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.  

Eight Best Places to Raise a Family

Most of us tend to love our hometowns with a passion, but from time to time, we wonder if perhaps the grass might be greener on the other side. Before you contact a long distance moving company and pack up the entire family, you need to have a much better idea of where the best place to raise a family in the U.S. happens to be. Here are the eight best places to raise a family for your consideration.

Number 8 — Boston, MA

This city of 4.7 million has one of the strongest job markets of the biggest metro areas in the country. The median salary for those who call Boston home is around $60,000 per year. People who live here say it offers all the advantages of a big city with the friendliness of a small town. The city also boasts excellent institutions of higher learning, a great arts scene, and is a mecca for foodies.

Number 7 – Raleigh-Durham, NC

Within the borders of this joint city are three exceptional colleges, North Caroline State University, Duke, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. One of the best reasons to consider hiring a long distance moving company to move to this picturesque area is that it has a very low cost of living and continues to grow economically.

Number 6 – Seattle, WA

From a mild, if slightly rainy climate to major employers such as Microsoft, Boeing, Starbucks, and Amazon, Seattle has earned its place among the top places to raise a family. The city sits on Puget Sound and is within driving distance of the Cascade Mountain range. Educational opportunities abound for children and adults alike, making it a great choice for growing families.

Number 5 – Fayetteville, AR

Out of 100 metro areas surveyed, Fayetteville has the lowest unemployment rate at a mere 2.95 percent. At the same time, the metro area has grown more than six percent over the last few years. It might be the third largest city in Arkansas, but you would never know it from the friendly atmosphere. The city is home to hundreds of acres of community greenspace, parks, playgrounds and walking trails.

Number 4 — Washington, DC

While this might surprise many, our nation’s capital has become a prime long distance moving destination for companies like Steele & Vaughn. The city has a lot to offer including public libraries, parks, an extensive public transportation network, and more. The city is always clean, with plenty of world-class restaurants, museums, other cultural sites.

Number 3 – San Jose, CA

San Jose bears the nickname “Silicon Valley” thanks to the large number of tech industries who have chosen to make their home here. With plenty of job opportunities came an explosion in growth that is still going on today. Living here you are near both the Sierra Nevada range of mountains and the oceans. There is never a shortage of outdoor family activities to enjoy.

Number 2 – Denver, CO

The gold rush of the mid-1800s brought with it the start of the “Mile High City.” Today, this amazing city located near the Rookies boasts incredible scenery all year round. Whether you like to snow ski, snowmobile, fish, swim, or go camping, there is always plenty to do here. The city also boasts an outstanding school system, making it a great place to settle and raise a family.

Number 1 – Austin, TX

According to the latest data, approximately 50 people make the move to Austin, TX every day of the year. Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World”, the city has an endless supply of concerts by well-known and local artists every year. The climate is hot in the summer and mild in the winter with only a few inches of rain each year. There are over 250 parks in the area with biking/hiking trails, places to canoe or kayak, and trails for you to jog along. Of all the cities in the United States, Austin sits atop the list of best places to raise a family.

If you are thinking about making the move to one of these cities or anywhere else in the country with your family, don’t do it alone. The best way to ensure your worldly possessions arrive at your new home in one piece and on time is by hiring a professional long distance moving company. Steele & Vaughn is your trusted moving company serving High Point, NC along with Greensboro, Winston Salem, and the surrounding areas. Call us today at (336) 273-0546 to arrange for your free estimate.

Renters Insurance: Why You Need It

professional moversMoving to a new rental?  Whether an apartment, townhome, or rental house, renters insurance is a wise investment. Not sure what renters insurance is or why you need it? Read on to find out the benefits of purchasing renters insurance and the risk you are taking by choosing not to. Need help with your move? Hire Greensboro movers, Steele and Vaughan for reliable moving services.

There are Many Benefits to Paying for Renters Insurance

  1. Protect your belongings in case of a disaster in your building. If there was a fire or some other disaster in your building that inflicted damage to your possessions, renters insurance will give you the funds necessary to replace them.
  2. Protect your belongings in case of a disaster in a nearby building. If there are other buildings close by, a fire or other disaster near you could damage your belongings as well. Renters insurance covers damage in this case as well.
  3. Protect yourself financially for a disaster that is your fault. In case you started a fire or flooded your apartment building, renters insurance covers the damages you may have caused to other tenants’ belongings as well as your own, up to your policy amount.
  4. Protect yourself from accident liability. If a guest gets seriously injured in your home, leading to medical expenses or a lawsuit, your renters insurance covers that too and provides compensation.
  5. Renters insurance is affordable. You can purchase renters insurance that will cover your belongings up to $10,000 in personal property coverage and $100,000 in liability for around $120 a year. You may be eligible for lower rates for the presence of certain safety features, such as a fire suppression or security system.

Not Having Renters Insurance is Risky

When you opt out of purchasing renters insurance, you are putting yourself in financial risk. In case something unfortunate does occur, such as a fire or some other type of disaster, you would have no recourse for replacing your own damaged items. If you caused damage to your building or other tenants’ possessions, you would be liable with no insurance to help with the cost. Some landlords will require you to purchase renters insurance for these reasons, especially to protect their building. The landlord’s policy will not cover your possessions either. It covers structural damage, but not clothes, shoes, books, electronics, and other personal items.

Greensboro Movers, Steele and Vaughn, Recommend Purchasing Renters Insurance

It is important to understand that your mover’s insurance and renters insurance are not the same. When you hire Greensboro movers to help you relocate, you can purchase moving insurance to cover your possessions during the move. Renters insurance protects your belongings after you move while you are renting and for as long as you purchase coverage. The amount of coverage you can get for such a reasonable price makes getting renters insurance a no-brainer. Trust your possessions to Steele and Vaughn during your move and protect them afterward with renters insurance.

Tips for Saving Time and Money When Moving

Photo of boxes for moving in Greensboro NCDreading your big move coming up? Moving can be costly, stressful, and time consuming. But it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of great ways to save yourself some time and money whether you’re moving across town or across the country. Follow these tips and hire reliable movers in Greensboro, NC, to make your relocation as smooth and affordable as possible.

  1. Careful packing goes a long way. The order in which you pack things matters, as well as the things you should keep separate. One of the first things you will want to do is make the beds up in your new home, so keep the bedding in an easy to find place (perhaps your own vehicle). Also pack a suitcase or travel bag with at least 3 days of clothes and toiletries (more if you are traveling farther) in case it takes a while to organize everything. When you take apart furniture or other large items, put all bolts and screws and small pieces in carefully labeled Ziploc bags. Before you unplug electronics, take a picture of the wires with your phone so you’ll know how to plug everything back in. Take the time to pack carefully and you will save yourself a lot of time unpacking.
  2. Keep your toolbox handy. This is another item that may be best to pack in your own car. You’ll need tools first upon arrival at your new home to assemble beds and other furniture pieces. If your tools get buried at the back of the moving truck, you’ll have to wait until everything is moved in to start putting things together, especially your bed, which you’ll be dying to climb into and collapse.
  3. Keep track of your moving expenses. If you are relocating for your job, you may be able to deduct some of your moving expenses from your taxes. Keep track of how much you spend at each step of your move, including what you pay your movers in Greensboro, NC, so that you will have proper documentation when it’s time to file your taxes.

Hiring Professional Movers Can Actually Save You Time and Money

Thinking you’ll save money by moving your things yourself? While it may seem that way at first, the costs really add up. If you have to make multiple trips in your own vehicle, the cost of gas alone will be significant. Renting a truck comes with its own expenses, and then you’re still responsible for packing, loading, driving, and unloading. If your things get broken or damaged, there’s no way to recoup that loss because you were the responsible party. Save yourself time and money by hiring movers in Greensboro, NC. Don’t wait, reserve your moving date now with Steele and Vaughn. Call (336) 273-0546.

Tips for Becoming an Empty Nester

Photo of empty nestersHas your child recently graduated and begun a career? As a parent, you probably have a lot of mixed feelings about becoming an empty-nester. Though this can be a challenging time, you’ve probably thought about making changes to your lifestyle already. It’s not uncommon to have plans to downsize your home or move to a new area altogether after the children are on their own. If you are making a change, you may need a moving company in Winston Salem that also offers short and long-term storage solutions. Take some of the stress out of the transition by following this and other tips for becoming an empty nester:

  1. Decide what stays and what goes. Whether you are renovating, moving, or not planning any major change at this time, this might be a good time to decide if you have belongings that you can eliminate or place in storage.
  2. Take stock and make a plan. Figure out how much space you will really need if you’re planning on moving to a new home. Or do your plans include renovating your current home? Will you be moving your belongings permanently, or temporarily storing anything while your home is transformed?
  3. Follow your plan. If you are moving because you are downsizing and/or preparing to retire, you’ll need a game plan and professional help. Steele and Vaughn offers free online move resources in addition to professional moving and storage services.
  4. Hire a moving company in Winston Salem. A moving company can load up your things, move them to the new location, and unload them, all without you having to lift a finger other than to point to where things should go. Make sure the company you hire knows how to handle special items like electronics, antiques and artwork.
  5. Relax and enjoy being an empty nester. You have more time for yourself and with your spouse. Take a trip, plan date nights, or do something you enjoy to celebrate your new situation. This will help you to stay positive and not dwell on the harder emotions that may accompany this transition.

Reliable Moving Company in Winston Salem, Steele and Vaughn, Expertly Handle All Types of Moves

If you want to make a major change in lifestyle as easy as possible, hire Steele and Vaughn. Whether you need storage or moving services, are moving across town, state or even across country, Steele and Vaughn can help. Do it the easy way; hire a reliable moving company in Winston Salem to do the heavy lifting so you can enjoy more quality time. Call (336) 273-0546 to inquire about our storage solutions or reserve your moving day today.