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.

 

What to Do with the Moving Boxes

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When the moving process is all said and done, there is likely to be at least one physical reminder of all the work you’ve done – the leftover moving boxes. You may have a large number of empty boxes now piled up in your garage or spare bedroom. There are a few different ways to put those old boxes to good use now that they are done transporting your things.

 

As one of the leading moving companies North Carolina has to offer, Steele & Vaughn bring experience, expertise, and competitive prices to each and every job. Reach out today for a free estimate or for more information.

 

Put Some to Use in Your Home

Cardboard boxes might not be the prettiest thing to keep around the house, but they certainly can be functional. Specifically, they work nicely for storage in your garage, so don’t throw them all out as soon as the move is over. Review your collection of boxes and pick out those that are in the best condition. When you have things that need to be stored for a long period of time, your leftover boxes could make for an ideal solution. For example, if you have some holiday decorations that you only use once a year, those might live in a cardboard box in your garage until the holidays roll around.

 

One of the nice things about using cardboard boxes for home storage instead of something like a plastic tote is that cardboard breaks down flat when not in use. So, if you keep some boxes on hand, you can flatten them out and find a good place to store them where they won’t be in the way. Then, when one is needed, it can quickly be constructed with a little tape, and it will be ready for duty. You’ll have less clutter overall than if you didn’t use any boxes at all, but you won’t have to spend the money or take up the space required for plastic containers.

 

Make It Fun

You can actually use cardboard boxes for a bit of fun, especially if you have pets or kids. Your cats may love to play with the smaller boxes, so consider using one or two for them to explore. And kids can come up with many ways to turn these leftover boxes into a good time, using them for forts, castles, and even as a makeshift canvas for some artwork. Why spend more money on toys when there is free entertainment waiting to be used in the garage?

 

Ask Around to Donate

Just because you are done moving doesn’t mean that everyone else is settled in their homes. Within your circle of friends and family, it’s likely that someone is always either in the moving process or is thinking about moving sometime soon. Through the power of social media, it should be easy to figure out who may need some boxes. Ask around in person or online and you should quickly locate a family that would love to put your old boxes to use for their own move.

Loading a Moving Truck 101

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Loading a moving truck correctly is both an art and a science. Like anything else, this is something you will get better at with experience, but even a beginner can do a good job by keeping some simple rules in mind throughout the process.

Balance is the Key

The key concept to keep in mind while loading your moving truck is balance. You want to keep the load as balanced as possible from side to side so that the truck can remain stable on the road. If all of your heavy items were placed on one side, that could potentially create a dangerous situation.

Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to figure out what items are going to bring the most weight to the truck. These are things like tables, couches, exercise equipment, and other large pieces of furniture. As long as you have some of those items on each side of the truck, you should be able to balance the load pretty easily.

Big Items Go First

Speaking of the big, heavy items that you need to move, those should make their way into the truck first. The reasoning here is pretty obvious – you aren’t going to want to stack large, heavy objects on top of smaller, lighter things. You can build the foundation of your moving truck space with the big stuff and then fill in around that with all of the little boxes and odds and ends. It’s also better to have heavier objects towards the front of the truck.

It may help to take some basic measurements of your things in advance so you can map out a floor plan. Knowing how big your items are, and knowing how big the truck is, you can draw out a sketch to give you a good starting point. Remember, not everything needs to travel right-side-up, so be flexible in how you design your layout. It’s likely that there will be changes at the last minute once you start packing but having a detailed plan in advance can make things go much smoother.

Last In, First Out

The last things that you put into the truck are going to be the first things that come out, simply because they are located in the back. So, keep this in mind when you are packing and place things that you will need to access right away near the rear of the truck. If you make the mistake of putting some important things up toward the front of the truck – in other words, you pack them first – you’ll simply have no way to access those items until the entire truck has been unloaded. There may only be a few key things that you want to have access to right away, so make a list of those things and be sure that they go into the truck at the very end of the packing process.

If you are looking for the best moving companies in Greensboro to help with your upcoming move, turn to Steele & Vaughn for help. Whether moving across town or across the country, Steele & Vaughn can serve you.

 

 

How to Make a Long Distance Move More Enjoyable

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Moving a long distance from one home to another can be a challenge. As you get ready to take on this adventure, you may be nervous about what is to come. However, instead of looking at this move as an obstacle to be overcome, think of it as an opportunity to make some great memories with family or friends. When planned correctly, a long distance move can actually be an enjoyable experience.

 

Working with the right long distance movers will go a long way toward making this experience a good one, so reach out to Steele & Vaughn today for a free estimate.

 

Plan Your Route Strategically

If you are working with an experienced moving company like Steele & Vaughn, you won’t have to worry about the route your goods are going to take to reach their destination. You should, however, take some time to think about the route that you and your family will take to get there.

 

Many people who are moving long distances across the country choose to drive so they can avoid the cost of shipping a vehicle or vehicles. This is a worthwhile strategy, and it opens up many possibilities with a bit of creativity. As you look at the map to plan your route, don’t feel compelled to stick strictly with the shortest distance. Consider adding some miles to your journey if those extra miles will allow you to visit some memorable destinations.

 

For example, the United States has an amazing National Parks system, and visiting these parks may not be something you have the chance to do regularly. So, if your move is going to take you near an incredible location like Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon, don’t miss the chance to stop by. Visiting one of these parks will transform your drive from something you have to do to something you can’t wait to experience.

 

Put the Small Details in Place

Even if you are able to plan some great stops like discussed above, there will still be some times when the road seems to stretch on forever and boredom sets in. Plan for those occasions by preparing yourself with the kinds of entertainment that you like to enjoy on the road. If driving alone, audiobooks are a great way to engage your mind on an interesting topic. Podcasts can work nicely for this purpose as well, or you may prefer just to listen to music from your favorite groups. Whatever the case, plan this entertainment in advance so you aren’t scrambling for something in the middle of your journey.

4 Important Things you May Not Know About Renting a Storage Unit During a Move

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storage unitsYou may have heard that the first step in getting ready to move is renting a storage unit. It can be a big help for many reasons. If you’re putting your house on the market, a storage unit can help with decluttering. It can make it easier for you to organize your possessions before a move, and even get your things safely moved to your new home. Before you get started, here are five important things you need to know about moving and storage in Greensboro, NC.

 

  • Not all storage units are climate controlled.

    Depending on what items you are storing, a climate controlled storage unit may be necessary. Climate controlled units sometimes cost more per month, but are also moisture controlled, which will likely keep your items in better condition. If you would typically store it in your garage or attic, climate control is probably not necessary. If you’re storing clothing, furniture, bedding, electronics, or anything that would be negatively impacted by heat, cold, or moisture, go with a climate controlled unit.

  • There may be hidden fees with storage unit rental.

    Beware of super low monthly rates or the promise of a free first month. Typically these offers are too good to be true. Once you get started on the paperwork you’ll find that added fees like insurance and start-up fees begin to add up.

  • Rates may not be fixed.

    Before you sign a contract be sure to ask and read the fine print about the rate per month. Sometimes a promotional rate will run out after a certain number of months and your payment will go up.

  • Different storage facilities have different cutoff dates for clearing out.

    When you’re ready to empty your storage unit, be sure to ask about the date the payment cycle cuts off. Most will give you a certain date of the month to have the unit cleared out and inspected to avoid paying for the next month. Be sure to let the storage facility know once you have cleared out your unit so that they can inspect and sign off on it to end your contract. Also, be sure to stop any automatic drafts. If you were sending an auto payment from your bank, be sure to cancel that with your bank.

 

 

Steele and Vaughn Offers Both Moving and Storage in Greensboro, NC

Since moving and storage services are so often needed in tandem, Steele and Vaughn offer both. Storage units and containers can be a huge help during a move, whether local or long distance. Declutter your home and have your things safely stored and moved so that you can access them when you need them. If you’re in need of moving and storage in Greensboro, NC, call Steele and Vaughn: (336) 273-0546.