Monthly Archives: June 2023

The Ultimate Packing Guide for Families

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Is your family preparing for an upcoming relocation and feeling daunted by the task of packing? Are you searching for the best strategy to pack your family’s belongings without feeling stressed and overwhelmed?

Although packing can be a challenging process that requires a lot of time and effort, it doesn’t need to be a headache. In fact, with the right approach, you can simplify packing and ultimately make it a smooth and straightforward task with minimal stress. We’ve compiled your ultimate packing guide so you can pack like a pro. Discover our eight best tips below!

 

How to Pack for Your Upcoming Move

If you’ve ever moved before, you probably know that packing can be the most difficult part of the entire process. Fortunately, though, following the right steps can make the process of packing your family’s home a lot easier. Learn how with our ultimate packing guide for families!

 

  • Start in Advance

First, one of the most effective steps you can take to get your packing off to a strong start is to allow plenty of time. Starting the packing process far in advance of your relocation can make a huge difference to the overall experience.

If you don’t allow enough time to pack without rushing through the task, the process can feel extremely stressful. However, allowing plenty of time enables you to divide the job into manageable chunks, which is a great way to stay organized rather than rushing and packing in a hectic manner. Overall, the more time you have to pack your home, the better – especially when you’re packing up an entire family’s worth of items!

 

  • Declutter and Sort First

Before you begin the task of packing, you should start by decluttering your home. This involves sorting through your belongings and determining what you no longer want or need. Understandably, this can be a difficult task, especially when you first start. You might encounter some challenges as you try to eliminate some of your items. For this reason, it’s important to be extremely honest with yourself about what items in your house actually get regular usage.

As you start this process, try to begin in places where a lot of clutter has accumulated, such as closets, cabinets, and drawers. Oftentimes, items get shoved to the back of these spots and spend months or even years sitting there, forgotten and unused.

Once you’ve decluttered these hotspots, you may have an easier time determining what else to get rid of in the remainder of your home. These items can be sold, donated, or thrown away, depending on the condition they are in.

 

  • Hire Professional Movers Early

If you plan on working with a professional moving company for your upcoming relocation, be mindful of scheduling, and prioritize booking in advance.

This will help you to secure the date that works best for you, and it may even result in receiving a lower rate from your movers. Additionally, many full-service moving companies offer extensive packing services, which can help lighten the load of packing.

For instance, you may just want assistance with some of your more specialized items, such as electronics or appliances, or specific rooms. These flexible options can make packing a lot easier to manage.

 

  • Get High-Quality Supplies

When you’re packing your belongings for a move, it’s important to make sure you’re using high-quality moving supplies to yield the best results for your items’ safety. You will need the following materials (and potentially more!) to ensure the best outcome when you’re packing:

  • Sturdy cardboard boxes
  • Packing tape
  • Bubble wrap
  • Packing paper
  • Moving blankets
  • Mattress bags
  • Permanent markers
  • Resealable plastic bags

 

  • Pack One Room at a Time

Moving and packing experts agree – the best way to tackle packing is to go through the task one room at a time. Not only does this help to segment the process into smaller chunks, but it also promotes organization as it reduces the chances of items from different rooms ending up in the same box. This will be a huge benefit when it comes time to unpack your boxes.

To properly approach this room-by-room strategy, you will probably want to begin in any areas where your less frequently used items are, such as closets or guest rooms. You may not be able to entirely pack away, for instance, a bedroom before moving on to the next room, but you should pack as close to completion as possible before moving along.

 

  • Label Boxes Thoroughly

Another step that will make the task of unpacking infinitely easier is labeling your boxes thoroughly and in a detailed manner. Because you’re moving an entire family, you undoubtedly have plenty of items to pack and sort.

Labeling your boxes on more than one side enables you to easily discern what contents are in which boxes, which can streamline the unpacking process and just generally make it a lot easier to find whatever you’re looking for. Although it may be tedious, try to include as much detail as possible. Your future self will thank you!

 

  • Fill Boxes Strategically

When you pack your belongings, it’s crucial to be mindful of the way you’re filling each box. One of the biggest errors you can make is to leave too much empty space in your moving boxes. Instead, be strategic about the way you place your items, minimizing empty space and therefore preventing excessive movement while your belongings are in transit.

This is important to decrease the likelihood of your items sustaining damages. Because you won’t want to overpack your boxes and make them too heavy, be sure you’re filling the empty spaces in a way that doesn’t weigh down your boxes. In these cases, using bubble wrap and packing paper is an easy, lightweight way to tackle this issue.

 

  • Carry Your Essentials With You

Finally, be sure to have a bag of essentials for each family member on moving day. From a change of clothes to medication, or anything from snacks to a first aid kit, you should have the most important items handy for your own convenience.

These essentials will stay with you along the way, rather than being loaded into a moving truck, so you can access these items conveniently during the move. You never know when these things will come in handy, so assemble a little grouping of “just in case” items!

 

Packing Made Simple

Although packing can feel daunting, the good news is that there’s nothing to be afraid of. With the right know-how, you can transform your packing experience into a simple task divided into manageable chunks. If you need a moving company to help simplify your move even further, count on AAA Flat Rate Moving & Storage for all your needs! 

Our highly rated team provides the best of the best in full-service moving, storage, and packing solutions. That’s why we have been Florida’s proven Gulf Coast movers for over 40 years. Based in Sarasota, our moving professionals can get you wherever you need to go, whether that’s down the street or across the country.

No matter what your needs are, AAA Flat Rate has got you covered. Request a free quote online today, and learn more about our top-notch services at affordable rates!

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Money Saving Moving Tips

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If you’re in the process of moving, you’re probably already well aware of just how expensive this big life change can be. With so many costs along the way, you might just feel like there’s always something else you need to spend money on, and that can be extremely stressful during an already overwhelming task.

How to Save Money During a Move

Luckily, you don’t simply need to throw the towel in and accept that moving costs a lot of money. There are plenty of effective tips and tricks that can transform your move and ensure that you’re not spending an unnecessarily large amount of money throughout this process. Want to make your relocation more cost-effective? Discover our six top tips below!

  • Create a Budget First

The most effective way to manage your spending during a move is to start with a budget. Creating a budget allows you to take inventory on the expenses you expect to incur and how much money you can feasibly allot to each of these categories.

Taking the time to understand what will realistically fit into your financial situation will make a significant difference, and it can also help you see where you are able to cut costs or find alternatives. Break down your budget to be as detailed as possible, as this will make it a lot easier to determine which areas can be reduced. With a budget created from the beginning, this can help to ease anxiety throughout the process of relocating.

  • Find Supplies for Free (and Use What You Already Have)

Moving requires a lot of different supplies to pack your belongings safely. Whenever you can, make use of supplies you’re able to find for free.

For example, many stores will give cardboard boxes to people upon request, which is a great way to obtain cardboard boxes without spending a cent. Many people also use online marketplaces to give away the boxes they no longer need following their own moves. Ask around and see where you can obtain high-quality cardboard boxes for free. 

Additionally, you might be surprised by what you’re able to repurpose for your move. If you have blankets, towels, or thick articles of clothing in your home (which you likely do!), you can skip on buying bubble wrap, packing paper, or moving blankets.

These cushy fabrics offer superb protection to your more fragile items, and they don’t cost any money to obtain. Wrapping fragile belongings in blankets or towels or using these items to fill empty space in boxes is an extremely useful solution when you need packing protection.

  • Host a Yard Sale

The best way to save money during a move? Make money! Hosting a yard sale is a tried and true way to gain some extra cash as you prepare for a relocation. Since you’re likely already decluttering your home prior to your move, this is the perfect opportunity to find items you no longer need that are in good condition, and plan on putting them up for sale.

Of course, each individual item should be sold for a reasonable, low price, but those small amounts can add up quickly and score you a sizable amount of extra cash. This solution takes minimal effort and can help you to tidy up your house as an added benefit!

  • Compare Moving Quotes

If you’re opting for the help of a moving company for your relocation, don’t simply go with the first company you find. Instead, ask for quotes from at least three moving companies to make sure you receive the best price possible.

Each company should provide you with an estimate through a thorough in-home assessment (or a virtual survey if the company offers that option). Be sure to thoroughly inspect all options and find a company you can rely on, as this will make a big difference in ensuring you don’t incur any unexpected costs.

  • Moving During the Off Season or On/Off Days

If it’s possible for you to be flexible with your moving dates, this flexibility can offer a huge benefit to your budget. The off-season for moving companies is September through April, as many people opt to complete their relocations during the summer months.

You will be able to receive a lower rate during fall and winter, which can significantly reduce your moving costs. Additionally, the middle of the week is typically more inexpensive as well, as many moves are completed on weekends.

If you don’t have much flexibility about the time of year you’re moving, another great way to save money is to book with movers far in advance, as this can sometimes result in receiving a discounted price.

  • Ship Some Items Instead

For those who are using a moving company or renting a moving truck to transport their belongings, you may think that loading all your belongings in there is the best approach. However, especially since moving companies charge based on the weight of the items moved, there is an alternative to consider.

You can reduce the weight of items in your moving truck by opting to ship certain belongings instead. For instance, books are eligible to be shipped through the United States Postal Service’s Media Mail option, which is significantly less expensive than the normal shipping costs. Taking advantage of this alternative can balance out to save you a good chunk of money in the end.

Make Your Move Affordable

With these tricks up your sleeve, moving doesn’t need to be an expensive task. Looking for the help of a moving company that won’t break the bank? Choose AAA Flat Rate Moving & Storage for all your relocation needs!

For over 40 years, we have served as Sarasota’s trusted movers, and our team of experts can provide the solutions you need to improve your move and make the process stress-free and simple.

Our award-winning services are available at reasonable rates, and our team is dedicated to offering our customers the very best in moving solutions. Request a free moving quote online, and discover just how affordable a move with AAA Flat Rate can be!

Everything You Need to Know About Long-Distance Moving

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If you’re in the midst of preparing for a long-distance move, then you’re no stranger to the difficulties that can come along with this task. Although the prospect of your new location is exciting, the process of getting there can feel daunting with so many different tasks to complete.

How to Prepare for Long-Distance Moving

As you get ready for your big relocation, you’re probably wondering what you need to know and the steps you should take to venture on this thrilling journey. Are you curious about the ins and outs of long-distance moving? We’ve got you covered. Keep reading, and learn everything you need to know for your long-distance relocation!

 

  • Allow Plenty of Time to Prepare

Most importantly, you should allow plenty of time to prepare for your relocation. After all, no matter how far away you’re moving, the process of getting ready for a move is time-consuming. With so many tasks to complete before moving day, it’s crucial to have as much time as possible to get everything done. To avoid rushing at any point in the process, start as early as you can. The most effective way to start is to create a to-do list or schedule that encompasses everything you need to do before your move. Having a way to keep track of all your moving tasks is a helpful step in staying organized and on track for your relocation.

  • Get Packing Materials (and Try to Find Free Supplies!)

Before you begin packing, you should acquire all the necessary packing supplies, and be sure to have enough of them. These materials will ensure that your belongings stay protected throughout the long journey in transit to your new location. It’s important to have high quality cardboard boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, permanent markers, moving blankets, resealable plastic bags, and any other items that your items require to safely be transported. Whenever possible, try to find free options. For example, many stores will give you cardboard boxes upon request.

  • Sort, Inventory, and Pack Your Belongings

To successfully complete a long-distance move, one of the best steps you can take is to prioritize organization. This means making sure that you’re taking the time to properly sort your items and take inventory of them as you begin the packing process. First, your boxes should never contain items from different rooms, as this can become confusing when you start unpacking. Instead, move through the task one room at a time. Next, it’s important to keep track of what’s being packed in each box. Although thoroughly labeling is a great option, another way to do it is to create an inventory. This will make unpacking a breeze!

  • Disassemble Furniture

When you move homes, any furniture that you’re taking to your new residence should be disassembled as much as it can be. This makes moving the furniture out of your old home and into your new one much easier, as your belongings will be more lightweight and less awkward to carry. Plus, it can be a lot simpler to fill a moving truck with the disassembled pieces, rather than trying to effectively organize the whole items.

  • Set Up Utilities and Process Change of Address

Another important task to keep in mind when you’re moving is that your utilities will need to be taken care of. At your current home, you should be sure to schedule the termination of your services, and at your new home, you need to schedule activation. This should be done in a timely manner so you don’t experience any delays. Additionally, be sure to contact the necessary parties about your change of address, such as your bank, the postal service, and your employer.

  • Work with Professional Movers

Although it’s certainly possible to successfully complete a long-distance relocation without the help of a professional moving company, hiring these experts will undoubtedly make the task a lot easier. Search for movers in your area with the proper credentials and positive reviews from previous customers. Once you’ve found a few worthy candidates, request in-home quotes from at least three movers to find which one offers the best price. Choosing the right moving company for you can truly make a huge difference in your moving experience, allowing for a smoother transition to your new home.

  • Prepare a Bag of Essentials

Last but certainly not least, you’ll need a bag of essentials packed and ready to go for your long-distance relocation. This will be the last thing you pack, as it will contain the everyday items that you need and commonly reach for. Because you’re completing a long-distance move, you’ll need changes of clothes and other essential items as you travel to your new home and wait for your shipment of items to arrive if you’re using a moving company. This bag will stay with you along the way rather than going with your movers.

 

Ready for Your Best Long-Distance Relocation Ever?

When you follow these simple steps, moving doesn’t need to be difficult. Instead, you can experience a smooth and stress-free long-distance move by following this plan of attack.

Interested in working with a reliable moving company for your upcoming relocation?

Trust AAA Flat Rate Moving & Storage for all your moving needs. For over 40 years, we have provided dependable moving, storage, and packing solutions to our customers. Submit a form for your free moving quote, and discover how we can transform your long-distance relocation at an affordable price!