A Checklist For Moving With Pets

Walking two dogsMoving with pets can be tricky, but if you take some precautions and keep the comfort of your pets in mind, you and your pets can safely and happily make the move to a new home. A Greensboro moving company that has experience moving with pets can help you make this transition easier for you and your pets. Animal experts recommend that you use these tips to make the move as painless as possible for your furry friends:

Make A Pet Moving Kit

If you are planning on moving to another state or if you are making a long distance move, you should consider creating a pet moving kit. Give your pet their own suitcase or duffel bag, one per pet. In the bag, put a binder containing all of your pet’s vet records and vaccination certificates. In the bag, put small containers of their food portioned out in individual portions and several bottles of water. Also put in their favorite beds or blankets, an extra collar and leash, and their favorite dishes. A pet first aid kit is a good item to have on hand also. Keep that suitcase or bag on the top of all other items and easy to access.

Make sure that you have their microchip numbers written down and write down the name of the microchip company so you can call immediately if your pets get loose or get lost. Keeping all that information in a binder will make it easy to access if you need it. You should also take a photo of your pet the day that you move and keep it handy on your phone.

Keep Your Pets On A Leash, Even The Cat

When you are moving with pets you don’t know how they will react to traveling or being in a new situation. It’s a good idea to have all your pets, even the cats, wearing harnesses and leashes so that if they get loose or make a run for it they can be quickly stopped.

Confine Them Once You Get To The New Home

Your pets are going to be on edge when you get to the new home, even if it’s close to your old home. In order to make sure that they don’t get loose and to keep them from being overwhelmed by the new space put them in a confined space like a bedroom or a bathroom immediately when you get to the new space. Put out their bed and favorite toys, give them some food and water, and shut the door.

This will give you a chance to start settling in and it will give them a chance to adjust to being in a new space. When you start unpacking start with items that will smell familiar to them. They will have a much easier time getting adjusted to their new home if the items that they know are already scattered around the new home when you let them out of their confinement.

Choose The Right Greensboro Moving Company

Be sure that the movers you choose are experienced dealing with pets and can help you make sure that your pets make the trip safely and without getting too upset. For more expert tips on moving with your pets call Steele & Vaughn today.

Purging Before Your Move? Consider These Tips For A Successful Moving Sale

cardboard boxes in an empty apartmentIf you’re planning a move soon, one of the best things that you can do is take the time to downsize and get rid of some of the furniture and other items that you don’t really use. Steele and Vaughn, one of the top moving companies in Greensboro NC, recommends that you try having a moving sale before you move so that you have fewer items to move, especially if you are moving to a smaller home. Moving sales are a great way to purge those items you don’t use and make a little extra cash that can help pay the costs of moving. Here are a few expert tips that will help you run a successful moving sale:

Get The Word Out About The Sale

In order to sell your items quickly and get the best prices you can, make sure that people know about the sale. One great way to advertise your moving sale is to use online sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Facebook groups for your local area are also a good place to let people know that you’re having a moving sale. Make sure that you include the time and date of the sale as well as your address. It’s also a good idea to post some photos of the items that you’re going to be selling so that people can see what types of items will be included in the sale.

Join Forces With Neighbors To Have a Huge Sale

Another way to get more people to come to your moving sale is to get some neighbors to have a yard sale or moving sale with you. The more households in the neighborhood that participate, the more people will come to look and to buy. Some neighborhoods have annual neighborhood yard sales and if you can time your moving sale to coincide with one of those events, you can get rid of lots of stuff and make some money that will pay for your move.

Set Realistic Prices For Your Items

That dress that you were wearing on your first date with your spouse or your child’s first high chair might have sentimental value to you, but does it have real value? Perhaps not. If your items are older or are unique and not in high demand be sure that your pricing is fair for the item considering how old it is and what condition it’s in. While you might love that old futon you had in college, it’s probably not worth top dollar anymore. Be willing to negotiate, and remember the point of the sale is to get rid of things that you don’t want to move. It’s time to let some of those things go even if you don’t get as much money for them as you think they are worth.

When In Doubt Throw It Out

Not sure if anyone is going to want that old Ikea table or that mismatched set of dining chairs you snagged from your grandmother a few summers ago? Don’t bother trying to sell it; just throw those pieces out. When people come to check out your moving sale if they only see a bunch of junk they won’t stay and take the time to dig for more useful items. Put the good pieces out right away and throw out the rest. Some of the top moving companies in Greensboro NC often recommend getting rid of particle board or temporary furniture rather than trying to move it.

For smart moving tips that will help your move go smoothly contact Steele & Vaughn today.

7 Tips for Storage in Small Apartments

studio apartmentUrban living is convenient. You can be close to work, nightlife, shopping, dining, and more. But living in or moving into a small apartment is not always convenient. To make a small apartment seem bigger, you have to get creative. And to make moving into a city apartment easier, use one of the best moving companies in Greensboro, NC: Steele & Vaughn. Then once you get moved in, try these 8 tips for storage in small apartments.  

  1. Vertical storage. Shelving can go as high as your ceiling allows. Just be sure to keep a step stool handy. For safety, be sure to install shelves properly and don’t overload them.  
  2. Hidden storage. Find furniture with hidden storage like ottomans with storage space inside, benches with storage space underneath, and trunks or chests for coffee tables.  
  3. Collapsible items. Necessity is the mother of invention. Small apartment living has inspired the invention of many collapsible items like Murphy beds and fold-away tables and chairs.  
  4. Added storage. Lacking closet space? Get an armoire or cabinet for hanging clothes. Not enough storage space in the kitchen? Add a pantry cabinet, even if it’s in the next room. Mobile kitchen islands can add both storage and seating to your kitchen.  
  5. Hang items. Get some strong hooks or pegboard and hang everything you can on the walls, from bicycles to pots and pans. Even your foldable chairs can be hung on the walls when not in use. Done neatly and strategically, it can actually look artsy.  
  6. Organizers. Your stuff can fit in smaller spaces when properly organized. Organizational strategies can help you eliminate the things you don’t need and condense the stuff you do need into a smaller space. Under bed storage bins, vacuum-seal bags, closet organizers and more can help solve your storage problems.  
  7. Door strategies. Hang spice racks on the inside of cabinet and pantry doors and save a lot of cabinet space. Use hanging shoe organizers for other items besides just shoes, such as storing bathroom items when you’re lacking cabinet space or toys in kids’ rooms. Consider removing doors from closets and using the space in other ways; even hanging curtains in doorways will eliminate the need to leave space for swinging doors.

Find Reliable Moving Companies in Greensboro, NC 

Do you need help moving into your apartment? Whether it’s on a high floor or lacks parking, moving into city apartments can be difficult. When looking for moving companies in Greensboro, NC be sure to find one that can handle apartment moves. Steele and Vaughn has plenty of experience with urban moves in cities of all sizes. Simply explain your individual moving requirements and Steele and Vaughn will give you a quote based on the things to be moved and the length of time and manpower that will be required. Get your things easily, quickly, and safely from point A to point B. Call Steele and Vaughn: (336) 273-0546.  

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Moving Company

man carrying lots of moving boxesThere are very few tasks as daunting as moving. You have to get all of your worldly possessions from one place to another, in the same condition they were before. Many people choose to hire movers for this task to handle the heavy lifting and transportation. But before you hire just any Greensboro moving company, you should ask some questions to make sure you are choosing a reliable team, and that you understand and agree with their policies. Here are some of the most important questions to ask. 

How long have you been in business? Experience is a key component of reliability. Hire a company that is well established in the moving business, not some guys with a truck who only claim to be a legitimate moving service. An experienced company will know how to move your things safely and you can trust that they will be handled with the utmost care.  

Do you have references? Don’t be afraid to ask for references from previous customers. Any company that has been in business for a lengthy time should have names and numbers you can contact. Actually call them and verify that they used these movers and had a positive experience. 

Does your licensure cover in-state and out-of-state moves? A moving company should be licensed in the state in which they provide services. But if your move will be taking you out of state, your movers should also be licensed for interstate transport.  

Are your movers fully insured? Be sure to ask about both liability insurance and worker’s compensation. This way you will know for sure that the movers who come into your home are insured in case of injury and that your property is insured in case of damage.  

What extra expenses can I expect? Ask about added expenses before they are automatically applied. Find out what parts of the move are covered and what is considered extra. Ask about the cost for these extra charges and agree to the terms only if you feel comfortable with them.  

What are my rights if I’m not satisfied? Are you wondering what happens if your possessions get damaged or if anything goes wrong during the move? Find out before something goes wrong. Ask your movers how they handle disputes and claims. 

Do I get copies of all documentation? Make sure you get everything in writing. Get copies of all official documents, especially everything you sign. You may need to prove whether or not something was disclosed to you before the move in the case of a dispute. Don’t let the movers hang onto the only copy of the paperwork. 

Ask these Questions to Find a Reliable Greensboro Moving Company 

Don’t hire any company that doesn’t provide satisfactory answers to all of these questions and any others you have. You’re trusting this business to safely transport all of your things from point A to point B. That’s a lot of responsibility. A premier Greensboro moving company like Steele and Vaughn will expertly handle all of these questions and more. Call today to schedule your moving date: (336) 273-0546.  

10 Packing Hacks that will Save You Time, Space, and maybe even Your Sanity

Is there anybody who enjoys moving? It can be stressful and time-consuming, from finding quality moving companies in Greensboro, to packing everything you own into boxes, to the unpacking and re-organizing process. If you are looking to minimize the stress, try these packing hacks to save time, space, and your sanity.  

  1. Roll, don’t fold. When packing for your big move, roll your clothes and linens instead of folding them. Rolling saves more space than folding and allows you to fit more into a box.  
  2. Leave hung items on hangers. Anything that is on hangers, leave it that way. Just put them straight into your car or the moving truck to transport them to the new space, and carry them directly to the closets. If you are worried about them getting dirty, place a garbage bag over them and make a hole for the hangers. 
  3. Do not waste space.  Fill items such as dressers, suitcases, chests, etc. so that you are utilizing all available space. These items will be heavier, but in the end, this will save you a lot of time. 
  4. Purge first. Try to do this before packing up anything and leave items that you would like to donate in a designated area. This will also give you a chance to throw things away that you no longer need or know charity will not accept. 
  5. Wrap jewelry in plastic wrap. Keep your jewelry from tangling by laying it out on plastic wrap, side by side, then lay another piece of plastic wrap over top of that. From there, you can fold the wrapped jewelry and stuff it into a bag safely. 
  6. Keep screws and hardware organized. If you unscrew a piece of furniture, put all of the pieces into a Ziploc bag and tape the bag to that item. This will keep your hardware organized to reassemble your furniture later. 
  7. Label/mark everything. One of the easiest things to do is to pack and mark each box by room. As you move in the new space, you can drop each box in its assigned room. This makes it very easy for your moving company too. 
  8. Wall holes? They are easy to fix. You might find wall holes at your old space where you hung items. Especially if you were renting, you will want to fix these to avoid being charged for their repair or losing any security deposit you may have paid. A hack to fixing tiny wall holes is to take some plain white toothpaste and fill in the hole. It will harden and look as good as new. 
  9. Floor stains? That’s easy to fix too. Floor stains can be a big issue for renters. A hack to cleaning carpet stains is to mix a quarter cup of white vinegar with three-quarters of a cup of water, spray onto the stain and cover with a towel. Set your iron to the highest steam setting and go over the towel that is covering the stain and like magic, the stain will disappear. 
  10. Create box handles. Have you noticed that lots of packing boxes do not have handles? An easy hack to fix this is to take a box cutter and cut out an upside-down triangle on each side of the box to create your own handles. 

Are you looking for one of the most reliable moving companies in the Greensboro area? Call Steele & Vaughn. Make your move a breeze and hire the experts who can help with every aspect in the moving process. Call Steele & Vaughn, one of the most experienced moving companies in Greensboro, and get a free estimate now (336) 273-0546.

Time Saving Tips for Packing your Closet

closet rack with clothesMoving can be a lot of work, especially if you pack your own things. Your closet can be one of the trickiest areas, because you want your clothes to stay clean and wrinkle-free so you don’t have to do a bunch of unnecessary laundry once you get to your new home. The right movers in Greensboro, NC offer a full range of moving services from packing to transporting your things. But if you prefer to do your own packing before the movers arrive, try these time saving tips for packing your closet. 

  1. Organize. If your clothes are not already organized in your closet, you may want to organize while you are packing them. Organize by season and by type, such as work clothes, casual clothes, formal wear, etc. Do the same for shoes and accessories. 
  2. Pack OffSeason Clothes First. You can save some time by packing the out of season clothes farther ahead of time because you know you won’t need to wear them during the moving process. Having less to do the week you move is always an advantage. 
  3. Leave Clothes in Drawers. When it comes to packing dressers, leave the clothes in the drawers and simply remove the drawers. Seal the drawers with plastic wrap or cover with garbage bags to keep clothing clean. 
  4. Wardrobe Boxes Can Help. It is not necessary to get special wardrobe boxes, but they can be very convenient. These are cardboard boxes with a built-in metal rod to hold clothes that are on hangers. If you wish to skip the added expense, simply cover groups of hanging clothes with garbage bags and drape them over other boxes and items in your moving van.  
  5. Vacuum Seal Off Season Clothes. To save space you may want to consider a vacuum sealing bag system for the out of season clothing that you won’t need right away. It can make immediate packing easier and save storage space once you get to your new home. 
  6. Pack Shoes Separate from Clothes. Shoes may stain or snag clothing when packed in the same box. Shoes are heavy, so pack them in small boxes separate from your clothes. 
  7. Pack a Suitcase for Moving Week. Apart from your boxes of clothes, pack one week of clothes like you were going on vacation. Moving can take longer than you think, and organizing all of your things so that you can find them takes even longer. Making sure you have at least a week’s worth of clean clothes set aside will be extremely helpful. 

The Easiest Option? Hire Movers in Greensboro, NC to Pack your Closet  

If you wish to avoid the hassle of packing all of your clothes, shoes, accessories, and other items, consider hiring complete moving services from packing to unloading and unpacking. Steele and Vaughn movers in Greensboro, NC offer a full range of moving services that can make your relocation as easy as possible. Reserve your moving date now as the schedule fills up fast. Call (336) 273-0546.  

Tips for Moving with Pets

Animal Hairy Animals Puppy Pet Dog Cute Adorable

Moving with your furry friends can be a daunting task that requires much attention and preparation. But expert movers in Greensboro, NC will help make the transition easier for both you and your pet. To avoid putting undue stress on your pet, you can help ease this transition by following a few simple tips to prepare your pet for a new home. If you have a more exotic pet, be sure to plan even more carefully and handle your move with very special attention. 

Before the Move: Plan and Prep 

Before your move with your pet, schedule a visit to the vet, just to be sure there is no need-to-know information and that your dog or cat is healthy. If you’ve had experience traveling with your pet in the past and it was unpleasant, ask your vet for tips on how to handle this situation. There are some standard practices that may help ease anxiety and even medication for severe cases. 

If your pet is not used to riding in the car, or if you are moving long-distance, practice short drives in order to prepare him or her and offer the chance to adjust. 

If you are moving within the same city, take your pet to the new neighborhood and walk him around to get him familiar with what will soon be his new home.  

During the Move: Hire a Pet-sitter 

The day of the move will be stressful, movers will be coming in and out of the home, there will be a lot of movement, hustle and bustle, and your pet will be safest if put out of the way. If you have a carrier or a kennel, it might be a good idea to put him in it with regular walks and time out for food and water. If a carrier is not an option, you might consider having him stay with a friend or family member on the day of the move, or even boarding him for the day.  

After the Move: Take the Time to Adjust 

Once you have safely moved all of your belongings and the movers have gone, take the time to introduce your pet to their new home. Try leading them around the inside of the house and the yard and give them a tour. Show them their play space, their bed, and where they’ll go for food and water. Once you have given them a guided tour, cut them loose and give them time to sniff around and learn their new surroundings. Because cats are more in-tune with the details of their home, they may take a little longer to adjust. Try to resume your normal routine with your pet as soon as possible. 

Hire the Movers in Greensboro, NC with Experience: the Steele and Vaughn Team 

You movers should handle your possessions with as much care as you handle your pets. Licensed movers in Greensboro, NC, Steel & Vaughn, will handle your move with quality and treat your items with the highest regard. Call for a free estimate today (336)273-0546. 

7 Tips for Moving with Small Children and Keeping your Sanity

Yes, it is possible. You can move the whole family to a new house, whether across town or out of state, and keep your sanity, even with little ones. What’s the secret? There are a few tips that can really make things easier, including hiring experienced movers in Greensboro, NC. If you want to make your move as painless as possible, read on. 

  1. Allow Plenty of Time. This goes for all aspects of the process from packing and loading to unloading and unpacking. Everything takes longer with kids, including moving, so prepare yourself in advance and build in extra time for all tasks. 
  2. Have the Kids Pack a Small Bag of Favorites. Let the kids each pack a backpack of their absolute favorite toys that they wouldn’t want to do without for even a few days. Assist them with this packing and be sure to include some items that will keep them engaged during travel or downtime. These bags should stay out of the moving truck and in the family vehicle.  
  3. Pack Suitcases with a Few Days Clothes and Toiletries. Pack a bag for every member of the family with enough essentials for a few days. Don’t forget diapers, wipes, medications, and other things you may need immediately. These bags should not be loaded into the moving truck but brought along in the family vehicle.  
  4. Color Code Boxes. Use colored tape to label boxes so they are easily sorted and will end up in the right place. Assign a color to each room and boxes are quickly identifiable at first glance. Kids who aren’t yet reading can even help with small items. 
  5. Pack and Purge Toys when Kids are Asleep or Not Home. Even if they haven’t played with a toy in years, kids will suddenly develop an attachment to everything they have ever owned if they think you’re going to get rid of it. Pack and purge toys without the kids.  
  6. Utilize Childcare Whenever Possible. If grandparents or other family members are there to help with the move, consider asking them to entertain the kids rather than pack or unpack boxes. You can get a lot more done without the kids underfoot and because you know where you want your things to go.  
  7. Hire the Best Movers in Greensboro, NC. The easiest way to move is to hire a moving company. There are different options with movers when it comes to packing and unpacking. The team at Steele and Vaughn will pack up your home, load it onto the truck, drive the truck to your new home, unload, and unpack for you. If you want to do the packing yourself, the movers can come and do the heavy lifting and loading. The more you have the movers do for you, the more time you will have for your kids during the transition. 

Looking for Reliable Movers in Greensboro, NC? Call Steele and Vaughn 

Make the move as easy on you and the kids as possible. Hire expert movers who can help with every aspect of your move, even down to the storage of items you can’t fit in your new home. Responsible, experienced movers in Greensboro, NC like Steele and Vaughn will take good care of your things and insure your most valuable assets. You can have a hassle-free move. Call (336)273-0546 to reserve your moving date today.  

Five Packing Tips that will Save Your Sanity When Moving

Are you moving and trying to figure out the best way to pack in order to save you time and the stress? Moving is not an easy task in itself, but packing is a whole other topic to tackle. If you want to skip packing altogether, consider hiring a moving company in Greensboro, NC that you can trust to pack your entire house for you and handle your belongings with care. Or if you want to handle the packing yourself, follow these five packing tips to ensure a smooth, stress-free move. 

  1. Start Packing Early and Research Moving Companies. An estimated 43 million Americans move each year because of work, military relocation, or personal decisions. Whatever the reason behind your move, packing is a part of the process and for many it is a stressful portion, which is why you want to start packing and researching early on.  By packing early, you can eliminate the final rush that causes unorganized packing, damages your belongings, and causes things and tasks to be forgotten. Start by collecting your packing materials such as boxes, tape, markers, and wrapping paper or bubble wrap. If you begin researching for moving companies early, you will ensure a space by the time of your move and you will be able to find a moving company that makes you feel comfortable. 
  2. Organize Your Packing By Rooms. When you are packing, keep things organized by packing up one room at a time and labeling each box with which room it belongs to so that when your boxes are delivered to the new space, they can be sat in that particular room.  Consider things you will need between your packing date and your moving date, and pack up things that you can live without for that period. Are you moving during the hotter season? Then you can go ahead and pack up your heavy winter clothes.  Utilize all of your space by keeping clothes on their hangers, moving them as they are, and filling suitcases and dressers with other items.  
  3. Moving Major Appliances and Electronics Can Be Tricky. Appliances like washing machines, dryers, and televisions can be nerve-racking to move because they are large, bulky, and expensive to replace. First, you will need to disassemble and/or empty these items and your washer may need to drain. It’s probably a good idea to let your moving company tackle these items, as they have the experience and tools to make the move much smoother. 
  4. Have an “Essentials Box” and Save it for Last. As it gets closer to your move date, you will notice that you need less and can pack up the final remaining items in your home. There will still be items you need daily, toiletries and such, so create an “essentials box” that you can put all of your daily items into and access easily. Keep this box with you in your car, and out of the moving truck, so that you’ll be able to access it easily when you arrive at your new home. 
  5. Schedule a Free Donation Pickup for Items You Do Not Need. Lastly, schedule a free donation pickup for items you have found that you no longer need or will repurchase for your new home. Companies such as the Salvation Army will come and pick these up for you to save you the hassle of trying to discard them yourself. 

Steele and Vaughn is a Moving Company in Greensboro that You Can Trust with Your Belongings 

Above all else, to keep your sanity during a move, hire a moving company in Greensboro that will care for your possessions and handle them with experience. Steel & Vaughn has been serving the Greensboro area since 1934. Call (336)273-0546 today for a free estimate. 

5 Things Most People Forget When Planning a Long Distance Move

Making a long distance move is not easy. It can be stressful and daunting, especially if it’s your first big relocation. There are some things to be sure to remember that are easily forgotten when making a long-distance move. Be sure to hire a long distance moving company with the experience to handle big relocations.  

  1. Set Up Mail Forwarding. This seems like an obvious thing, and yet it is often forgotten. You may remember to give your new address to friends and family, but you need to set up your forwarding address with the post office prior to your move so that your mail will be sent to your new house. You don’t want to miss any important bills or have your private mail sent to a stranger.  
  2. Cancel Prearranged Services. Do you have a lawn care service? Pool cleaning? Heating and air conditioning maintenance? These are the types of services you need to remember to cancel before you move, otherwise the new owners of your old home may consider them unwelcome visitors. You can leave contact information for the new owners in case they want to continue services.  
  3. Refill and Transfer Medication Prescriptions. Make sure you have enough of all of your medications prior to moving. It may take a while to get all of your prescriptions transferred to a new pharmacy, and you don’t want to be without an important medication while you get it straightened out. You may also need to find a new doctor in your new hometown in order to secure further refills.  
  4. Transfer Bank Accounts. If your preferred financial institution has a branch in the town you’re moving to, you’re in luck. But if not, you may need to transfer your funds to a different bank or credit union in your new hometown. Open a new account in the area you’re moving to and be sure to close out the old one before you leave, just in case you need to sign any paperwork or withdraw any funds in person.  
  5. Reserve a Long Distance Moving Company Well in Advance. Not all moving companies are equipped to handle a cross-country move. If you want to be sure your experience is hassle-free, do your research and find a reliable long distance moving company. Then be sure to book them way in advance, as soon as you settle on a moving date. Reservations fill up fast, so be sure to secure your spot early.  

Relocate with the Help of Reliable, Experienced Movers 

 

 

Steele and Vaughn has been helping Greensboro customers with moving services since 1934. No matter how far you’re moving, whether across town or overseas, the team at Steele and Vaughn is up to the task. You can trust that your valuable possessions will travel safely from one household to the next, whatever the distance between them. For a stress-free move, call a five-star long distance moving company. (336)273-0546.