Month: November 2017

Now that you’re in the middle of planning your move and you’ve started thinking about packing, you’re probably wondering how to protect your valuables and antiques. If you’ve invested in antique furniture and showcase pieces, the idea of getting them safely to your new space is most likely daunting. Fortunately, working with a professional moving company can alleviate this stress.

If you haven’t worked with a residential moving company before, or you’re not sure what to expect, here are some reasons to let them handle your large antiques during your next move.

They’ll use correct packing methods

Professional moving companies are experts at using the correct packing materials for your various antiques and collectibles. So when it comes to items like sofas, lounges, headboards, and other large furniture items, they’ll take the time to wrap them with thick moving blankets to ensure maximum safety. This layer of padding will keep your furniture from bumping into the sides of the moving truck and each other. As for your smaller pieces of antique furniture, movers will wrap them in bubble wrap, place them in larger furniture boxes, and use packing materials to fill the empty space.

They’re organization experts

If this is your second, third or fourth move, you might feel the need to create your own packing list for each moving truck. However, if you work with the right residential moving company, this will be taken care of for you. The movers will handle everything from point A to point B so all you have to do is manage yourself and your family on moving day. They’re pros at keeping themselves organized, so they’ll keep track of everything they need to.

You’ll be insured

Insurance is another great reason to choose a professional moving company. They’ll certainly work to make sure your large antique items are transported safely, but if anything were to happen on moving day, the loss of any of your items will be covered. If your antique sofa ends up with a ripped cushion or the mirror on your antique secretary gets cracked, you can file a claim. You’ll also have the chance to file a claim if any of your other items sustain damage. Even though working with a professional moving company is more costly than doing it yourself, the professional movers will make sure your antiques remain intact.

Placement is included

One of the best things about working with professional movers is that you won’t have to do the manual labor yourself! Large antiques such as hutches and china cabinets can be heavy due to their intricate design and high-quality wood. Your residential movers will not only pack up and carefully place your items onto the moving truck, they’ll place them in the correct spots in your new space. Bonus!

If you’re in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area and need the help of a professional moving team, speak with White Glove Movers today. We’re a locally owned and operated business that specializes in moving homeowners all over the country. From small apartments to large homes, we move it all!

No doubt one of the most stressful things about moving is the thought of packing up everything in your home, especially your valuables. If you’re an avid collector or someone who appreciates antiques, the packing process probably has you more stressed out than most. However, there’s no rule written by the universe that says your collectibles will be destroyed during your move. Some common sense and a few insider tips can help you prep, pack, and transport your items safely across the state, country, or world.

Before you start packing, be sure you have the following:

• Sturdy boxes
• Packing tape
• Padding materials such as packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and towels
• Labels

Once you’ve gathered your packing materials, consider the following tips for keeping your antique and collectible items safe.

Start with your collectibles and valuables: Packing your special items first is a great way to start the moving process. Try to set an entire day aside to pack these items. If you pack your collectibles first, your packing materials will be put to good use and you’ll soon find out what you need more of.

Use high-quality boxes: It’s tempting to save money and cut corners by using recycled boxes or boxes you found at work. But your items will be much safer in a box that hasn’t been banged up or previously shipped. If you’re concerned about cash, ask for sturdy second-hand boxes from your family members or a coworker that recently moved.

Reinforce those bad boys: Even though you have sturdy boxes you should reinforce the bottoms with additional packing tape. You can do this quickly and efficiently as two additional strips of tape are plenty.

Support your items with packing items: Keep your collectible items and antiques nestled carefully in their boxes by using extra padding. Materials such as packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and crumpled newspaper will provide the extra cushion they need.

Break out the special boxes: Certain items such as mirrors and paintings may not have come in traditional boxes originally, so don’t bother trying to cram them in regular boxes. Take the time to order large flat boxes specially designed for such items. You can do this by looking online or going to your local post office. Be sure to pick up some corner protectors as well.

Label! Labeling your boxes is a great moving practice because it will help with unpacking. Label your delicate and collectible items as such and make sure your movers will see it. You should also put the word “FRAGILE” in bold capital letters on the boxes so it’s clear they’re to be handled with care.

Tell movers about your antiques: Residential movers are used to moving fragile items but that doesn’t mean they read minds. Let them know what items are breakable during one of your conversations before or on moving day.

Fine China: If your collectibles or antiques are hollow on the inside (items like vases, ceramic objects, China, and vases), a good practice is to fill the center. Support these items by stuffing them with packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and newspaper. Then surround them with additional packing materials so they have less of a chance of being broken.

When most of us think of moving we tend to think about all the stressful things that come with it. From making a plethora of decisions to getting schedules to line up, moving comes with a lot of logistical tasks as well as manual labor. In truth, moving doesn’t have to be a drag. There are plenty of things you can do prepare yourself and your family (if applicable) so your move will set things off on the right track.

To add some fun to your move, here are some things you can do:

1. Have a party

You’ll undoubtedly want to spend some quality time with your friends and family, so why not throw a party! Organizing a farewell party doesn’t need to take a lot of effort. Saying goodbye might tug at your heartstrings a bit, but having one last shindig to celebrate each other’s company is better than not. Plan something informal so there’s little pressure. You can do it potluck style where everyone brings a dish to share so you aren’t in the kitchen for too long. If your friends are up to it, you can even ask them to help you pack while you chat and reminisce.

2. Spend some time in your stomping ground

Should you have a little bit of time before moving day, it can be therapeutic to visit your favorite places in town. Take a few moments to go back to your favorite spot at the lake, stroll in the park, or take the kids to the museum. Not only will you be able to relive the memories that you have with those places, but you’ll be able to start disconnecting if you haven’t already.

3. Keep the memory going

Packing up your current home doesn’t have to invoke only sadness, especially if you’ve enjoyed many happy times there. There are plenty of ways to celebrate your current home! For instance, consider filming a farewell video where you talk of some of your best memories there. You can even go to each room. You can also take photos of the house that can be used to create a special photo album.

4. Start prepping!

Moving shouldn’t be about dwelling in the past. Start looking forward to the future by arranging your new space. Do you know the specs of your new home? Allow your interior designer to come forward and get creative so you can design your new space the way you want. Doing so will allow you to stay organized and get even more excited.

If you’d like some help with your upcoming residential move, work with the team at White Glove Movers. We’re a locally owned business based out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and we love helping families move into their new homes. Call us today to let us know how we can help.

Now that you’re committed to the idea of moving to a new home, you’ve no doubt started looking at properties. Perhaps you’ve even narrowed it down to a neighborhood that has a home for sale that meets your requirements. Before you make your official offer, it can be highly beneficial to speak to the current residents of the neighborhood.

The best way to solidify your decision is to take a walk through your prospective neighborhood and speak to your would-be neighbors. They’ll have inside information regarding the goings-on in the community as well as any peculiarities that may occur. Even after you move in, keeping communication going can be valuable as it will allow you to get to know your new neighborhood well.

A good question, however, is what information you should ask your neighbors about. Below are some helpful questions that will help you get to know them and your new surroundings.

1. How is the neighborhood doing?

What are the surrounding businesses like? Are the local services and amenities good and reliable? What are the best resources close to this neighborhood? Are there new developments nearby? Do most people keep up their homes? What’s the personality of the neighborhood?

You’ll be able to answer most of these questions when you spend time there as well as driving around. Since things might not always be as they appear, the residents will know the real deal.

2. Would you say the neighborhood is safe?

Doing a little research before taking the plunge is always a good idea, so don’t be shy about digging around. Take a look at the crime rate and traffic accidents online and at the local police station. Keep in mind, though, that the locals will be able to help you understand what’s really happening.

3. How’s the morning commute?

Chances are most of the places you’ll be visiting on a daily basis are routine, but knowing what to expect on the way to school, work, the bank, the gym, and the doctor’s office is helpful. Current residents will be able to tell you where you can expect traffic jams, construction, and oddly-timed traffic lights.

4. What do you know about his house?

Even though your neighbors aren’t living in the house you’re considering buying, they’ll be able to tell you about the goings-on. All you need to do is ask what they know and they’ll tell you about the people who lived there before, how well the property was treated, if there were any recent accidents (fire, flood, pests), and if anyone has died in the house. Whether or not you’ve fully committed yourself to the home you’re considering, this is all helpful information.

Moving to your new home doesn’t have to be a drag. To get help with the moving process, hire a team that’s experienced with residential moving. White Glove Movers is a locally owned and operated business in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, but we help families move all over. Speak with us today regarding your moving needs.