Though exciting, moving can certainly be stressful. While it seems like moving your belongings on your own will save you time, it can be highly beneficial to work with a professional moving company. The fact is that there are many things you can do to make you move smoother, whether you’ve chosen a residential moving company to help you or not. Below are some things you can do to make your move easier as well as some things you should avoid.

What you should do

• Make sure you take the time to analyze what you really want to keep. Go through every room in your home, spending at least one day each, and throw away your unwanted items and pack what you do want. As you go through each room you can create a third pile made up of items you’d like to donate. It seems like this will add to your packing time, but it will prevent you from having to go through your items again at your new place.
• Check up on your homeowner’s insurance policy. Your personal property is covered no matter where it is, assuming your policy is up-to-date. Your professional mover should have coverage should anything be damaged during the moving process, but your homeowner’s policy should pick up the difference if there is any.
• Be sure to take measurements at your new home ahead of time! There’s nothing more frustrating than finding out your dining room table is too big or your large sectional sofa won’t fit in the living room. Taking measurements beforehand will give you time to prepare and come up with a plan, which will make moving day go so much faster.
• If you’re looking to save yourself some cash, you do have the option of packing non-breakable items yourself. Most professional residential movers will let you do this while they handle the fragile china, glass, and antiques.
• In an effort to make packing easier, keep heavy boxes small. Pack canned goods, books, and other heavy items in smaller boxes so that when you or someone else goes to move it, it’s still manageable. If you’re okay with mixing items, you can pack heavier objects such as books with your clothing, which distributes the weight.
• Don’t cut corners – remove the bulbs from all of your lamps and other light fixtures you may be taking with you. Wrap the shades carefully so they’ll be protected in their respective boxes.
• Designate a place for fragile items so the professional moving team can easily work with them. Glass shelving, wall hangings, and mirrors need to be handled with care, so it makes sense to place them together in one easily-accessible spot.

What you should avoid doing

• Don’t hire a professional or residential mover without doing your research! Meet with the movers ahead of time at your home so they can see the size of your home. Meeting with them in advance will also allow them to provide you with a more accurate estimate. Plus it will give them time to plan and strategize, which will make moving day easier for everyone.
• Don’t put your valuables in a moving truck. Items such as money, jewelry, and private documents should be carried with your personally so place them in your bag or car.
• Try to avoid annoying the movers while they’re working, especially when they’re in the process of moving heavy objects. Unnecessary distractions can cause accidents, slip-ups, and damage to your property.
• Do not hire a residential mover that is not insured. Professional movers should carry general liability, policies that cover the value of your property, workers’ comp, as well as auto insurance for their moving vehicles. If you discover that the moving company you’re working with doesn’t have these policies, find someone else!

No matter the size of your new home, moving is definitely more of a process than a single event. Moving really starts with the idea that you’ll be moving to another space and ends when you’ve unpacked everything and settled in.

It’s natural to feel like this process is too overwhelming or that you’ll never complete all of the items on your to-do list. In reality, there are some steps you can take along the way to make sure the moving process is completed in a smooth and efficient manner.

As a team of professional movers, White Glove Movers is well equipped to offer you moving advice. Here are some residential moving tips we’ve put together for senior citizens.

Create a timeline

Start from the moving date and move backwards to create a timeline of all the tasks that will need to be completed during the moving process. Keep your timeline as well as your list of to-do items in a notebook or folder so you’ll know where it as at all times.

You’ll also want to decide how much of the moving process you’re willing to complete yourself. Will you be doing all of the packing and labeling? Are you planning on renting a truck? Or would you like to hire a team of professional residential movers that will help you throughout the entire process? If you do decide to hire a professional moving team, be sure to keep their contact information in your notebook.

Don’t be afraid to downsize

Even if you’re moving into a space that’s relatively similar to your current one, it’s always a good idea to start downsizing early. A great way to start this is to focus on problem areas in your home that collect clutter. Whether it’s the basement, attic, closet, or spare bedroom, take the time to go through the areas so you can address the problem now. You’ll feel a lot better in your new space by avoiding clutter from the get-go.

Create a floor plan

When planning for a move, it’s important to know the size of your new space. Having the square footage handy will allow you to roughly map out where you’ll place furniture, bookshelves, the TV, and so on.

Knowing the square footage will also tell you how much you’ll need to downsize. If your new space is about half the size of your current home, then you’ll need to reduce your clothing, knick-knacks, and more by about half as well.

Pass special items on now

If you have to do some serious downsizing for your move, it can be difficult to let your prized possessions go because you know their value. If you know one of your family members appreciates one of your items, be willing to share it with them. If you’re willing, it’s also a great idea to donate items so those in need can put them to good use. You’ll feel good about donating your items for a good cause too.

Moving can be a strain in your physical, mental, and emotional status. If you feel you need help, be sure to reach out to friends and family. You can also hire a team of professional movers to assist you with the packing, transportation, and heavy lifting.

To make your next move as easy as possible, call White Glove Movers today.

One of the easiest ways to get confused when moving is by not taking the time to stay organized. Packing and labeling your household items with care is a key step for moving into your new space.

If you want to save yourself headaches and frustration in the long run, be sure to identify a labeling system that works for you. Whether you prefer descriptive labels, colored labels, or a number system, you’ll find tips and tricks below for labeling like a professional mover.

Invest in the proper labeling tools

What you’re labeling with makes all the difference. When prepping for your move, stop by the office section of the store and pick up some high-quality permanent markers. You may be thinking you should be saving money, but the truth is, if you invest in a quality set of markers, they’ll be easier to read and they’ll last you beyond the move. Be sure to choose markers that are bright and permanent.

If you’re thinking of adopting a color-coded labeling system, be sure to choose a pack of markers with at least five different colors. Choosing a well-known brand that you trust is also key.

Ensure the markers you pick up are permanent and waterproof since it may be difficult to tell what the weather will be like on moving day. As a team of professional residential movers, we’ve learned that it’s best to use permanent markers that will stand up to rain and snow and won’t smudge all over the sides of your boxes like non-waterproof markers do.

Take advantage of ready-to-use labels

Did you start packing at the last minute? Save time by using premade labels instead of writing them all out by hand. Thanks to modern technology, there are plenty of online places that offer ready-to-use labels – and they’re free. These kinds of labels will already have different rooms printed on them, which means all you’ll have to do is fill out the contents of each box.

If you do have some extra time and want to get creative, you can always create your own labels, which would make the moving process more fun.

Add color to your boxes

If you’re into using a color-coded system, you can use multiple tools to ensure your boxes are easily identifiable. Using color coordinated tape and labels is a great way to enhance box identification and stay organized during your transition.

Another way to label like a professional mover is to assign colors to certain bedrooms. For example, choose the color green to represent your bedroom. Write the word “Bedroom” in green to signify all of the boxes that should end up in your bedroom. Additionally, you should specify the exact contents of the box.

As professional movers that have been serving the Cedar Rapids area since 2004, the team at White Glove movers knows that in addition to these colored labels, you should use the corresponding tape color to make your boxes stand out even more during the moving process.

Once you’ve labeled all of your bedroom boxes, choose a different color for the kitchen, bathroom, living room, and so on. This will make unpacking so much easier.

By following these tips, and taking the time to organize yourself from the get-go you’ll be labeling like a professional mover in no time!

When you’re preparing to move, you’re dealing with a lot. From packing (which we can assist with), to taking inventory, and the making the physical move itself, there’s a lot to keep track of. To the average person, it may seem as easy as completing a change of address form with the post office, but it’s not. Even though it feels like the number of items on your moving checklist never dwindles, it’s important to avoid overlooking who you should notify when you change addresses.
White Glove Movers has been providing professional moving services to Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas since 2004, which means we know a thing or two about making the moving process as easy as it can be.

Start by making and keeping track of a list

It may not seem like it, but chances are there are dozens of people and businesses that will need your new address. From your bank to your doctor, it’s important to account for everyone. In order to stay organized, avoid making calls until you’ve penned a list of who needs to know your new address. If you can’t think of everyone at the moment, that’s okay. Keep track of where you place the list, adding to it if necessary, and checking people off as you go.

As a team of professional movers, we can think of several companies and business off the tops of our heads that need to know your new address. Here’s a brief rundown of who you should inform before you move:

· Financial institutions: When moving, you should notify your credit card company, your bank, and your student loan agency. If you forget to do this, statements could end going to your old address and that wouldn’t be good.
· The state: Government institutions should also be on your list as you only have a certain amount of time to update your address on your driver’s license, car tags, and voter registration when you move.
· Your employer: To ensure you receive important tax information, be sure your employer knows you’ve relocated.
· Car insurance companies: Since your coverage may be based in part on where you live, you may end up paying less if you change your address, especially if you move to another state.
· Utility companies: To avoid disruptions in any of your services, be sure to let them know your new address ahead of time since most cable and satellite companies will assist you with moving and setup services in your new space.
· Mail subscriptions: Unless you want your copies of Entertainment Weekly to continue showing up on your previous doorstep, let any subscription services know you’ll be relocating.
· The post office: One of the best ways to ensure you continue receiving may without a hitch is to complete a change of address form with your local post office. This can be done in person or online. If you want to go the extra mile, you can even have postcards made that notify your recipient to change your address in their records.

One of the best ways to save time and effort during the moving process is to seek the help of a professional residential moving company. To get up with packing, furniture relocation, and moving, be sure to give White Glove Movers a call today.

• Where will my new home be?
• Who will pay for my moving expenses?
• How am I going to move? Am I going to hire a professional moving company?
• Is the job truly a good match for me?
• What is the local economy of the area I’ll be moving to?
• What is the cost of living there?
• Is my partner onboard with this?
• What if it doesn’t work out? What’s our back-up plan?
• Do I think I’ll be happy there? Will my family be happy there?

Be sure to ask what they’ll do (and pay for) in order to get you

Get the scoop on your new city

Hire a professional moving company

So you finally closed on your new home. Congratulations! Now comes the hard part: making the move.  Whether you’re concerned about packing up your collection of old (and new) records or your grandmother’s crystal dish set, you can trust our team of professional movers for some of the best moving tricks of the trade.

To save you time, headaches, and a tube or two of pain relief cream, be sure to check out our list of packing and moving tips below.

Eliminate your old junk

When you don’t use it, haven’t touched it in six months, or you can’t even remember the last time you looked at it – it’s time to let it go. Start a box of items to take to take to the Goodwill or Salvation Army on your side of town. This will eliminate time and physical effort on your part. Plus, doesn’t it feel good to get rid of clutter?

Pack like things together

This one seems a bit obvious, but it really does make moving easier. As professional residential movers, we’ve learned over the years that this is one of the biggest moving time-savers. It’s much easier to unpack all of your books or DVDs in one go versus unpacking things room by room.

Sell some of your old things

Chances are you’ll come across some things that could earn you some cash. Instead of donating it all, try the Cedar Rapids & Marion Resale group on Facebook.

If you’re looking to eliminate some furniture, Craigslist is always a good resource. As a team of professional movers since that’s been serving the Cedar Rapids and Marion area since 2004, we understand that trying to sell your unwanted items may seem like a hassle but your move will be so much easier. You can even use the cash towards something for your new home!

Rely on a packing service

At White Glove Movers, we know that finding the right team of residential movers is key. After all, these are the people who will be handling your valuables.

We are a fully insured moving company that handles every move with care as well as caution. We specialize in entire household moves as well as packing services, which means we’ll take care of everything while you’re busy making final arrangements. Give us a call today to receive your free estimate.

Have a roadmap handy

The last thing you want to do is have everything packed up and run into construction. In the city of Cedar Rapids, construction projects can be tricky to avoid, but it’s certainly possible.

Take a little bit of time to plan out the best route for hauling everything to your new space. Our group of professional movers would even be happy to discuss some ideas with you.

Stock up on extra moving supplies

Even in the middle of moving, you never know when you’ll need another box or some more packing tape. Fortunately, our team of experienced residential movers can help you.

Whether you need an extra wardrobe box with a bar or moving paper, we’ve got you covered.

Before the big day arrives, be sure your household belongings are packed safely and securely. At White Glove Movers, you’ll receive comprehensive packing services from a team of experienced residential movers.

So what exactly is included in your packing service? Take a look at all of the awesome aspects of your White Glove packing service below.

Your entire household will be packed up

Ever heard the expression “everything but the kitchen sink”? That’s literally what we do. Our team of friendly movers will carefully pack every item in your house from furniture to kitchen cabinets.

This comprehensive approach is exactly why we’ve made a name for ourselves in the Cedar Rapids metro area. We specialize in packing up everything in your home and moving it to your new one.

We’ll pack up the items in your closets

Some other companies might not offer to pack up the items in your closets. At White Glove, we take the time and make the effort to dig into your closets to ensure nothing is forgotten.

Your items will be packed in sturdy boxes

Speaking of boxes, did you know that there are moving boxes made specifically for your wardrobe? They totally exist, we swear. These boxes are made with a bar at the top, allowing you to hang your items up inside the box. By utilizing our wardrobe boxes, you’ll save your dress clothes and bedding from wrinkles.

In addition to wardrobe boxes, you’ll also have access to professional-grade boxes. Boxes are available a range of sizes including small, medium, and large.

Specialty packing supplies such as carpets shields and dish pack boxes are also available. Rest assured that with White Glove Movers, all of your items are tucked away in the most appropriate box. Instead of using your old mailing boxes, be sure your items are nestled in our high-quality moving boxes.

Professional movers will pack everything

Let’s face it, sometimes packing all of your items feels like an annoying game of Tetris. Instead of wasting time figuring out the best way to wrap and pack your household items, let the professionals handle it!

With over 100 years of combined experience, our staff has the knowledge required for packing your items efficiently and safely.

POD and U-Haul unpacking is available

Do you have a POD or U-Haul rental that you’ve been using during your moving process? Packing services don’t just stop at your door. Our team of professional movers would be happy to pack and unpack your portal storage unit or U-Haul, thus saving you time and effort.

Packing services are affordable

As a locally owned and operated moving company, we’ll help you save money. With no franchise fees and lower overhead costs, you’ll pay less for your packing and moving services. Awesome, right?

As a packing and moving company that’s been proudly serving the Cedar Rapids area since 2004, we know how daunting moving can be. Take the hassle and strain out of moving and packing by letting our team of residential movers handle it.

Give our locally owned and operated company a call today at 319-393-3100 to receive your free packing and moving estimate.

We know what you’re thinking: why pay somebody to do something you can do yourself? When it comes to moving your entire household, though, it’s easier to trust the professionals.

Take a minute to read through some of the benefits of choosing a professional moving team:

You’ll save money on packing supplies

Moving and packing supplies account for about one quarter of your moving cost. When most folks pack their own items, they tend to use too many boxes and cartons.

At White Glove Movers, our team of experienced residential movers knows the best methods for packing your belongings. We’ll pack your items safely and efficiently, saving you time and money in the long run.

They know the area

Not every homeowner has time to map out the best route for moving day. As a team of professional movers, we keep track of all the goings-on and construction projects in the Cedar Rapids and Marion area, which means that with us, moving day will be as painless as possible.

Your items will be packed safely and insured

To be honest, your team of professional movers has more experience and knowledge about moving than you do. Keeping your items safe is extremely important to them. Working with a licensed team means your valuables will be packed in protective packaging as well as insured throughout the whole process.

In addition to using heavy duty wraps as well as sturdy boxes, you can rest easy knowing your items will be cared for and handled with caution.

The right equipment will be used

Maybe borrowing your uncle’s old truck isn’t the best idea for moving day. Gaining access to the right equipment is another big reason you’d want to hire a professional packing and moving service.

With access to hoisting straps, appliance dollies, ramps and professional moving trucks, your items will be well taken care of. As a team that’s been serving the Cedar Rapids area since 2004, you can rely on us and our equipment to get your into your new home as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Upfront estimates

Any professional packing service or residential mover worth their salt will provide upfront estimates. As the client, you should know exactly what kind of moving service you’re getting before the process begins.

Most residential movers offer free quotes and estimates. Never be afraid to ask about this when you call. At White Glove Movers, you can fill out our online form to get a free quote or give us a call regarding your free estimate.

You’ll pay lower prices

If you decide to opt for a locally owned packing service versus a national chain, you’ll benefit from lower prices.

At White Glove, we’re able to charge lower prices than national competitors because we don’t have to pay franchise fees. We also have lower overhead costs, which means you save money. Make your move as pain-free as possible.

Are you ready to arrange your residential moving service? Give us a call today at 319-393-3100 regarding your upcoming move.

So you’ve found the right house and are now ready to move your entire household. Before you get started, make the decision to seek the professionals for help with your move. No matter the size of your current home, be sure you work with a packing company you can trust, such as White Glove Movers.

In an effort to get to know us better, please take a look at the information below.

We’re locally owned and operated

White Glove Movers is a locally owned and operated business that serves the Cedar Rapids metro area, Iowa City, Marion, the entire state, and the nation, really. As a team of professional movers, we pride ourselves on the care we take regarding our clients’ belongings. Whether you need to schedule a residential or commercial move, you can be sure our fully licensed and insured team will take care of your every need in professional manner.

Your items will be handled with care and moved with the proper equipment

At White Glove, we earned our name by the approach we take with every move. In addition to packing your items, you can rest easy knowing we’ll handle our belongings and furniture with caution. We even take the time to use proper professional moving equipment such as dollies, blankets, straps, and more.

You’ll save money with us

In addition to providing high-quality moving services, we offer lower prices. As a locally owned and operated company, we have no franchise fees to cover; therefore we can pass on the savings to you. You may have heard some of your friends mention us when they moved. This is because we’ve focused on earning a good reputation in the Cedar Rapids area. As a group of experienced professional movers, we’ll provide you with the best quality service possible. We’ll take the necessary steps for protecting your fragile antiques, furniture, and more.

You’ll receive packing help

One very important thing to remember about White Glove Movers is that in addition to helping you move, we’ll also help you pack. And let’s face it, packing can be the most overwhelming part of moving. When you’re at a loss for the best method of packing your priced glass lamp or all the items in your kitchen cabinets, seek out our team of experienced packing professionals. Utilizing safe and secure methods of packing, our team of professional packers will ensure your items are tucked away in sturdy boxes as safely as possible. This way you can have peace of mind.

We have high-quality boxes available

Instead of throwing all of your household items in leftover mailing boxes, let us pack your items in our sturdy moving boxes. White Glove Movers has boxes available in a variety of sizes and types, ensuring all of your items are packed away properly. So now that we’ve gotten to know each other better, why not give us a call today at 319-393-3100? Let us know about your upcoming move and we’ll provide you with a free estimate.

Moving to another state can be exciting or disappointing depending on the reason for your move and what you will be leaving behind. But, in most scenarios, you are bound to experience a new lifestyle, meet new people and make more friends. These are factors that all state to state movers look forward to. Planning an out of state move is never easy; you must organize and execute your move effectively. Your preparation determines what you are charged and how your moving day unfolds. As professional movers, we have an enormous amount of experience on this topic.

Helpful guide when moving to another state

Whether it’s your first move or you have had a number of in-state moves, you need adequate time to prepare for an out of state move. Here is a guide on how you should prepare for the move.

Develop a moving timetable

There is never enough time to pack and plan for your move. So, as soon as you decide to move, you should develop a timetable of how events will unfold. Set your daily schedule and have a workable plan for the days you have before moving. Determine what should be done when, by whom and how. You should also consult professional movers at this planning stage. Working with them can avoid stressful last minute surprises or disagreements. Some professional movers will request to evaluate your belongings to determine whether they need special packaging. If they do, they provide the special packaging but at an extra cost. Moving professionals may also advise you on what to carry and how to pack for an out of state move. Remember you will be traveling for hours.

It is advisable to draft a week by week moving timetable that states what should be done each week. Prioritize your tasks based on importance. For instance, you should contact your utility company at least a month before your moving date, and you may also need to inform your landlord in advance, so he has your deposits ready.

Prepare your budget

State to state moves can be expensive depending on how far you are moving and the logistics involved. Hence the need to work on a budget. Determine what you can manage to spend without straining funds and find professional movers. Movers can also help plan your budget. Determine how much should be spent on different tasks and stick to your plan.

Get rid of clutter or stuff you must not carry

Professional movers set their charges depending on the number of items to be moved, their weight and distance to be covered. Thus, having fewer items can reduce your moving costs and labor required to carry them to and from the moving truck. If you have items you have not used over a year or no longer require, consider selling them. You may also want to consider selling larger items to the new owners of your place.

Moving to another state can be petrifying especially if you have lived in one state all your life. But, with the help of professional movers you can have a smooth experience. Also, prepare in advance and research about your new state.