Six Things to Keep in Mind When Preparing for a Cross-Country Move

Young couple with baby on lapPreparing for a cross country move can be a daunting task. The move itself might be scary and intimidating, but if you plan it all out, it shouldn’t be too hard. Remember, there’s more to moving than just looking for a reliable long distance moving company. With that in mind, here are six tips to help you prepare for your cross-country move:

1.    Getting rid of stuff you don’t need as soon as you know you’re moving.

That’s right. Do not wait until you only have a few days left. There are two good reasons for this. First, you won’t have to pay someone to move stuff that you’re going to throw away anyway. Second, you won’t have to bother unboxing and finding storage for these unwanted things in your new home. You could donate your things then call for a donation pickup, or sell the ones that are still worth a lot. Or you can just list them all on Craigslist for free. You’ll be surprised at how fast you can get rid of them.

2.    Keep a To-Do list.

There’s a lot going on when you’re preparing for a cross country move. And that’s why lists are important. They will help you keep track of everything that you have to do, and spare you from forgetting crucial tasks. You could create a spreadsheet on your computer, or you can simply write lists down in your planner. Your lists should include things you need to buy, people you need to update and errands you to have to run.

3.    Do whatever you can ahead of time.

We get it. You’re busy, there’s so much to do. But there are lots of little things that you can do in advance during your spare time. You could cancel your utility services, or start looking for a long distance moving company. It’s a busy period, so don’t waste a second.

4.    Choose your long distance moving company wisely. 

Someone might have referred a moving company to you, or perhaps you did some Googling and found a few different options. Now the next thing to do is to check for reviews of these companies. Are there negative reviews? What are they about? If reviewers talk about unresponsive customer service or careless workers, then you might want to remove that company from your shortlist.

5.    Move during off-season

Moving can be costly, and if you want to save some money, then you should consider moving during off-season. This gives you a better chance to cut down on your moving expenses, and special rates are typically offered during this time. People often move during July and August, so you might want to make your move between September and May.

6.    Try to relax.

Moving can be incredibly stressful. Make sure you set aside some time to relax. You’ve definitely earned it.

Consider Steele and Vaughn for all your moving needs such as packing supplies, storage, and other moving services. Contact us at (336) 273-0546.

7 Smart Packing Tips for your Move

Whether you are moving across town or across the country, relocating involves a great deal of planning and hard work. You have to obtain boxes and packing materials. You have to create a plan of action. Then you have to rent a moving truck.

Among the moving companies in Greensboro, North Carolina, look to Steele & Vaughn to arrange your next move. And here are 7 smart packing tips to make that move as smooth as possible.

Photo of boxes for moving in Greensboro NC

Organization is Key

Long before moving day arrives, sit down and create a plan of action. Set packing deadlines. Make lists of what you plan to box up and what you plan to get rid of. Develop a timeline for packing each room, and be ready to stick to it. Use different colored labels for boxes in different rooms. This will make placing the boxes in the right rooms at the other end much easier.

Pack more efficiently

Packing can be a time-consuming process, but if you have everything you need for the job before you start you can save yourself a great deal of time. Buy several different sizes and styles of boxes. Make sure you have bubble wrap and wrapping paper to protect your valuables. Get several rolls of packing tape to seal your boxes. And keep bigger boxes for things like clothes, sheets, towels and blankets that are light in weight. Put smaller, heavier items in smaller boxes and wrap them carefully.

Don’t Pack the Wrong Things

There are certain things you should never pack and allow movers to take. These include your family’s medical records, school paperwork and anything you are likely to need immediately in your new home. You can put most of these items in one or two backpacks. You may also want to consider taking things like jewelry, prescription medication and cash with you. Never pack perishable foods, plant fertilizers or anything else that is considered toxic or dangerous.

Pack a Moving Bag

Since the vast majority of everything you own is going to be in a series of cardboard boxes, you should plan to pack a moving bag for each member of your family, even if you are only moving across town. This bag should include clothes for at least one day, or as many days as you expect the move to take, plus one. This will save you from having to rummage through boxes for fresh clothes the first day in your new home.

Arrange Your Boxes for the Movers

Most professional moving companies in Greensboro know well how to properly pack a truck. However, if you take the time to place the heaviest boxes where they can be accessed first, you will make their job much easier. This will also help speed up the loading and unloading.

Make Unloading Easier

Your moving company agents have no idea what your new home looks like or how it’s laid out. Even though your boxes have color-coded labels, movers don’t know where to put them in your new home. Try putting a color-coded card outside the door to each room. This will make the job of unloading much easier and faster.

Should You Hire a Professional Moving Company?

A professional moving company can make the entire process go more smoothly. If you can afford one, it is the best choice. Bear in mind that by the time you purchase moving supplies and rent a truck, the difference in cost between hiring movers and moving everything yourself may not be as much as you think.

At Steele & Vaughn, we offer professional moving services locally in North Carolina and across the United States. We provide our customers with flawless service and the kind of personalized care that guarantees your possessions arrive at their destination in perfect condition. Contact us and let our experts handle your next move.

What Moving Services in Greensboro NC Do You Need?

Are you looking for moving services in Greensboro? Before you pick up the phone to start asking for quotes, take a good look at exactly what you will be moving, in order to determine what you want to do yourself and what you want to leave to the professionals. Depending on the items you want moved, the moving services in Greensboro NC you need could vary widely.

Full Moving Services in Greensboromoving services photo

If you treasure your home furnishings, and want them to have the maximum protection during your move, you may want to just open the door to the moving professionals and let them handle it all. Naturally, you will want to purge everything you don’t want to accompany you to your new residence, and maybe organize it all into the way you want it to be arranged in your new home. But, in essence, the movers will bring the boxes, do all of the packing, load up the truck and unload it on the other end.

Not surprisingly, the moving quotes in Greensboro that you receive will be higher for this turnkey type of service.

A Combination of Services

Some people prefer to have their fragile items carefully packed by the professionals, and pack up everything else themselves. Specialized containers such as wardrobe cartons, and boxes designed for books, pictures, lamps and more, make the moving experience a great deal easier.

Obviously, this will result in receiving lower quotes, because there will be much less professional labor involved.

Basic Moving

Old hands at moving around the country will not balk at packing up even their most fragile items. They are familiar with bubble wrap, moving boxes and packing paper, and have no trouble taping two picture boxes together to fit an oversize wall hanging.

These people only need the most basic of services, which is loading up on one end, transporting the contents to a new location and unloading them there. If you’re not moving anything as precious as your great grandmother’s china, this may be the best and most affordable option for you. Moving quotes in Greensboro for this type of service will be lower.

Steele and Vaughn was founded in 1934, and provides moving services in Greensboro that you can trust no matter what level of service you need. The team at Steele & Vaughn is qualified to provide sound moving advice and excellent care of your valuables, as well as supplies for your move. So call 336-273-0546 today to discuss your move, whether you need full service packing, specialty crating for oddly shaped items, or just boxes and supplies.

How to Compare Moving Quotes in Greensboro NC

Comparing moving quotes in Greensboro is not difficult, it is a fairly straight forward process. However, there are a few things to be aware of when looking at the ones you receive from local and long distance moving companies in Greensboro NC.

Not All Moving Quotes are Created Equal

Whether you are considering local or long distance moving companies in Greensboro, you want to be sure you are not comparing apples and oranges. The most accurate quotes you receive will be the ones where the representative has actually seen everything you are planning to move. So you can’t really compare those equally to any quotes you may have received over the phone.

Pic of a moving quote in Greensboro NC

Though you may be able to get a rough estimate based on how many bedrooms are in the residence you are moving, household furnishings vary a great deal from home to home. So you may compare phone estimates to other phone estimates, or all of the in person quotes to each other, just don’t mix the two.

Also, keep in mind that local moves are usually charged by the hour, while long distance moving companies in Greensboro will be charging, and offering estimates, based on the weight of your contents. That means a one bedroom apartment with overstuffed furniture and a heavy dining set will cost more than one furnished completely from Ikea. This is why it is always best to have a moving company representative come to see exactly what will be moved.

Additionally, when requesting moving quotes in Greensboro, make sure you specify the same services from each company, because this will significantly affect the total. If you want full service packing, or need specialty crating for an oddly shaped item, you need to mention that to each company. If all you need is basic moving, you will want to determine that each company is including the exact same services in their quotes.

Moving Quotes in Greensboro are Not Only About Price

When you are putting virtually everything you own in the hands of strangers, it is vital that you are able to trust them. There are two main factors which can help put your mind at ease.

The first is whether a company has a local presence. If you are dealing with a business that can only be reached by an impersonal 800 number, then depending on where you live, it could take a while to get a live human to come and give you a firm estimate. And if anything should happen to go awry, it’s harder to deal with a company when you don’t know where they are. By working with a local and long distance moving company in Greensboro such as Steele & Vaughn, you will know exactly who you are dealing with and where to find them when you need help.

The second is experience. National companies have many different locations, but that doesn’t mean each location has the experience of the parent company. Moving, both locally and long distance, is a vulnerable time for your possessions. And it’s a complex process. You want the most experienced company you can find.

Steele & Vaughn was founded in 1934. With the many decades of experience behind the team at Steele & Vaughn, your belongings will be in the best of hands. Whether you need local or long distance moving, full service packing or specialty packing, call 336-273-0546 today to get trusted advice about your move.

Choosing the right boxes when moving in Greensboro NC

Moving can be a stressful experience, but there are two ways to make it a whole lot easier. The first is to start doing all of your sorting, discarding and organizing as soon as you know you will be moving. Of course, it is easier to do that on a regular basis so a big purge isn’t necessary before moving, but life happens and things accumulate over time. The second is to use the right boxes. Movers in Greensboro NC will tell you that it is hard to overstate the importance of this. Here’s why.

Photo of boxes for moving in Greensboro NCUsing the right boxes for moving in Greensboro prevents damage.

Sure, it’s cheaper to pick up boxes at the grocery store, but how important is it to you for your possessions not be ruined? If you look closely at moving boxes, you will see that they do not all have the same thickness. There is a reason for that.

Steele & Vaughn can advise you about which boxes to use for your grandmother’s china or your flat screen computer monitor. There are boxes made especially for glassware, which come with cardboard inserts for extra protection. There are specialty boxes for a lot of different items, so a quick chat with your moving company representative can be extremely helpful.

Boxes for moving are made to be stacked.

Your lamps may be of different sizes, but many will fit one way or another in standard sized lamp boxes, and these can be stacked. All of your books will be extremely heavy if packed together in large boxes. That is why book boxes are small.

For safety reasons and to prevent injury, a good rule of thumb is heavy things should go in small boxes and lighter things in bigger boxes. Again, always consult your moving professional. In any case, book boxes can be stacked on a dolly and rolled right into the truck, where they can be made to slide right off.

When you use specifically made boxes for moving in Greensboro, they will be uniformly sized. That means they will be able to be stacked and stored neatly, in a storage unit or in a moving truck. The expert movers at Steele & Vaughn are able to work more quickly and utilize space more efficiently when working with these boxes.

Boxes for moving will usually be available from the moving company you choose, along with other supplies such as bubble wrap, packing paper and tape. If you have an overly large or oddly shaped item, there are some moving companies who will create specialty crating for it.

If movers in Greensboro are packing up your things, even if only the fragile items, many moving companies include the cost of the boxes in the quote for this service. So you will want to double check if that is the case.

When comparing Greensboro movers, Steele & Vaughn stands out because of experience and expertise. Steele and Vaughn has been providing moving and storage solutions since 1934, so you can trust the team to take great care of all your household furnishings. Packing supplies are available, in addition to storage units, as well as both local and long distance moving services. Call 336-273-0546 to find out how Steele & Vaughn can take at least some of the moving related stress out of your life.

Choosing a Moving Company in Greensboro NC

Are you looking for a moving company in Greensboro? The right one for you may depend upon what kind of moving services you will need. Going to live in a new location, whether across town or across the country, can be an exciting experience. However, the actual moving of an entire household can be fraught with unexpected pitfalls, especially for those who have never done it. Choosing the right moving company is important in order to have the process go as smoothly as possible.

Moving graphic - family with boxes behind them moving in Greensboro NC

Which Moving Services in Greensboro Do You Need?

All households are different, so everyone has different requirements. Here are some options that you will want to keep in mind.

  • Local or Long Distance Moving – Many companies do both, but not all. It is important to ask.
  • Full Service Packing – If you have a large house or family and have never moved before, this is a service you may want to consider. Getting everything off the walls and out of the closets can seem like a Herculean task, and might be best left to professionals. This can also be critically important when dealing with fragile items. In these cases, you will want a moving company in Greensboro NC that provides this service.
  • Packing Supplies – If you have a smaller residence, or are already familiar with the process of moving around the country, maybe you just need good packing supplies. In this case, your moving company may be able to tell you which boxes to use for what items, and also provide you with those boxes. Those who have moved before know that the process is much easier when you have the right boxes, strong tape, quality bubble and paper wrapping supplies.
  • Storage – Is your new residence going to be ready by the time you get there? Or do you still need a little time to find or fix up a place? There are any number of circumstances where you may need a place to store your things for a little while. It’s always a lot more convenient when your movers also offer storage units. So if that is a possibility for you, add it to the checklist of what you’d like your moving company to offer.

As you can see, one stop shopping is just so much easier. The entire moving experience can be somewhat stressful for most people. Give yourself a break and choose a company that has all of the moving services in Greensboro that you need.

A Moving Company in Greensboro MUST Have Experience

When moving, you want a reliable company with years of experience to handle all your personal belongings. Moving is a process that can be somewhat traumatic, so choose a company that has the knowledge and skill to alleviate the stress involved.

Steele and Vaughn was founded in 1934, and that kind of longevity signifies that the team is reliable and extremely knowledgeable. Call 336-273-0546 today, to find out how Steele and Vaughn can help you navigate the complex process of carefully moving all of your possessions from one place to another, and provide you with the moving services in Greensboro that you need.

If Greensboro Movers Are Helping You Downsize, Check Out These Space Saving Ideas

Oversized couch in a small space photoDownsizing your home definitely has its perks. Less maintenance cost, less time cleaning, and lower energy bills are all popular reasons homeowners make the leap. But moving from a larger space to a smaller one requires a bit of planning and strategy. Read on for tips from experienced Greensboro movers on space saving ideas for moving into a smaller home.

Declutter Before You Move
Taking inventory of the things you have versus the things you need is the first step in making a smart move into a smaller home. Over the years you can collect items in attics, cupboards, and closets that you forget about. Go through your home and box up the things you no longer need so you move less things into your new space.

Prior to Moving Day, Prepare Storage Space in Your New Home
In a perfect world after you declutter, you have just the right amount of things that will fit in your new home. But life is rarely perfect; so expert Greensboro movers recommend eliminating potential problems by preparing for them in advance. Equip your new home with extra shelves in your closets, install floor-to-ceiling storage shelving units, and set up under-the-bed storage. Stair drawers and under-stair drawers are also innovative ways to store your stuff out of sight. Preparing designated areas to store your things will help reduce the stress of acclimating to a smaller space.

After You Move In to Your New Home, Design with Size in Mind
If your new home is a mix of colors–repaint it for an instantly larger look and feel. Light colors can make rooms appear larger and cleaner. Well-placed mirrors and minimal furniture will also help clear the space so you can clear your mind and enjoy the perks of your new smaller space.

Expert Greensboro Movers Will Safely Transport Your Items to Your New Space
Reduce the stress of moving and put your space-saving ideas to the test. Spend moving day making the most of your new home and leave the hard stuff to be taken care of by Steele & Vaughn, your premier Greensboro movers. Steele & Vaughn is a full service moving firm with more than 80 years of experience moving your most precious personal belongings. Call today at (336) 273-0546 and make moving day a breeze.

Greensboro Movers Think Environmental For Earth Month

Welcome back to the Steele & Vaughn Moving & Storage weekly blog update, where we discuss all things home and moving. To continue with our theme from last week: National Earth Month, today we thought we would talk about sustainability within the home. There are many ways that Greensboro movers can be conscious of the environment within their homes, without needing to change lifestyles. We will mention a few of them for you, to get the conversation started.

  1. Start a compost – If you have a yard, start a pile back away from the house. You can keep a container with a lid in your kitchen and put any compostable material into it (fruit/vegetable matter, egg shells, leftover grains – anything except meat and processed foods). If you don’t have a yard, find somebody local with a garden or a farm that you can bring your material to once a week. Composted material is great for a garden, and great for the earth!
  2. Be conscious of paper/plastic bags – Reuse paper and stay away from plastic! Plastic is harmful to the environment and does not decompose. You can also buy a reusable bag in the grocery store, which you can use each time you go shopping.
  3. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs – they screw into the typical light bulb socket, but use far less electricity. You won’t need to change them as often!
  4. Install a solar water-heater – It is both energy effective and cost effective!
  5. Recycle! – Separate your recyclables from your garbage. If you don’t get recycling picked up regularly, set a goal to drop off your cans and boxes a couple of times a month to a local recycling center. It makes a difference!

There are many other ways to take steps towards living a more environmentally friendly life. Do some of your own research if you’re interested! Conducting sustainable projects is a great way to get the whole family involved, and make your home a better place to live.

Happy Earth Month!

Steele & Vaughn Moving & Storage, Your Trusted Greensboro Movers

Greensboro Movers Celebrate National Earth Month

Welcome back to the Steele & Vaughn Moving & Storage weekly blog update, where we discuss all things moving! As your trusted Greensboro movers, we’d like to take a moment to discuss the great outdoors! April is National Earth month, and as spring is now well underway, we thought we’d talk about earth-related activities that you can consider in the new season.

If you’ve just moved, now is the perfect time to explore your new surroundings. Are there any parks nearby that you haven’t been to yet? Have you checked out your local farmer’s market? These are great things to look into if you’re new to an area. Try going on a picnic or taking a walk. Go see what you can find in and around your new town. Farmer’s markets and flea markets are great opportunities to go meet your new neighbors and community members.

What about planting a garden in your new back yard, patio, or deck pots? Whether you are growing crops or just simply eating them (if you’ve been to the farmer’s market), here is a great guide of when to harvest different crops depending on where you are. You can also search for local farmers depending on your location! http://www.pickyourown.org/US_crop_harvest_calendars.php

April is National Earth month, so as your trusted Greensboro movers, we’re encouraging you to go and get outside! If you’re planning an upcoming move but haven’t moved yet, you can still look up these things ahead of time so that you have something to do once you get to your new town. Go online and look up local fun things to do wherever you’re going. Check to see which day the market is and look up local festivals.

Happy spring!

Steele & Vaughn Moving & Storage, your trusted Greensboro movers

Greensboro Movers Get Ahead With Springtime Moving Plans

Thinking about your springtime move? Looking for a reliable moving company to assist you? At Steele & Vaughn Moving & Storage, we are always proud to serve our community of Greensboro movers. With the busiest moving season upon us, we are getting ready and prepared with our staff and in our offices to do our tasks quickly and efficiently. We are ready for spring, are you?

Here are some things Greensboro movers can do to prepare for a move:

  • Choose your moving company:

Look for a ProMover certified moving company to ensure you are working with a legitimate mover and protect you from moving fraud. Make sure that the company you go with is properly insured.

  • Book your move in advanced:

Spring jumpstarts the busiest season of the year! Book your mover in advanced to ensure that you get the scheduled move you need with the mover you want.

  • Do a home clean-out:

You don’t want to be bringing unwanted belongings to your new home that will just take up space and increase the cost of your move. Throw it out, recycle, or donate!

  • Start packing early:

Pick up packing supplies and pack a little at a time. Get as much done as you can early so that by the time moving week comes, you’re not scrambling.

We have worked with a lot of Greensboro movers over the years, and we know what it’s like to have a rushed move, it is no fun! That is why we highly suggest planning ahead, and starting early. Don’t have time to pack? Don’t worry! Steele & Vaughn Moving & Storage offer professional packing services for those Greensboro movers who are too busy. Just give us a call today to inquire.

Good luck!

Steele & Vaughn Moving & Storage, your trusted Greenboro Movers