they are matching). Glassware, dishes, and china should go into Dish boxes. Minimize the weight of dish boxes; do not overload; use lots of packing paper and/or bubble wrap. Pots and pans are generally packed into whatever size box will hold them, or they can be added to the top of a nearly full dish box. Mirror cartons should be used for Wall Art and mirrors. Smaller pieces of art can be packed in regular boxes with other items. Save your TV Boxes!! The best box for packing a TV is the box it came in. If that is not available, you can purchase TV boxes. Sometimes mirror cartons can be used. Lastly, hanging clothes need to go into wardrobe boxes that use a bar at the top. Shoes can be placed at the bottom of the wardrobe (if you are concerned about dust and dirt, place the shoes in a trash bag first). Garden tools, brooms and rakes are best packed in an open wardrobe box; leave the flaps up and tape them so you are effectively creating a large, square barrel. Outdoor furniture cushions, umbrellas, garden hoses, and miscellaneous garage or shed items that don’t need a lot of protection can also be placed in these as well.

 

Change Your Address

 

Take the time to fill out a change of address form with the Post Office. Also, take the time to update your new address directly with all the companies and organizations that you do business with… insurance, banks, phone companies and any other service providers.

 

Use Towels and Blankets to Wrap Items

 

Bubble wrap and packing materials are expensive. To save money, use some of the blankets and towels that you need to take with you anyway and use those in place of the bubble or paper wrap. This is efficient on space and saves you money!

Are Moving Companies Regulated?

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Yes!

There are three types of residential moves: Local, Intrastate, and Interstate.

As you search for “the best moving company in Greensboro,” you want to make sure you choose a company that is fully certificated, licensed, and insured. In North Carolina, for Local and Intrastate moves, movers are regulated by The North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC). Interstate moves (moving across state borders) are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), not the NCUC.

Note: commercial moves and labor-only moves are non-regulated, which means the mover is not bound by published tariffs and other regulations of the NCUC or FMCSA. However, you still want a mover that is licensed to operate and insured.

Steele & Vaughn Moving and Storage is fully certificated, licensed and insured to operate within any of the above categories.

Moving Tips for the Elderly

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Moving is never easy. Even for the young and fit, it’s one of the most challenging life event. There is just something unsettling about not having our “stuff” exactly where it’s always been.  For the elderly, moving can be even more stressful and disorienting.  Fortunately, there are many ways to make such a big life change much more manageable no matter your age or circumstances.

 

Before you call one of the best movers in Greensboro, Steele & Vaughn Moving and Storage, here are a few things to make your move, and life, easier:

 

Give Plenty of Time

 

The longer we live in one place, the deeper our roots grow and the harder it is to move elsewhere.

 

Elderly residents are best served having a little more time to move. Elderly movers have different considerations. Access to schools is important for a young family – but an elderly mover is more interested in easy access to shopping and medical facilities.

 

They’ll also need to put some serious thought into possessions. Are they downsizing? Will they need to put things into storage, or sell them? These decisions shouldn’t be made lightly and may take a little extra time.

 

Get Familiar With the Location First

 

How places look online or in house listings can be very different to how they are in person. It’s important for elderly movers to get familiar with their intended location before they move. Visit the area, know where the shops are, how easy it is to get to certain places of interest. This will make life a lot easier when they get settled at their new residence.

 

Let People Know

 

We all want to be as independent as possible at any stage of life, but moving is one of those times where help is of utmost importance. Elderly residents should be sure to let family know of their intention to move so there are no unexpected surprises later. The more people aware of the move and able to help, the easier the move will be.

 

They should also be sure to contact moving companies in Greensboro to let them know their circumstances and see what services they offer. Make sure you select movers in Greensboro that are accommodating to the special needs of elderly residents.

 

Make Plans for The Current Home

 

Renovate? Repair? Or leave as-is? When moving out of a well lived-in home, there are many considerations with what to do with the property itself. This is one of the reasons it’s so important for elderly residents to have plenty of time before their move. It may be best to leave the home in its current state if it’s well-maintained. Weighing up the benefit of repairs and renovations versus the stress of performing those updates needs to be considered.

 

Hire Packers

 

Packing specialists are invaluable to anybody moving. Elderly residents should consider hiring them when making the decision to move. Changing homes is an immensely exhausting undertaking, and a good part of that is packing. Professional packing companies are fast, efficient, and will ensure your belongings reach their destination safely.

 

With all the stress of moving, particularly for the elderly, one way to make the physical move less stressful is by hiring a reliable moving service, such as Steele and Vaughn. A reputable moving service can handle as much of your move as you wish, from packing to loading to unloading and unpacking so that you can focus on what really matters—your well being. Call Steele and Vaughn today to consult and reserve your moving date: (336) 273-0546.

 

Do Moving Companies Have Payment Plans?

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It’s no secret that moving can be expensive. Not only do you have the cost of purchasing or renting a new place to live, but you also have all the other costs that come along with this process. Those costs can include buying new furniture for your new place and dealing with the transportation and help needed to get from one home to another. If you are wondering about the possibility of hiring a mover while using a payment plan to spread out the cost, this article will explore that topic.

When in need of trustworthy long distance movers with a proven track record of great rates and reliable performance, turn to Steele & Vaughn. You don’t want to trust your possessions with just anyone, and the Steele & Vaughn team is up to the challenge of even the toughest move.

Do Movers Offer Payment Plans?

Generally speaking, moving companies do not offer payment plans. You will typically be required to make payment when the services are rendered, although most movers will accept a variety of forms of payment, including credit cards. So, if you have space available on a credit card, using that to pay for the moving services may be a way to spread out the payments effectively.

With that said, you may encounter some long distance movers who are willing to offer a payment plan or some form of financing. However, it is important to remember that if you are in the process of buying a new home with a mortgage, taking out any kind of loan could be trouble. Unless your mortgage has already closed, be sure to talk to your lender about using a payment plan for the moving process. Doing so could potentially put your financing in jeopardy, which is the last mistake you want to make at this stage of the game.

How to Make Your Move More Affordable

If you are unable to secure financing for your move, there are a variety of options available to make the process as affordable as possible while still getting the help you need.

  • Call around. Before committing to the long distance movers that you will use, call around and get a few quotes. Going through this process alone will help you find a rate that works for your budget. Of course, be sure to call Steele & Vaughn first, as you are likely to be impressed with the rate they can provide for their professional services.
  • Do some work. While you may need a mover to haul your items from one place to the next, getting some of the packing done on your own ahead of time can bring down the final price tag.
  • Budget from the start. If you are still early in the moving process, simply build this expense into your budget from the beginning. Knowing that you are going to need to pay movers to haul your items will make it so there is no surprise later on.

With some creativity and planning, you should be able to make it work with your chosen moving company, even if financing isn’t available.

 

How to Move Your Arcade or Pool Table

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Some of the things you own will be easy to move. Your clothes, for example, can be boxed up and transported wherever they need to go. Those boxes won’t be particularly heavy, and they won’t be fragile. The story is different for an arcade machine or pool table, however. These are heavy items that could be broken if not moved properly and carefully. This article will offer some basic advice on how to make it through a move successfully with these unique and valuable possessions.

Working with the best long-distance movers and packers available will make your life easier while relocating, and Steele & Vaughn are the perfect choice. Offering competitive rates, attentive service, and the knowledge that comes with years of working in this industry, Steele & Vaughn are trustworthy partners for your upcoming move.

A Pool Table Plan

First up, the pool table. If you have the necessary space in your home, a pool table is a great way to enjoy friendly competition with family and friends. As you may already know, pool tables are extremely heavy – meaning you aren’t going to be able to move your table all in one piece. Most tables are made up of three slabs for the playing surface, along with various other components like legs, rails, and pockets.

So, the key to moving a pool table successfully is to have it taken apart and moved in pieces. Ideally, this task will be performed by a professional who has experience with the construction – and deconstruction – of pool tables. It’s not as simple as just loosening a few screws and pulling it apart. Also, when the components arrive at your new home, they should be assembled by a pro who can make sure the playing surface is perfectly level and all components are secured in place. The cost of getting help from a pro will be well worth it when your table plays just as well in your new house as it did in your old one.

Dealing with Arcade Equipment

Whether you have a single arcade machine or a whole collection, you’ll need a detailed plan for moving these games safely. In this case, the key is to remember that an arcade machine is a piece of electronics – just a particularly large piece of electronics. So, you have to treat it with just as much care as you would something like a computer or television. That means wrapping up the arcade equipment, so the screens aren’t exposed, joysticks won’t get damaged, etc.

Also, be sure to have enough people on hand to move these items safely and without damage. Arcade machines are heavy and can be awkward to lift due to their shape. Trying to move one without the right number of people or equipment may put you at personal risk for injury or could cause you to drop the machine. As with moving a pool table, moving an arcade machine is made far easier through the use of a professional team. Pro movers will have experience with heavy and awkward items and will be able to both package them up carefully and move them in a way that avoids damage.

How to Pack Home Audio and Home Theater Equipment

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When preparing for a move, most of your items will be easy to pack up. As long as you have some boxes on hand, and a few rolls of tape, you can get most of your things ready to go. Some possessions are more challenging, however, and that includes home audio and theater equipment. These are items that can potentially be damaged during a move, so carefully packing them up is an important step. This article will take a closer look at some of the keys to completing this job correctly.

As your move gets closer, contact Steele & Vaughn for Greensboro movers you can trust with even your most important belongings. Steele & Vaughn brings great prices and ample experience to the table, making them the right choice for both local and long-distance moves.

Understand the Challenge

To make a plan for how to pack your audio and home theater equipment, you first need to know what you are trying to accomplish while packing. On that point, there are two keys – protect the equipment, and make it easy to move. Audio and video equipment tends to be oddly shaped and easily damaged, meaning getting it into regularly shaped, protected boxes is a big improvement. Once the items are secured under some padding and are into standard square or rectangular boxes, moving them will become a simple task.

Using the Right Supplies

We’ve already mentioned how boxes are important for this part of a move. Cardboard boxes are cheap, easy to find, and can be reused for other purposes after the move is complete. Beyond those boxes, you’ll want to have plenty of packing paper available, and quality tape to secure things as they are put away. Also, bubble wrap is good for affordable padding inside of your boxes, or you could add small towels, blankets, or sheets to accomplish the same thing (although those options are heavier). Investing a small amount of money in supplies can help save you from having to replace expensive equipment later on.

Get Organized

Audio and video equipment tends to come with a variety of accessories and components. Things like power cords, connecting cables, and remotes are easy to lose in the process of a journey. To avoid that outcome, use some plastic bags to collect the various parts for each piece of equipment and keep them together. Label those bags to indicate what equipment they go with, and put them in the same box to avoid confusion. This is a quick and easy step that should make your move far easier to complete successfully.

Speaking of a successful move, bringing in professional Greensboro movers will take some stress off your plate during this busy time. Steele & Vaughn offers an experienced team that can not only pack up your stuff carefully and strategically, but will also deliver that stuff to its new home on time. Professional movers are more affordable than you might think and can allow you to enjoy this process rather than sweating every last detail.

What Are Some Home Organization Ideas?

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Photo of boxes for moving in Greensboro NCOrganizing your home can be life changing. Everyone loves to come home to a neat and tidy house, and it certainly is handy to know where everything is without having to sort through a pile of junk. But how do you go about getting organized if your home is currently not exactly the pinnacle of neatness? This article will dive into some key strategies that you can put to use.

For help moving from your current home into a new home with one of the top Greensboro moving companies, contact Steele & Vaughn for assistance.

Remove the Junk

Everyone’s organization project should start with a review of what you need to keep and what should be tossed out. Of course, not everything in the “toss out” pile needs to go in the garbage – you could sell some of the items in a yard sale or donate them to charity, etc. It will be much easier to get organized if you are trying to find a place for fewer things to live with. Most people have plenty of stuff they never use and will never need, so this is an important place to start.

Also, note that you don’t have to wait until you are moved into a new place to go through your stuff and get rid of things. In fact, just before a move is perhaps the best time of all to get rid of things that are no longer of value in your life. This project will make it easier to get settled into your new place after the move, as you’ll have less junk to deal with. Also, it might even lower the cost of the move since you’ll have less stuff to transport from one place to the next.

Assign Everything a Home

Make sure that all your items have somewhere specific to live inside of your house. It doesn’t work to just set some things down on a table or in an extra room and figure out a spot for them later. That “later” tends not to come, and your house just stays cluttered. Everything should have its own spot, and those things should go back to those spots when they are not in use. Make sure everyone who lives in the home understands where things go and how important it is to put them back each time.

Containers are Your Friend

It makes it much easier to get organized if you can collect all your small items and store them together in bins, buckets, or baskets. Buying containers of various shapes and sizes will help you tidy up when you are trying to store things that don’t fit naturally on a shelf. For example, if you have a lot of small office supplies just sitting out on your desk, pick up a basket that can hold them all and be placed on a shelf. You will have quickly solved the clutter problem and you will easily be able to access those items any time you need to use them. Apply the container concept to as many areas of your home as possible and organization will be within reach.

Is Moving a Tax Deduction?

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Given the cost of moving, both in terms of buying a new place and the actual act of moving your items, it’s understandable that you’ll want to save money wherever possible. One place you might look for savings is on your tax bill at the end of the year. For a better understanding of how moving impacts your tax situation, look at the content below.

 

If you need to hire reliable Greensboro movers to transport your belongings from one home to the next, Steele & Vaughn is the easy choice. Call today to discuss your move and secure a spot on the calendar.

 

No Break Available

If you are in the military, some of your moving expenses may be tax deductible. For most of the rest of us there is not a tax deduction available for your moving expenses. The tax law was changed in 2017 which is why many still believe that moving expenses are tax deductible.  They aren’t, unfortunately.  That’s likely not what you wanted to hear, but it’s good to know what you can expect when tax season rolls around. Also, without the benefit of a tax deduction waiting in the wings, it’s even more important to work with Greensboro movers like Steele & Vaughn who will provide you with competitive rates for their services.

 

A Move Can Make Things Complicated

Aside from looking for a deduction, the other topic on your mind regarding taxes and your move is how you will file if you change states. For those who move within the same state, there is nothing to worry about – nothing about your tax situation will have been altered. However, if you move from one state to another, you’ll need to note that on your taxes and file them appropriately. This is particularly tricky if you move from a state that has a state income tax to one that doesn’t, or vice versa. Even if you don’t have to deal with this matter at the time of the move, it’s good to have it in mind so you aren’t surprised by a tax bill that you didn’t expect later.

 

Working with the Pros

Without a doubt, the best thing you can do to get your taxes just right for a year that you have moved is to hire a professional to help you with the process. Even if you typically do your taxes on your own, it might be worth bringing in a pro for this one year when things are a little bit more complicated. For most people, tax help is surprisingly affordable, and you will be able to get direct answers to all your questions. Just like the moving process is made significantly easier with the help of a team like Steele & Vaughn, so too is the process of filing your taxes made easier with the help of an accountant. Consult a pro regarding the tax implications of your move right away and rest easy knowing that this part of your move is well under control.