5 Things Most People Forget When Planning a Long Distance Move

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

There Is a Best Time to Put Your House on the Market

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Moving graphic - family with boxes behind them moving in Greensboro NCYou may have wondered about this if you’ve ever thought about selling your home. Is there a certain time of year that is best to put your home on the market? You may have heard that spring is the best season to sell a home. The weather is nice, flowers are blooming, and people are house hunting. Statistics show that it can actually be narrowed down to a more specific time frame. Put your house on the market at the right time, and it might be snapped up fast. Don’t get caught unprepared for a quick sale. Do your research on movers in Greensboro, NC, before you put your house on the market so you’ll be ready to move out if you get a good offer.

For Best Results Put Your House on the Market in the Month of May

Real estate statistics show that more homes sell between May 1st and May 15th than any other time in the year. And they sold for 1% more than average sales. But it’s important to understand the process. You will need to prepare well in advance of May 1st to have your home ready to be listed by then. How far in advance? That depends on the extent of the work your home requires to be sale-ready. A deep cleaning, yard work, and some basic staging may only take a few weeks, where painting, remodeling, planting, etc. may take months. It’s never too early to have a real estate agent come by and give you suggestions for improvements and an idea of what your listing price could be. Let the experts help you sell your home as fast as possible and for the highest possible price.

In Contrast, May is Not the Best Time to Buy a House

Unfortunately, the reasons that May is a good time to sell a house are the same reasons that May is not a good time to buy a house. Houses are selling fast, meaning it’s difficult to find one in the first place. And if you do find one you like, you may find yourself in a bidding war with another potential buyer, meaning you will likely end up paying more. Will the 1% more you get for your house balance out the extra amount you will spend on a new house? Probably not. Also, May through August is the busy time for movers in Greensboro, NC, meaning you may struggle to find reliable movers who are available during this timeframe.

Reserve your Movers in Greensboro, NC, Well in Advance if at all Possible

If you do plan to sell your home and buy a new one in the spring, its best to reserve your movers as soon as possible. Once you know your closing date for your new home, schedule your moving date. Choose reliable movers in Greensboro, NC, Steele and Vaughn and rest assured your possessions will make the transition safely. Call (336) 273-0546 to reserve your moving date today.

Work Relocation Checklist

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Group of professionals smilingAre you moving because your job? Whether you’re going to work for a new employer in another city or your current employer is asking you to relocate, there are some important items to consider as you prepare for the move. Make the whole process easier on yourself by checking off the things on this list and by hiring professional corporate movers in Greensboro, NC.

  • Get all possible relocation benefits. Ask your employer what incentives, bonuses, allowances, and reimbursements are available.
  • Hire a real estate agent to sell your current home. It can sometimes take a few months to sell a home, so the sooner you get your house on the market the better.
  • Research the city you’re moving to. Get a feel for the community and the local economy. Make sure your new salary is sufficient for the area. Find out where you may want to live in proximity to your workplace.
  • Visit your new city a few times prior to moving. It is crucial that you see the new place in person to get a feel for the atmosphere and rhythm of the city.
  • Find a real estate agent in your new city to help you find the right home and location for you. If you need to know what neighborhoods are best for families in good school districts or if you want to be near the city or in the country, a real estate agent who is familiar with the new city can help you find what you’re looking for.
  • Research mortgage lenders. Choose one and get preapproval. Shop around for mortgage rates and get preapproved so that you will know your price range before you start looking at homes.
  • Choose reliable movers in Greensboro, NC, to help you relocate easily. Whether you are leaving Greensboro or moving in, it’s important to find movers you can trust to get your things from point A to point B safely.
  • Make travel arrangements for yourself, family, and pets. As soon as you have the moving date set, book your flights if necessary including pet arrangements.
  • Tie up loose ends like utilities, bank accounts, and medical prescriptions. Be sure to have your utilities turned off for your old home after you leave and have your new home’s utilities turned on before you arrive. Transfer your bank accounts if necessary and refill all of your prescriptions.

Steele and Vaughn, Experienced Movers in Greensboro, NC
If you’ve completed this checklist, you are well prepared for relocation. Wherever you are in the process, keep this list close and refer to it often. You will find that the entire process is much less stressful when you take care of these items in due time. Then you are free to focus on your new career and the opportunities that are opening up for you. Trust Steele and Vaughn, reliable movers in Greensboro, NC, to help you make a smooth transition to the next phase of your life. Call (336) 273-0546.

Moving Out After a Divorce: The Dos and Don’ts

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Pic of a moving quote in Greensboro NCIt goes without saying that divorce is a difficult process. And it typically results in a move for some members of the family. Moving can be stressful in any situation, and as part of a divorce it can be even more intense. To make the move as smooth as possible, hire a reliable moving company in Greensboro, NC, and follow the dos and don’ts of moving after a divorce.

Do plan your move well in advance. At least 8 weeks of preparation is ideal for a less stressful move.

Don’t spring the move on your children at the last minute. People, especially children, need time to adjust to the idea of leaving behind their old home and moving to a new one.

Do take your time choosing a moving company in Greensboro, NC. Read reviews and ask for recommendations from people you trust.

Don’t wait too long to hire a moving company. They are often booked months in advance, so reserving one at least 8 weeks out from your move is wise.

Do make sure your movers will fully insure your belongings.

Don’t follow through with a moving company if you don’t feel completely comfortable. Don’t ignore any misgivings. You are trusting someone with all of your possessions. The stakes are high.

Do go through your things and get rid of items that are not absolutely essential. Lightening your load will make the moving process less stressful.

Don’t hold onto anything that holds negative sentiments for you. Moving after a divorce is the time to leave the past behind and start fresh.

Do make sure to tie up loose ends before moving. Forward mail, get the kids school records transferred, have utilities turned off at the right time (or transferred to your spouse’s name if they are remaining in the home), contact your bank and insurance companies with your new address, and any other items like this that will be affected by your move.

Don’t pack your most valuable items in boxes to be moved by your moving company. Consider asking your moving company for custom professional packing.

Do pack bags with a few days essentials as if you were going on a trip. That way you will have clothes, toothbrushes, toiletries, and anything else you may need without having to dig through boxes to find them. It will take a few days (or even weeks) to get fully unpacked in your new home.

Don’t forget to pack a few essential kitchen items to take in your own vehicle. Unless you want to eat out every meal for a few days, you will want some cooking utensils that are easy to access.

Hiring a Moving Company in Greensboro, NC, Reduces the Stress of Moving After a Divorce

Whatever your feelings are during this big transition, moving can be a stressful experience. You’re attempting to pick up the pieces and move on to a brand new start. Take some of the load off and hire a professional moving company in Greensboro, NC. Steele and Vaughn will carefully handle the packing and moving of your things so that you can focus on what really matters. Call today for a free estimate: (336) 273-0546.

Financial Planning for Moving into Your New Home

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Buying, selling, and moving into a new home can be a stressful process that requires significant planning. Working with a reliable moving company in High Point, NC on your moving day will help that aspect of the process run smoothly and efficiently. You’ll be given a price quote in advance, and have a stress-free move in day with no strain on your own back. Be sure to plan ahead, especially when it comes to the financial aspects of your move.

When to Put Your Current Home on the Market

This is a tricky decision to make sometimes. If you know when your new home will be completed, you’ll want to sell your house by then if possible. However, if it sells quickly you may find yourself in between homes while you wait for your new home to be ready. Your selling agent may be able to give you a pretty good idea of how fast your home may sell and offer you pointers to get it sold more quickly when you’re ready to move.

Keep Some Funds Available for Unexpected Expenses

If there’s one thing you can count on when it comes to building a home, it’s that there will be expenses you can’t exactly plan for. Be sure you have some additional funds that are liquid just in case. You will likely need to access your savings, funds that aren’t tied up in CDs or investments. If a CD reaches maturity during your home building process, consider not renewing it for another term until after your home is complete. Meet with your financial advisor to get advice on best strategies for moving preparations.

Schedule a Moving Company in High Point as Soon as You Set a Moving Date

Don’t wait too long to hire a moving company. The busy season for movers is spring and summer, so be sure and plan ahead, particularly in those months. As soon as you know a specific date for your moving day, schedule it with Steele and Vaughn, your first choice of movers. Steele and Vaughn comes highly recommended and has been serving the Greensboro, High Point and Winston Salem area since 1934. You will get a fully trained and uniformed team, who will take the greatest care with your belongings.

Steele and Vaughn Makes Moving Day in High Point Easy

Planning for a move into your new home is much more involved than most people realize. Even though you may set an accurate timeframe for building the home you want and selling your current home, unexpected complications may come up, and if so, your wise financial planning efforts will make sure you’re prepared for anything that may arise. And on moving day, Steele and Vaughn will ensure that your move in process is smooth and stress-free. So, when you’ve laid all your careful plans and are ready to make your move, choose the moving company in High Point that you can trust. Call Steele and Vaughn at (336) 273-0546.

Helpful tips to make it easier for you to choose the right storage solution

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Choosing the right storage solution in Greensboro, NC, does not need to be a guessing game or one where you visit different storage units until you find one that fits. Whether you need somewhere to store the entire contents of your home or just store the overflow that won’t fit in your home, the right storage solution is out there. The big question is, “How do you decide which is the best fit for your needs?” Follow these top tips to help you make the right decision.

1. Take Inventory of What Needs to be Stored

One of the first questions most storage companies ask is what are you planning to store? They don’t ask this question to be nosy, only to help you determine the amount of space you will need. Measure the larger items you plan to store, then place the rest of it in a carefully arranged stack like how you would pack it for shipping. Measure the length, width, and height of the stack. Add in any irregularly shaped items like bikes, grills, or items that you can’t stack.

2. Consider Your Timeline for Packing

Storage units in Greensboro, NC, come in a wide range to choose from. Do you want to be able to move around in a storage unit to get at different things, or are you planning to leave items unattended for a few months and before accessing them again?

3. Properly Understand the Dimensions of a Storage Unit

Most of the storage units in Greensboro, NC, are advertised as length by width, e.g. 8×10 feet. The average storage unit has a ceiling height of 8 feet. The different storage unit sizes will be limited to what a facility has available. To ensure everything fits, you may need to buy a larger storage unit than you imagined.

4. Buy Only What You Need

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to settle for a storage unit that is too small just to save a few dollars. But if you pack a storage unit from front to back and to the rafters, it could take you hours to find something in the back. Grouping items in containerized storage modules could save you hours of valuable time and give you the option add more stuff later.

5. How Good are You at Packing?

If you are going to be the one packing everything up and moving it into a storage unit, you need to take a moment and think about how good you are at packing. You might be able to get away with a smaller storage unit if you know how to pack everything tightly. But if packing like this is not something you are good at, consider saving yourself a lot of unnecessary stress. Containerized storage can be brought right to your home and combined with a professional packing service. Crates can be custom built for artwork, antiques, or anything else that needs special care.

Finding the right storage solution in Greensboro, NC, starts with Steele & Vaughn, your trusted moving and storage company. We offer award winning moving and storage services and offer a wide range of fully containerized storage units to choose from. Call (336) 273-0546 to learn more about the many storage options we have to offer.