Author Archives: Ed Mezer

Moving Out of Your Parents’ House

This entry was posted in Moving and tagged , on by .

So you’ve decided to leave the nest? Congratulations! Moving out of your parents’ house is a big deal. It’s a process that requires plenty of careful planning, consideration, and “adulting.” To help you successfully move out of your parents’ home, we’ve put together 13 easy steps that are sure to help you achieve the independence you want. Good luck and happy moving!

Moving Out of Your Parents’ House1. Communicate with your parents

Perhaps your parents are ready to see you go and have been encouraging your departure for a while. Or perhaps, they want you to stay forever. Whatever their opinion on the matter, it’s important to clearly communicate your intentions to them – and, if necessary, your moving plan. Remember: Even if they are excited about your new adventure, they could still be somewhat sad to see you go. With this in mind, make sure to be extra sensitive to their needs and emotions when communicating your move-out plans.

2. Develop a move-out plan

Before moving out of your parents’ house, come up with a moving plan that both you and your parents can agree upon. I recommend coming up with a goal date for when you think you will be able to move out. This doesn’t mean you have to move out by this date, but it is a starting point for you and your parents.

In addition to your move-out date, your moving plan should include where you intend to move, what type of property you want to move to (apartment, home, student housing, etc.), and whether you intend to have a roommate. Also, consider whether you will be hiring professional movers or doing the work yourself with the help of a few friends. You can change your mind on any of these as your plans progress, but having a framework will make it easier to get started.

3. Establish good credit

If you haven’t already established good credit, now’s the time to start. For those who want to purchase a home, be aware that a less than stellar credit score (or no credit score) means you’re less likely to obtain a home loan from a bank. If you’re unable to get a loan from a mortgage lender, you can kiss home-ownership goodbye (at least for now).

If you plan to rent, your credit history will also be important. Many landlords and property managers now run credit checks on rental applicants. By assessing a potential renter’s credit history, the landlord can get a good idea of whether or not the applicant pays bills and rent on time. Of course, those planning to rent without credit can usually have a co-signer, such as a relative with good credit, sign the lease as well. However, it’s a good idea to start building a healthy credit score in the meantime.

One of the easiest ways to establish good credit is to sign up for a credit card, use it to purchase anything from gas to concert tickets, and pay your bill on time in full every month, according to Experian. Or, you can establish good credit by paying your student loans or car loans on time. Although there are other ways to establish credit, such as joining a lending circle that loans money to its members, opening a credit card and making timely payments on loans are probably your best bet.

4. Start saving money for a down payment

If you’re planning to purchase a home, you’re going to need enough money in the bank for a down payment. To get there, we suggest coming up with a savings plan that is realistic and reasonable. Tip: This is the time to curb unnecessary spending. From temporarily canceling a gym membership and cooking at home to cutting back on shopping and travel expenses, there are many easy ways to save money.

Budgeting can also help you save money. Start by determining how much money you earn every month. Next, list your monthly expenses. This includes entertainment, meals out, student loan payments, gas, car payments, and insurance. If you’re not sure what you spend your money on, consider recording every penny you spend, where you spend it, and what you spend it on. Do this for at least a week, or better yet a month, to help with your budgeting. Calculate how much you spend each month on those items. If you spend $200 a month on gas, list it. Make adjustments as necessary, so you can save a certain amount every month towards your down payment.

5. Budget for after the move

Once you have a budget to help you save money for your down payment, it should be easy to create a budget to cover all of the expenses of owning or renting your own space. Some of your budget items will transfer directly from your current budget to your after-the-move budget. These include your loan payments, car insurance, and entertainment. But you may have to make some changes. If you live further or closer to work, you’ll need to adjust how much you budget for gas, for example.

Plus, you’ll have new expenses. If you don’t contribute to the family’s groceries, you’ll need to factor in that cost. You’ll also have to add your monthly rent or mortgage payment, utilities, and, if you purchase a house, HOA fees and property taxes.

Almost certainly, your largest budget line item will be your monthly mortgage or rent. If you’re planning to rent, your current monthly income should be more than enough to comfortably cover rental expenses, including the rent, utilities, rental insurance, and others.

If you’re planning to buy a home, we recommend speaking with a mortgage broker to determine how much house you can afford to buy. These brokers will take your gross annual income, credit history and debt (among other things) into consideration to figure out how much lenders will be willing to loan you. Sometimes that amount is higher than you can realistically afford. To avoid feeling “house poor,” we recommend purchasing a home that you can actually afford – and not one that stretches the budget.

6. Find a Realtor

After you’ve determined your budget and saved up enough money for a down payment, start looking for a reputable Realtor. If this is the first time you’ve ever purchased a home, enlisting a qualified and helpful Realtor is especially important. In addition to a real estate agent’s deep knowledge of the market, they also handle all negotiations and paperwork so you don’t have to. The right Realtor should be able to walk you through the home-buying process – keeping your interests, needs and budget top of mind.

What if a friend or a family member has a real estate license? Should you use them? According to Realtor.com, this might not be the best idea for several reasons. For starters, they may not have expertise in the neighborhood where you want to move, which can make it more difficult to find a good property. Second, if things turn sour, you may have to fire them and lose a friend in the process. Unless that friend or a family member has experience in the area where you want to move, consider politely declining their offer to represent you.

7. Schedule movers or ask your friends for help

Unless you have very little to move, we recommend enlisting either friends or professionals to assist with the move. If enlisting friends for a DIY move, consider renting a moving truck from a reputable company. If you’re hoping to hire professionals to help with part of the move, you can enlist labor-only movers to assist with loading and unloading the rental truck. This will most certainly be less expensive than hiring full-service movers to handle the entire move for you.

Be sure to schedule the movers (if you plan to use them) as far in advance as possible. Last-minute moves cost more than ones booked in advance. And if you wait too long, you may have a more difficult time finding movers available for your dates. Looking to save a little money on your move? Book your move on a weekday versus a weekend and anytime but the end of the month when leases usually end.

8. Donate, sell or consign items you don’t need

Have too much stuff? If your closets are overflowing, it may be time to get rid of your belongings before you move. After all, the less stuff you have to move, the easier (and cheaper) your move will be. Try donating gently-used items to local charities and consigning nicer items to local consignment stores. Also, consider throwing a garage sale or selling belongings via an online marketplace.

If you have a lot of junk to get rid of or large items you can’t donate or easily dispose of, you may want to hire a junk removal company. The company can remove unwanted mattresses, furniture, exercise equipment, and general junk. Let your parents know your plans, and if they have any items they want to get rid of, they may be willing to split the costs.

9. Find packing supplies

From boxes and tape to bubble wrap and foam pouches, you’re going to need to find packing and moving supplies to help with your next move. Fortunately, packing supplies can be found online, as well as at your workplace, nearby libraries, large retailers, and more. Also, check out this list of where to find free boxes. To find out the exact number of moving boxes you’ll need, use Moving.com’s handy Packing Calculator. Those looking for specific box sizes and shapes may have to resort to purchasing moving supplies.

Another option is to use plastic bins. You can rent these environmentally friendly containers from companies like U-Haul, Bungo Box, and Rent A Green Box. Some companies also rent moving supplies and sell sustainable packing supplies.

10. Pack

After gathering your supplies, it’s time to get packin’! We suggest packing non-essentials (those items you won’t need in the coming weeks) first. Examples are seasonal clothing, knickknacks, photos, books, etc. The day before you move, pack essentials, such as toiletries, pajamas, prescription meds, etc., in a separate box that can easily be found on moving day. Make sure to clearly label all boxes and keep important documents with you at all times.

If you are running out of time or need extra help, it is possible to hire packers to help you box your items for you. They’ll bring packing supplies with them, properly wrap and box your items, and do it in less time than you could. Expect to pay them by the hour and the number of people sent to get the job done.

11. Set up new utilities

News flash: If you’ve been living with your parents, you’ve been using their utilities. Unless you want to walk into a dark home with no electricity, you’ll need to set up utilities and cable in your new place as soon as possible. We recommend calling the utility companies early on to let them know when you’ll be moving in. Once you’ve scheduled dates for all utilities to be turned on, you’ll need to call the cable company to reserve an installation date as well.

12. Change your address

Unless you want your parents to receive your mail, change your address ASAP. Fortunately, USPS makes it easy. All you have to do is go to USPS.com and choose the date that you wish to begin forwarding your mail. Don’t forget to also change your credit card billing address and let your bank know that you’re moving. You may need to notify your college if you are attending school or your employer as well. To avoid confusion, it may also be helpful to send out an email to friends and family with your new address.

13. Move out and celebrate with a housewarming party

You did it! After saving your money and packing your bags, you’ve successfully moved out of your parents’ house and into your new place. Congratulations! This newfound freedom was certainly worth every tedious step along the way.

Want to celebrate (without disturbing your new neighbors, of course)? Consider throwing a housewarming party. It doesn’t have to be fancy: just a few friends, some budget-friendly food, and a great ambiance. But it gives you a chance to show off all that you’ve accomplished.

Ready to move?

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services When Moving Out of Your Parents’ House. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Free moving quotes.

How to Cut Your Moving Costs

This entry was posted in Moving, Moving Tips, Packing Tips and tagged on by .

Moving can be a stressful time. With all of the little things to keep track of, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. And that’s before you even start tallying up the cost of getting to your new place.

Moving costs can often catch people by surprise. The desire to save money can also lead to some drastic and less comfortable decisions, like assuming you can handle the grunt work all on your own.

Before you decide to push all of your belongings to the roadside so you don’t have to deal with moving, check out our tips on cutting moving costs.

How to Cut Your Moving CostsCollect Free Boxes

If you want to save some money, start with the packing supplies. Rather than paying for moving boxes, try collecting free ones. Places like liquor stores, bookshops, and groceries are great places to find boxes that would otherwise be discarded. Be careful to collect boxes in relatively good shape, particularly if you have fragile things to pack. Make sure to reinforce the seams with packing tape for extra care.

For most (if not all) of your items, you don’t need to buy bubble wrap and packing peanuts. Try using rags, towels, clothes, and other soft items to wrap fragile and delicate items. Clearly label your boxes on multiple sides to keep them extra safe.

Choose Your Dates Carefully

The principles of supply and demand apply to moving and prices fluctuate accordingly. If you are able to plan your move to save money, consider moving in the lower season between late fall and early spring. Even if you don’t have the luxury to choose the time of year, you can (hopefully) still choose your day and time. Holidays and weekends are more expensive than mid-week moves. That means you’ll cut your moving costs by scheduling your move on a weekday.

Do Your Own Packing and Prepping

While full-service movers can pack everything in your house for you, it will cost you. If you’re looking to cut moving costs, handle all of the packing yourself. As most movers calculate cost based, in part, on the amount of time it takes for your relocation, the more preparation you do ahead of time, the better. Disassemble furniture yourself and collect boxes in an accessible place.

Pull in Favors

Other costs can add up, like cleaning and making repairs in your place before you leave. Call in some favors with friends and family and see if they’ll come for a bit of a practicality-centric going away party.

The same goes for child and pet care on moving day. Having your kids – the two- or four-legged kind – running around can be dangerous for both them and the movers. Enlist the help of a trusted person in your life and save the cost of daycare.

Downsize

Since movers charge based on how long the move will take, you can assume that the more you have, the more it will cost you. If you want to cut your moving costs, take a moment to do some downsizing.

We recommend doing a bit of a purge before every move. Why bother packing and unpacking things you don’t want or need? Relocating is an excellent opportunity for a fresh start. You might even make some money if you have things to get rid of that you could sell. Give yourself enough time to sort, evaluate, list, and complete the transaction without pressure.

Check for Tax Deductions

Save your moving receipts – you never know how they may come in handy. If you’re moving for work, you may be entitled to a tax deduction on your moving expenses so keep good (and official) records.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services When Moving. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Free moving quotes.

Millennials Moving Tips

This entry was posted in Moving, Moving Tips and tagged , on by .

Millennials are growing up; managing your first move without the benefits of parental castoffs or finances. The first thing you may have discovered about picking up sticks and relocating is that the expenses mount up fast. The second thing is that it’s going to take mad organizational skills to get everything you own from point A to point B without mistaking your X-Box box for your Ninja box.

Millennials Moving TipsUse Your Tech for Good

There are tons of apps to help you organize a move–they’ll track everything from your packing (store photos of what you put in every box) to setting up utilities (big life skill) to hiring a moving company. You can share the info with roommates or family so everybody is always on the same page.

Low-Tech Still Rules for Moving

All the fun apps in the world can’t replace old-fashioned boxes and packing tape. Here’s a moving tip that you’ll use for the rest of your life–get small boxes. Sure, you can get more stuff in a large box, but they get heavy very fast. Lots of small boxes are more useful than a few giant ones.

So, you’ll need boxes, packing tape (spring for the tape gun), some newsprint or bubble wrap for padding, and markers. If you’re really organized, you can use color coded markers for your boxes, but most people are happy with a black wide-tip Sharpie.

One large box that’s worth investing in is a wardrobe box–a heavy duty box with a metal hanging bar across the top. You can stow your hanging clothes in this box and not worry about wrinkles and dry cleaning when you unpack. Check with your local moving company for any specialty boxes that you might require.

Allow Yourself Plenty of Time

Remember when you were in college and could pack up and move to another apartment (or room in the frat house) in an afternoon? Forget that. Now you have furniture, electronics, kayaks, and all the stuff that you used to keep in your parent’s basement. Not to mention your t-shirt collection. Give yourself a couple of weeks at least to pack up for your move–the further you’re going, the more time you’ll need.

A good rule of thumb is a few days for each room–you can pack up a studio apartment a lot faster than you can a two-bedroom condo. Collect all the stuff you don’t use or don’t need–donate it, give it away or throw it out.

Realize Your Limitations

Sure, you’re young and ready to take on the world, but you may still need professional movers, especially if you have stuff like a motorcycle or a jet ski. If you’re moving a long distance and flying to your new home, you’ll also likely need to transport your car. Professional movers can pack and move ALL your stuff for you, and you won’t have to worry about it not getting there in one piece.

If it’s at all in your budget, seriously consider hiring a professional moving company for your move. If you’re relocating for a job, your relocation package probably includes this bonus, so definitely take advantage of it.

Take a Selfie

Nothing is ever real until it’s a story on social media, so be sure to take a picture as soon as you’re in your new house.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Free moving quotes.

Moving Plants to Your New Home

This entry was posted in Moving Tips and tagged , on by .

Plants are part of what makes a house feel like a home. If you’ve spent months or years taking care of your plants, it can be hard to think about leaving them behind or giving them away when you move. Thankfully, plants can be moved – it just takes some planning.

Tips on Moving Plants

How you go about moving your plants largely depends on what kind of plants you’re dealing with. For most potted plants, the process is fairly simple. But for outdoor plants or larger indoor plants, the process is a little more complex.

Indoor Plants

Small plants are the easiest to move, since you can keep them in their current pots and simply place them in an open box for transport. It’s a good idea to stuff the gaps in the box with paper to prevent the plants from moving around too much when you’re on the move.

Keep in mind that many moving companies can’t transport plants, so it’s best to plan to move them in a separate vehicle with you. This is also best for the plants since you can try to regulate the temperature and keep them happy during the move.

Larger houseplants may need to be trimmed or pruned first before you move them. If it’s cold out on moving day, wrap your plants in newspaper first to protect them and keep them warm. Many plants are quite sensitive to temperature changes, so you want to keep them as stable as possible.

If you’re moving a longer distance with plants in your car, you’ll need to take care of them along the way. Treat them as you would your pets; bring them inside with you if you’re stopping overnight. Don’t leave them in the car – if it gets too hot or too cold, the plants could get damaged. If you’re worried about transporting them on your own, you can also pay to have your plants shipped, but this can be expensive. You may be better off not moving them if you’ve got a long way to travel.

Outdoor Plants

Outdoor plants can be a little trickier to move, so you should consider this before you start the process. It may be easier to leave certain plants behind if the process is going to be too complex.

Before you move larger plants, it’s a good idea to trim them back. This makes them easier to move and can help with regrowth when you plant them again at your new place. They should also be watered well before you begin the process, in order to make sure the roots and soil stay moist during the move. Next, you’ll want to dig up your plants, making sure to leave lots of dirt around the roots and keeping as much of the root as possible.

For smaller plants, the roots and dirt can be placed in paper bags – this is better than plastic because it allows the plants to breathe. For larger plants trees, and shrubs, the root ball should be wrapped in burlap to hold everything together. Plants can stay wrapped like this for a few weeks as long as they are kept watered and don’t get too hot, so you can do this prep work ahead of time.

Make sure to keep them in the shade during the move, as plants can be quite sensitive to temperature changes. Once you get to your new home, you’ll want to replant everything as soon as possible. Keep in mind that they may take some time to adjust to the new soil after you plant them again, so they might not immediately look as luscious as they once did. But with time and care, they’ll be happy and flourishing in their new home!

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Request a free quote online.

Moving Out of Your College Dorm

This entry was posted in Moving Tips and tagged , , on by .

Most moves you undergo in your life come with a lot of preparation time. You have plenty of time to pack, choose your method of transportation, and plan the process. But moves after graduation or for summer vacation often don’t come with the same conveniences.

Whether you need to leave your dorm or apartment at the end of the term or the end of your undergraduate career, leaving your dorm can come with both emotional and logistical complications.

Use the six tips below to simplify the trip away from your school dorm and toward your home or future.

1. Start the Process Early

Between exam preparation and final project completion, you don’t have a lot of time at the end of a school term. And while it might feel like you left most of your belongings at your parents’ or in a storage unit, you may be surprised at how much stuff you have with you when you begin packing.

Start by packing up your seasonal clothing and decorations. Then move on to items you don’t use every day.

2. Clean As You Go

You may dread cleaning checks (and put off completing them until the last possible moment), but they provide good practice for moving out. Make a sincere effort to clean more than you typically do for at least the last month of the term.

As you work on sorting and packing, clean every area you empty. Once you clear the space under your bed, shift it and vacuum thoroughly. When you remove your dishes from the cupboards, wipe the surfaces down.

These small cleaning tasks ensure that you won’t have to spend time complying with cleaning requirements the day before you leave.

3. Sort Your Belongings

Packing can feel intimidating, but it will only feel more so the longer you avoid it. To make the process seem less overwhelming, sort your possessions before you begin to really pack.

You can create more piles as needed, but start with these general categories:

  • Items you’ll use: Think about the clothing, books, and other belongings you actually use when school isn’t in session. Wait to pack these items until you’ve taken care of everything else.
  • Items you need but won’t use: These items may include winter clothes, textbooks, and seasonal decorations. Pack these belongings early to ensure you find a place, such as a storage unit, to keep them. Then you won’t have to drag them around with you.
  • Items you don’t use: What do you own that you never touch? If you can donate or throw out these items, you’ll have less to worry about during your move.

Grouping your belongings as you pack simplifies and streamlines the process, so don’t forget this step.

4. Divide Your Move Into Parts

In addition to separating your possessions according to their use, divide the move itself into multiple events if you can. As you begin to fill boxes, ship them or place them in storage. It’s harder to clean a room full of boxes than an empty dorm space.

If you live near the home you’ll stay at during the off season, take your packed belongings with you when you make visits. Using this method decreases the amount of stuff you have to transport on the last day of the term.

5. Pack With What’s Convenient

While you have to protect breakable items in transit, most of your belongings will survive non-traditional packing materials. Start by collecting the packing supplies you already have, which may include the following:

  • Garbage bags
  • Food boxes and other cardboard containers
  • Laundry baskets or hampers
  • Purses and/or backpacks
  • Suitcases and travel bags

As you pack, use these containers wisely. Wrap fragile items in clothing or household linens and place them in solid containers, like shoe boxes. Pack heavy objects in smaller containers, like purses, to ensure that you and your helpers can easily lift each package.

6. Use Your Resources

Packing for an out-of-dorm move can quickly become frustrating. During each step of the process, remember to take advantage of your resources.

People you know, both on and off campus, may represent your most valuable resources. They can help with any of the following:

  • Heavy lifting: You may have a hard time moving all your possessions out of your dorm room on your own. To simplify the process, enlist the help of athletes you know, your parents or siblings, or your roommates.
  • Packing materials: If you don’t have enough packing materials, ask for help from your dorm mates, resident adviser, roommates or local stores.
  • Transportation: If you don’t have a car of your own, you probably know exactly who does. Stay in these folks’ good graces so you’ll have an easier time of moving your belongings from place to place.

When you enlist the help of family and friends, moving out of your dorm or college apartment becomes an easier process.

You’ll have plenty of things to do in the lead up to graduation or summer vacation. But by following these tips, you can ensure that your trip away from your temporary home goes as smoothly as possible.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Request a free quote online.

Keep Your Home Clean and Organized After A Move

Home Clean and Organized After A MoveThe process of moving can seem never-ending. But there’s nothing quite like the feeling of finally getting everything unpacked and settling into your home. Those first few days after unpacking are pretty glorious—everything is in its right place and your space is perfectly clean and uncluttered. The good news is, it’s actually pretty easy to keep it that way.

Embrace small changes first

If you’re generally a bit messy, it may be difficult for you to adopt a tidier and more organized lifestyle. Trying to clean your home from top to bottom at once can be quite overwhelming for you, so you should try to adopt simple habits first. For instance, you can start by simply washing the dishes after your meal every time. Gradually, you can implement other changes until you realize that living in a clean, organized home is much more inspiring and motivating.

Greet change at your front door

When cleaning your home, you should embrace change at your front door – leave your shoes there. You can imagine how much dirt and bacteria you’re bringing inside when you walk around your home in your shoes. So, once you step inside, take off your shoes and leave them by your front door. If you have a lot of shoes, make sure to introduce enough storage units for you and your family members. You can even design a built-in shoe closet next to your entry.

Don’t let clutter rule your life

According to NBC News, one in four Americans actually has a clutter problem. Not only is this making your space smaller, stuffier and more overwhelming, but it’s actually leaving you without a few extra bucks in your wallet. You’d be surprised by how much money you can earn by simply selling your clutter online or organizing a yard sale. Therefore, instead of feeling cramped in your own home and letting clutter take over your life, you should finally free yourself and your space from unnecessary junk and useless items. The best way to declutter your home is to deal with one room at a time. You should throw away anything that you haven’t used in more than a year, put away some items and clothing that you want to donate and set aside those things that you can sell.

Start your morning the organized way

Your bedroom will seem more organized the moment you make your bed in the morning. This will take just a few minutes each morning and you’ll be able to start your day by creating an organized look in your bedroom. Afterwards, your personal sanctuary will seem more relaxing and inspiring, which will have a positive effect on you, as well.

Pay attention to what you breathe in

When cleaning and tidying up their homes, most people consider dusting, mopping, scrubbing and vacuuming without even thinking about the quality of their indoor air. Yet, indoor pollution is a serious issue that can affect your health and your home’s general atmosphere. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to eliminate or at least mitigate this problem in your home. For instance, effective AC units are a key component for creating a healthy, airy atmosphere in homes. Furthermore, proper air conditioning installation is a way of ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of both duct and spit systems in households. Therefore, if you feel that your home needs some fresh air, you should have an AC unit installed by professionals so that you can rest assured that it’s working properly.

Other ways to increase your indoor air quality is to introduce air purifiers and houseplants that will help you remove airborne toxins and allergens. You should also switch to healthy, green cleaning products instead of using those highly toxic ones.

Wash and deep clean

Everything from covers and pillowcases to drapes and area rugs collects dust and allergens in your home every day. Carpets and rugs, in particular, are full of dirt, toxins and other pollutants that can easily spread throughout your space. Therefore, you should wash and deep clean your fabrics, carpets, rugs and other materials on a regular basis. While covers, pillowcases, sheets, cloths, towels and other materials can be easily thrown into the washing machine, rugs and carpets require more effort, so you can just have them professionally cleaned at least twice a year.

Put away after use

Learning to put an item away after using it is a simple habit that will save you a lot of effort. By always keeping each item in its own place, you’ll prevent clutter from building up. You may need to introduce more storage units, but you’ll finally have enough room for everything.

Clean as you go

You probably passed by a blanket thrown over your sofa or a pile of magazines lying on your coffee table countless times. Instead of choosing not to even pay attention to these messy spots, you should tidy them up as soon as you notice them. Every time you pass by a cluttered or dirty area in your home, don’t ignore it, but deal with it immediately. This will save you a lot of trouble later on when you can’t postpone cleaning anymore.

Keeping your home clean, tidy and healthy often entails adopting simple habits that will make both your home and your life more organized.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Assisted Living Home Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Request a free quote online.

Moving Your Loved Ones Into an Assisted Living Home

This entry was posted in Moving, Moving Tips and tagged , , on by .
Moving Your Loved Ones Into an Assisted Living Home

Moving Your Loved Ones Into an Assisted Living Home

There comes a time in life when you have to make the difficult decision of moving your elderly loved one into an assisted living home. Whether it’s a parent, an aunt, or even a beloved neighbor, it’s a difficult time in both of your lives. Pony Express Moving is here to help you navigate this difficult process and make it as stress-free as possible.

Finding the Right Assisted Living Home

Before anything else, the most important step in this process is finding the right home for your loved one. If they get stuck in an environment that isn’t a good fit, it can be extremely difficult for your loved one to feel comfortable. You must remember that this is their home now – and they need to be able to feel at home. Do your research and know which amenities are important to your loved one. Also, use your best judgment to find a home that has the right atmosphere – is your loved one a young soul that needs to be surrounded by other spirited community members to socialize with, or do they need a more quiet, low-key environment? Know your loved one and do the right research to make sure you find them a home that is right for them.

Downsize, Downsize, Downsize!

If your loved one was previously living in a larger house, they may need to downsize when it comes to their possessions. They may not have room for all of their big pieces of living room furniture or their countless pieces of decor that have been accumulated over the years. Talk with the home you have chosen and find out what furniture they supply, and whether or not you can replace existing furniture with your own. While many homes will come with fully furnished rooms, your loved one might feel more comfortable if they can sleep in their own bed and relax on their own couch.

Regardless of what the home provides, it’s very likely that there will not be enough room for all of your loved one’s possessions. Speak with them and help them pack and prioritize what they want to bring with them, what they want to put into storage, and what they want to sell or donate. It can also be helpful to offer to hold onto some of their things by keeping them in your home – whether on display or in a box in the attic – so your loved one feels like they are still connected to their sentimental items.

Moving Day Priorities

Offer to stay with your loved one all throughout moving day and assist them in dealing with the movers. You should also go with them to their new assisted living home and help them unpack. While the task may seem daunting, it can be crucial to try to fully unpack and decorate on moving day. It may seem like a lot of work, but you want them to have a good initial experience in their new home, and not feel like it is an unwelcoming experience. You want them to feel right at home as soon as possible. If unpacking the entire home in one day isn’t possible, make sure you at least unpack the essentials, like clothing and toiletries, and a few personal items to make the place start feeling homey. If you are able to, you can also let them stay with you in your home for a few days during the process, so that they don’t have to live in the hectic moving environment!

Decorate for Comfort

Even though it’ll take some extra time, you should really make it a priority to decorate as soon as you can. If you can finish everything on the move in day, then that’s amazing! You want to be able to set up a warm, welcoming environment to move into so that your loved one doesn’t feel uncomfortable or even potentially sad. If you can’t manage to finish it all in one day, that’s more than okay… just make sure you make finishing moving in a priority and really get to decorating!

Save money with Pony Express Moving Assisted Living Home Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Request a free quote online.

New Year’s Resolutions For The New Mover

This entry was posted in Moving, Moving Tips and tagged , , on by .

New Year's Resolutions For The New MoverNew Year is a time for resolutions. If you’re planning to move, you can already get started on a few of the most popular personal goals.

If you’re planning to move, you’re already making a fresh start, so why not keep up the momentum with a few more personal resolutions for 2019? Now that the new year is upon us, you have all the more reason to make some moving resolutions.

You are probably familiar with some of the more common resolutions, among them, trying to eat better, mitigating debt and volunteering more. These kinds of goals can also be translated into the process of moving, giving yourself a great start for a new year. Here are seven New Year’s resolutions you can make on your way to your new home.

Recycle more

This common resolution is all about making a life change. As you pack for your new home, keep in mind that moving is an opportunity to make a new life for yourself. Get rid of unnecessary material goods or items that carry little sentimental value. Instead of taking your trash to the dump, however, donate it or give it away to people who may see it as treasure. You may not want your old coat or a worn chair, but maybe there is a family that does.

Conversely, if there is something your new house needs, don’t buy new. Visit thrift stores or antique shops and furnish your new place with vintage, rustic and secondhand goods. With a little effort, you can find perfectly good items at decent prices.

Save yourself some money

Don’t get boxed into an overpriced moving contract — let Pony Express Moving Services find the solution that fits you best. More than 20 years ago we began as local movers with just one truck and have steadily grown into the most respected Boston moving company out there. We are known to be one of the most trusted names in the business; we pride ourselves on exceptional customer relations and professional service. With every service we offer, we bring you the latest technology to make the process more efficient and your move, whether commercial or residential, as stress-free as possible.

Manage pre-moving stress

When you’re planning to move, you’ll no doubt have an extensive list of tasks to complete. A number of these – such as registering your car in a new state, changing your bank and notifying the post office of your address change – can easily fall to the bottom of your list, only to cause you stress later on. The last thing you want to deal with when navigating a new town is a number of bureaucratic errands. Before moving, update your address and map out important offices in your new town, including DMV locations, post offices and nearby banks. Set aside an afternoon once you’ve moved to visit these places and take care of business.

Manage post-moving stress

There is no shortage of stressors once you’ve moved. One of the more subtly irksome aspects of a move is a home that’s not fully unpacked. Having boxes everywhere not only makes your new place feel more like a storage facility, it also means you have to spend time digging through boxes for things you need. Set aside a weekend to do all of your unpacking. You’ll be happier for it once you’re done.

Eat healthier meals

If you’re trying to make some positive changes in your diet, unpack your kitchen as soon as possible. Don’t rely on fast food and microwave meals to get you through the first weeks of a new town. Cook healthy and often.

Volunteer more

Many people hope to get more involved with their community in the new year. Volunteering is also a great way for recent movers to feel better connected to their new community. Soup kitchens and food drives are also a great place to meet like-minded people.

Take a vacation

Once you’ve moved, make sure you explore your new home. Spend your first few weekends taking trips to nearby locales outside your neighborhood. Go to local favorites off the beaten path as well as main cultural hubs. Make a day trip out of it.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Service. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Request a free quote.

Moving Cross Country Tips

Thinking of moving from happening Boston to laid back Phoenix? Or are you ready to transfer from your satellite office in Boston to the headquarters in NYC? People move across the country for many reasons. Some accept new job opportunities while others are just looking for a change of pace or a new adventure. Whatever the reason, what all of us cross-country movers know to be true is that though the move itself is exciting, the process can be a little tricky. To make relocation a bit easier, we’ve outlined a quick overview of key steps to remember.

Moving Cross Country TipsPlanning the Moving Cross Country

Before you begin the physical act of moving, there are a few tasks you should complete ahead of time. First, assuming you already know where you’re moving and have an apartment picked out, confirm the earliest move in date with your new landlord. While the lease may officially begin on a certain date, sometimes tenants move out early, which could give you the opportunity to move in early. You can then figure out how much prep time you need before you leave your old home behind.

Next, you should get measurements of your room from the landlord or property manager beforehand. Will your comfy queen-size bed fit into your new room? Do you have space for a dresser or should you buy storage containers for under your bed? If you’re going to be living with roommates, connect with them on what each of you are planning to bring that will be shared. Items for common areas like living room furniture and kitchen utensils can usually be divvied up instead of everyone bringing their own (though you can never have too many throw pillows). Start selling off your large furniture early. You can post your couch, bed frame, dresser, and coffee table for sale on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to make your luggage a little lighter and to earn some extra cash to then spend on all new furniture for your new place. Lastly, don’t forget to update your address with USPS. It only takes a few minutes and it can be done online here!

Packing for Moving Cross Country

Once you’ve sold off your big ticket items, it’s time to start thinking about what belongings you want to have in your new home. We recommend making a list. Start with what you absolutely have to pack no matter what, like the stuffed animal you’ve had since you were you were born or the expensive coffee maker you don’t want to replace. Then list out items you’ll bring if you can fit them and lastly anything that you can live without or replace upon arrival. Begin packing according to this list. Once all of your necessities are boxed up, you’ll have a better idea of what else you can fit and can continue boxing until there isn’t any space left. Next, decide how to get rid of your left over possessions, whether you’re selling them online or at a garage sale, donating them to goodwill, or bringing them to the dump. If you need to pick up packing supplies, check in with local businesses such as grocery and liquor stores as they tend to have a good amount of free boxes, bubble wrap, and newspaper laying around.

All Things Transportation

Now that you’ve figured out when you can move in and have packed, you should probably figure out how you’re going to get to your new apartment. Unless you have your own private jet, you have three options of travel: planes, trains, and automobiles.

Flying or Taking a Train/Bus

While getting yourself to your destination by flying or taking a bus is relatively simple to figure out, transporting your assets can be  more difficult. If you’re moving for a new job and your company provides relocation assistance, you should definitely take advantage of it. If you’re on your own, you should look into long-distance moving services.

Once you’ve figured out how to transport your stuff, you need to figure out how to transport, well, yourself! If you have some flexibility on when you’re going to move, the best deals on travel happen during the late fall through the spring and it’s cheaper to travel during the week. There are also websites designed to save you money on long journeys like Wanderu, which will find the fastest and cheapest way for you to get from point A to point B via bus or train. If you’d like to take the classic approach and plan the trip yourself, Greyhound and Amtrak are great places to start.

Driving

Regardless of which road ride you choose, there are a few additional tips you should keep in mind. If you have a family member or close friend willing to make the drive with you, definitely accept their offer! Driving with a buddy makes the road trip much easier because you can split time behind the wheel and you’ll appreciate the additional company. Just make sure you can stand multiple days in close quarters with them. Also, pack a bag of necessities like several changes of clothes, toiletries, and whatever else you’ll need for the few days you’ll spend on the road. Make sure you store this bag in an easily accessible spot because digging through all your boxes to find a toothbrush or new shirt will be difficult and frustrating.

Moving from one side of the country to the other is a big task. It can be stressful and taxing but it will also end up being one of the most exciting and rewarding moves you’ll ever make!

Save money with Pony Express Moving Cross Country Service. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Request a free quote.

Should You Move Your Mattress?

This entry was posted in Moving, Moving Tips and tagged , , on by .

Should You Move Your Mattress?The mattress is one of your most important pieces of furniture since you spend a third of your life in it. When you’re moving, it’s the perfect time to ask yourself whether it’s time to invest in a new mattress or if your old one is worth taking with you. Here are some considerations.

Is it worth the hassle to move the mattress?

Unless your current mattress meets your needs, ask yourself these questions.

  • Is your mattress more than eight years old? If so, it might be close to the end of its lifespan.
  • How comfortable is your old bed? If you wake up achy or toss and turn, those are signs that your mattress might not be a good fit and needs replaced.
  • Is the mattress of good quality? If you have a bargain bed, your moving might be a good time to upgrade your sleep experience.
  • What condition is the mattress? If it’s sagging, indented, ripped, or torn, the move might finish wrecking your bed.
  • Does your bed meet your needs? Perhaps you need a bigger bed or want to upgrade to an adjustable or cool sleeping mattress.

It’s the perfect time to buy a new bed

If you’ve been thinking about a new mattress, there are lots of reasons to buy during your move.

  • Not moving it will reduce your moving costs.
  • If you’re DIY moving, not taking it reduces the hassle.
  • You can have a new bed delivered timed to match your move.
  • You can get white glove delivery for a stress-free move.
  • You’ll start off in your new space with a comfortable sleep experience.

What to do if you decide to buy instead of moving your mattress

One of the most convenient ways to shop for a new mattress is to buy online. You’ll get a better-quality bed for a more affordable price.

  • Before you start shopping, decide what size bed you need.
  • Look past marketing speak and check mattress reviews.
  • Consider whether you want a specialty mattress like an organic bed.
  • Check the time from order to delivery so you know when to buy.
  • If you have access, you might want delivery to the new place a day prior.
  • Buy new sheets and bedding if they need replaced or you’re changing sizes.

Getting rid of your old mattress

Coordinating getting rid of your old mattress requires timing since you don’t want to go without a bed at your old space. There are a few options to dispose of your old bed.

  • Repurpose it – If you have a spare room that needs a bed, use it there.
  • Donate it – Local laws may prevent donating your bed but in some areas, you can.
  • Sell it – If the bed is in decent shape, you might be able to sell it.
  • Give it away – List it on LetGo or Craigslist for free and let someone take it.
  • Recycle it – Look for a local recycle company. More than 80% of a mattress is recyclable.
  • Trash it – Hire someone to haul it away or take it to a landfill.

Tips for moving a mattress

  • When moving a mattress, whether DIY or using a mover, start with a plastic mattress bag to protect it from dirt, stains, and snags. They only cost $5-10.
  • For DIY, get help since mattresses can be ungainly. If you don’t have help, fold it in half and secure with ratchet ties to make it easier and use a furniture dolly.
  • Preferably move it in a closed moving van or truck. Stand it vertically – don’t lie it down and pile stuff on it.
  • Moving a mattress in the back of a truck is the next best thing but be sure to secure it with ratchet ties or well-knotted rope.
  • A car top is the least preferred method and the least secure. It needs to strapped extra-securely.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Free moving quotes.