Professional Mover

When you’re planning to move, it’s easy to focus on all of the things inside your home that need to be packed up, labeled, and placed onto the moving truck. But what about the odds and ends that you’ve forgotten about? The belongings in your shed and garage need to go with you too.

The random objects that you have around your home such as lawnmowers, tools, and kayaks can be challenging to move. Garages are catch-alls, so you may feel like you need a whole truck just to haul the items in yours.

Instead of worrying about moving the oddly-shaped, sharp, and heavy items in your garage and tool shed yourself, consider letting a professional moving team do the work for you.

Here are some of the top reasons you should let the professionals move the belongings you have in your garage:

1. It’s easier

Let’s be honest. Hiring a packing and moving service is much easier than doing it yourself. You’ll be busy coordinating service end and start dates, keeping your family organized, and managing your time that you’ll love having the help around the garage.

If you’ve gone out to the garage recently and just stared at the tools, lawn equipment, and hazardous materials, you’re bound to feel overwhelmed. These items won’t pack themselves, so why not let the movers handle it?

2. Avoid hazardous materials

Your home is not a chemical factory but you probably have some hazardous items around the garage and tool shed that should be disposed of properly.

Get rid of all oil, gas, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers before moving day. None of these items are allowed on a moving truck, so you’re better off to nip things in the bud and dispose of them properly ahead of time.

3. They’ll move your lawnmower

Lawnmowers are necessary in Iowa but they can be bears to move. Your residential mover can move your mower from point A to B but you should do a few things first to get it ready for the trip.

Before moving day, make sure your lawn mower and weed-eater are emptied of oil, gas, and any other lubricants. To protect them during the move, take some cardboard or lots of packing paper and create a protective shell for each spark plug.

Lawnmower and weed-eater spark plugs are easier to protect than replace, so take the short time now to do this and you’ll be good to go.

4. Tools are heavy

Ever try to pick up a box of heavy tools? Yeah, no one enjoys that.

A residential moving team like White Glove Movers offers packing services so you don’t have to do a thing except tell us where you want your items. We’re even happy to pack up the items in your garage and tool shed.

We’re expert packers, which means we know how many tools can be placed into one box so no one has trouble picking it up later.

If you’re located in Cedar Rapids or Marion, Iowa and need help with your residential move, White Glove Movers is ready to work with you. We specialize in local and long-distance moves as well as packing services. Give us a call today and we’ll give you a free estimate.

Moving to a new home in a new location is an exciting time. This time of transition is full of new possibilities, challenges, and a fair share of anxiety. Not only do you have to get used to a new routine, possibly in a new city, but you also need to get through a long list of to-do items.

The thought of disconnecting and connecting utilities, transferring medical records, updating personal information on your accounts, and switching virtually everything over can be overwhelming.

When you factor in the stress of cleaning, organizing, and packing, it can be too much for one person, or an entire family, to handle.

To ease the tension in your household, you should consider working with a residential moving company versus going completely DIY. If you’re moving to the other side of town, to a different part of the state, or to another part of the country, White Glove Movers can help you.

Let’s take a look at some of the best reasons to hire a professional moving company:

1. You get a detailed estimate

When you work with a professional mover, you’ll receive a consultation before the process begins. Your mover will come to your place and assess how much time and money it will take to move your household to your new location. They will be able to tell you the best options for your budget and situation so you don’t have to worry about fitting into a specific mold.

2. Peace of mind

Knowing that a team of professional movers is handling everything does wonders for your nerves and stress level. A professional moving company will know the best route to get to your new space and how to get your items there safely.

3. They’re reliable

Professional moving teams are the most reliable option compared to asking your friends and family. When you work with a residential mover, you don’t have to worry about your brother’s truck breaking down on moving day or your friends bailing on you at the last minute. A moving team undergoes several hours of training to learn the best moving techniques so your belongings will stay safe throughout the entire process.

4. You don’t have to do the packing

Professional movers often provide packing services, so if you’d prefer to skip this step, ask them how much it would cost to do the packing for you. Moving becomes significantly easier when you don’t have the stress of locating high-quality packing materials and making sure things are packed properly.

5. Improved efficiency

Because professional moving companies do this for a living, they’re the experts at efficiently handling bulky items. Residential movers know how to handle large belongings such as furniture, pianos, and heavy boxes, which prevents injury and wasted time. Plus, you don’t have to do any of the heavy lifting, and what could be better than that?

Are you getting ready to move to another part of the state or across the country? White Glove Movers is here to help! We’ve been specializing in residential and commercial moves since 2004 and would love the chance to make your moving day go as smooth as possible. Give us a call and we’ll get started on your estimate.

You got the big job you’ve been wanting for so long and now you’re faced with the challenge of relocating. You’re not alone. In fact, According to the US Census Bureau, 20% of movers relocated because of a new job.

Moving to the other side of the state or to the other side of the country are both challenging, however, they’re both exciting and full of new opportunities.

Unfortunately, you’ve got a long list of things to do before that first day on the new job. You should also keep in mind that the average cross-country move can cost upwards of $5,600.

Let’s talk about some key things you should consider when planning your relocation.

1. Come to terms with your new cost of living

The new job may seem exciting and perfect for you, but is it going to cover your new cost of living? In Iowa, the cost of living is much lower than a lot of other states, so this should be one of your first, if not the first consideration you think about.

Go over the numbers and use a cost of living index to compare things such as home prices, the average gas price, and the cost of a gallon of milk in your new area. You should also research the local tax rates so you can prepare for everything your new position needs to cover.

2. Start planning and saving

A new job offer is exciting, which means it’s tempting to put in your two-weeks notice and tell your new employer you’ll be ready within the next month. In truth, there are several financial reasons to take it slow.

Even if your new company is offering to help with moving costs, their coverage may be limited. Then there’s the down payment or security deposit you’ll need to place on your new living space. If you’re in the middle of a lease or you need to sell your home, you could be paying double the living cost for a while.

The moving process may require you to stay at hotels, eat meals on the road, get moving insurance, and more. Are these all things your new company is willing to pay for? If not, guess who’s footing the bill.

3. Are you working with a team of residential movers?

There are plenty of people who move because of a new job and do it all by themselves, but that doesn’t mean they’re not stressed along the way. Finding an affordable residential moving company willing to help you relocate is something you shouldn’t rule out. They may even offer packing services and large-item hauling that can prove useful.

White Glove Movers is a full-service moving company that helps with everything from packing to moving and unpacking. Whether you’re moving across the state for your new job or to the other side of the country, we’re here for you. Give us a call today to discuss your moving needs and we’ll get you an estimate.

Generally speaking, moving can be quite the challenge. Throw in the fact that you’re moving across the country and you’ve got a long list of additional things to determine and consider.

If you’re in the beginning stages of planning a cross-country move, here is a list of six things you should consider.

1. Create a Game Plan

Every good move starts with a plan. Take time in the beginning to make some key decisions such as where you’re moving to, what your new home will be, if you’re working with a residential mover, and when it will all take place.

Then, once you’ve got a rough outline to work from, start to fill in the details. Decide when you will start packing (start sooner rather than later), when the move will take place, and when utilities need to be switched. You should also consider all of the routine things that will change such as cable, internet, phone providers, doctors, pediatricians, schools, and more.

2. Determine Your Move-Out Date

All of the steps you take will be centered on your moving date. Once you know this date, you can start to make plans to switch utilities, bring in a moving company, rent a truck, and cut off services.

3. Clean Everything

One thing about moving is certain: you’ll be surprised by just how dirty things you haven’t touch in a while can get. If you live in a house or a condo, you’ll have to go through the selling process. If you live in an apartment, it’s time to seriously clean so you can try to get your deposit back. Start going through the nooks and crannies, even the hidden spaces in closets, so you can tackle any surprises from the get-go.

4. Eliminate the Excess

Paring down your belongings always feels good. We tend to forget how off-putting clutter can be until we’ve gotten rid of it. If you discover items you haven’t touched in years such as DVDs, books, decor items, electronics, and knick-knacks, now is a good time to let them go. If you have time for a yard or garage sale, start organizing the items you want to sell. If you’re short on time, consider donating the items you can. Keep your receipts for tax purposes!

5. Hire a Packing Service

The act of moving itself is stressful. Add coordinating all of the dates, time spent cleaning, looking for new service providers, and packing on top of all of that and you’ve got one stressed out household. You can always let a team of professionals handle the packing for you. Professional residential movers have the quality packing materials that will help your items get to their destination safely. Plus, they know how to pack your items quickly and efficiently

6. Work with a Professional Mover

You can rent a moving truck and handle the cross-country move, but why put that extra burden on yourself? A professional moving team moves families across the country all the time, which means they know all the tips and tricks for making it a smooth process.

If you’re in the Cedar Rapids or Marion area and are planning a cross-country move, reach out to the team at White Glove Movers. We’ve been helping families move since 2004 and take pride in our dedicated services. Give us a call today to schedule an estimate!

First thing’s first. Before you can choose the style of home you want, you have to determine where it will be. Once you know the city you want, it’s time to get more specific.

With so many housing options out there it can be difficult to know which one is best for you. So how do you know?

Let’s take a look at the most popular home options, their pros, and their cons to help shed some light on the right home style for you.

Condo

Not an apartment fan? A condo might not be the right thing for you if you have neighbors on multiple sides. With shared walls, a shared parking garage, and common areas, you might feel boxed in since you won’t have much control over your property. There’s also the matter of those pesky homeowners’ association fees and rules that can impact your budget.

If you’re a person who can get along well with others and apartment life doesn’t bother you, then you may want to consider condo life. Once you get past the monthly association fees and shared space, you benefit because you don’t have to maintain a yard or the exterior structure of the property. If you live alone, then you have the added security of having others around you. Condo life is also beneficial for those who travel a lot because it’s not like your house is sitting empty and isolated while you’re gone. Condos are usually more affordable for first-time buyers, so give it some thought!

Townhouse

A townhouse or townhome is a cross between a condo and a house. These homes are usually two to three stories, which means you don’t have neighbors above or below you. A lot of people enjoy townhouses because of the added privacy and peace and quiet. Most townhouses have attached garages on the ground level, making it easier to get to the car and store your items. Townhouse developments often have fewer units than condo buildings do.

Just like condos, townhouses have monthly association fees but again you don’t have to maintain the building’s exterior. As far as pricing, townhouses are typically similar to condos of the same size. If you’re in the market for something that’s strictly entry-level pricing, a townhouse probably isn’t the way to go because they’re usually larger in size. You might even find one with a small yard.

The differences between townhouses and condo tend to blur. You’ll discover that what’s referred to as a condo in one area is a townhouse in another, so don’t box yourself in by paying too much attention to labels.

House

Of the various styles of homes, houses tend to be the most expensive option. The total price and ongoing maintenance add up, but it’s hard to beat the level of independence and privacy they offer.

No more shared walls, floors, or ceilings. You’ll have a yard and a fence to keep your neighbors from getting too nosy. A yard is the perfect place for your kids to play in, have a barbecue with the family, or put your pool, or hot tub. And most homes are larger than condos, which means you’ll have plenty of space to spread out and decorate!

The biggest downside is that whatever challenges the structure throws at you, it’s your responsibility to fix it. You’ll be the one maintaining the yard unless you can get one of the kids to do it. Your monthly mortgage will be higher than it would be if you had an apartment or a condo, but you’ll be the one calling the shots.

Regardless of which home style is right for you, having your own space is exciting. If you need some help with the moving process, White Glove Movers is happy to help! Give us a call today regarding your next residential move and we’ll be there.

The packing team of a residential moving company is generally an experienced group of employees. Often times, they have years of experience in the moving industry and can pack household goods like nobody’s business. They’re trained to move quickly and efficiently, know how to pack tightly and carefully, and can pack a container without making it too heavy or too light.

Residential movers have been trained to provide high-quality work and can make packing look easier than it is. When the packing team first enters your home, they’ll walk with you and listen to your concerns, taking notes on what items need to be handled delicately and what needs to go where when you get to your new space. Once they have a good understanding of what needs to happen, they’ll move around your home and pack everything accordingly. With that being said, you may still have some questions. Here are some common ones we frequently get:

What do your packing services include?

The first item on the agenda is to protect your home. Reputable moving companies will protect your floors no matter the season. Next, the packing materials will be brought in. Items like packing tape, cartons, boxes, and paper are industry standards. Unless you have specific requests, your items will be packed according to rooms. To get the most out of our time, we’ll split up, so one member of the team will work on the kitchen while another starts in the bedrooms. Each of the boxes will be labeled according to the room, not the items within. If you want to add more descriptions regarding items, you can make notes on the boxes yourself. A good rule of thumb is to expect professional packers to complete between 100 and 150 boxes per day.

Can my items be damaged?

Professional packing teams are trained to wrap and protect items by placing them in specific ways within a box or carton. We can’t guarantee that absolutely nothing we get broken since different circumstances can influence this, but damage is less common when a professional team handles the packing.

Why are my items packed so quickly?

Keep in mind that packers don’t have emotional attachments to your items that you do, so we’re able to get the job done quickly. It’s not that we don’t care about your belongings, it’s that we have a job to do and want to help you to the best of our ability. It will be up to you to enjoy the emotions and memories when you start the unpacking process in your new space.

Am I required to be there while the packing team is there?

Yes. It’s important to make sure your children and pets stay safely out of the way so we can get the job done. There may also be loose parts and pieces that we may ask you about, so it’s always good to be there just in case.

Will I like having my items packed for me?

We believe you will, yes. If you take the proper preparation steps, we believe you’ll enjoy the experience. To be honest, who wouldn’t love having someone else do the packing for them? To minimize stress for everyone involved, take some time to prepare before your items are packed up. We specialize in residential moving and you know your belongings better than we do, so let’s work together to get everything where it needs to go. Should you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask! We’ll give you the details regarding what you need to do before packing begins.

Make the moving process a simple one by calling White Glove Movers. We’re a professional moving company that specializes in intrastate and interstate moves. We’re also happy to handle the packing for you. Give us a ring today and we’ll get you an estimate.

Letting your home sit empty for a short period of time during a move or a vacation doesn’t seem like a big deal, but this is the perfect opportunity for burglars to step in. There are lots of terrible things that can happen to your home when it sits vacant including damage and theft.

The good news is that protecting your vacant home is simple. If you follow these steps, you’ll create a safe, secure home while you’re away.

1. Install a security system

Cedar Rapids is a relatively safe community, but that doesn’t mean you should be trusting enough to let your home sit empty with no protection during your move or vacation. Investing in a security system will save you money on your insurance policy and give you peace of mind knowing you’ll be protected whenever you’re gone. Not sure what kind of system to get? Choose a system that includes monitoring services, fire alarms, and surveillance so you can get notifications regarding any activity in or near your home. It’s always a good idea to let your alarm company know you’ll be out of town and if anyone is house sitting for you so they can come and go as needed.

2. Program your thermostats

Try as we might to stay organized during a move, things can get complicated and chaotic quickly. Sometimes homeowners forget to adjust their thermostats on moving day, and since you’ll be quite busy that morning, take the time to program your thermostat the night before. If you’re moving in the winter and your house will be empty, leave the heat on so the pipes don’t burst. Is it the middle of summer and the Iowa humidity has set in? Leave your air running so the wood doesn’t swell and mold doesn’t set in. A lot of thermostats now have WiFi capability and can be programmed from your phone, so if you forget, take a moment to adjust it from wherever you are.

3. Use bright exterior lights

Do you need to take a couple days to finalize the moving process? Don’t let your house sit unprotected at night. Putting up some bright exterior lights is a great way to deter intruders, especially when it’s clear you’re moving. Do you have a detached garage or shed? Don’t forget to install lights on them. Using a timer will give the illusion that someone is home and the house isn’t sitting empty. You can also go the extra mile and install exterior video cameras to give an added security boost.

4. Inform a trusted neighbor

If you’re on vacation or when you’re moving, it’s important to have a local contact regularly check on the house. This gives the impression that someone is there and gives you a head’s up on any potential problems. If you don’t know anyone in the area that can help you, there are companies who will complete such check-ins for you.

5. Prep for your time away

There are some final things you should get done before you move or go on vacation that will boost your home’s security. Replace worn locks and close blinds so prying eyes will be turned away. Avoid an easy break-in by making sure there are strong locks on all exterior doors.

If you’d like some help with the moving process, speak to the professional team at White Glove Movers. Based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, we’re a locally owned and operated residential moving company that performs interstate and intrastate moves. We can also give you guidance on enhancing your home’s security during the moving process. Give us a call today!

The idea of downsizing a living space is becoming more popular as many homeowners decide they don’t want to pay for the maintenance, constantly clean, and pack more items into their large space. Moving to a smaller home can be quite freeing, but that doesn’t mean everything about the process is simple. Whether you’re moving to the other side of town or to the other side of the country, following these four tips can make moving into a smaller space easier.

1. Reframe Your Thinking

Maybe downsizing wasn’t your first idea and you’re feeling a bit disappointed about it. Instead of letting it get you down, focus on the positives that come with owning a smaller home. Upkeep will be easier, there will be less pressure to host gatherings, and you’ll have decreased maintenance costs. Are you relocating to an area that lets you travel on foot or by bike? This is the perfect opportunity to leave your vehicle at home and get out in nature more. You can also save money on gas by utilizing public transportation if the system is convenient. There is a silver lining to downsizing, so don’t feel like you’re taking a step backward.

2. Let Some Things Go

Moving to a smaller space means that you’ll obviously need to pare down your belongings. This process can be difficult but the trick is to think about the items that you would be heartbroken to lose. Whatever items make that list, those are the ones you need to take with you. If something is replaceable in your mind, then you don’t need to take it with you. If you find that you need an item later, you can always repurchase it. Come up with your list of must-haves and let the rest go.

3. Get Rid of the Excess

Everybody has a list of items they keep “just in case.” When you have a large home, it’s easy to accumulate and hang on to extra things in case you need them someday. In a small home, you won’t have the space for all of these things, so apply the “use it or lose it” method to these things. Do you have numerous sets of dishes, several duplicates, or collections of things tucked away in corners that haven’t been used in years? Donate them, place them on consignment, or have a garage sale to get rid of them before your move.

4. Start a New Routine

Your new smaller home won’t have the excess storage space your previous home did, which can be a benefit. Obviously, you won’t have the space to accumulate excess belongings, so if you have to move again one day, you won’t have to sort through as much. Your smaller space will have a place for each of your items so they will be at your fingertips instead of hidden away in a crawl space, closet, or basement. This also means that if you find yourself bringing new things home on a regular basis, you’ll probably need to adopt the one thing in, one thing out method. This will keep your new home clutter-free.

Whether you’re downsizing by choice or necessity, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to give up everything you enjoy. There are plenty of benefits to downsizing because it gives you the opportunity to truly evaluate your items. As you prepare for your move, consider working with a professional residential mover. White Glove Movers is a locally owned business in Cedar Rapids, Iowa that helps with in- and out-of-state moves. We can also help with the packing. Give us a call today to discuss your residential moving needs.

One of the terrifying parts of moving is the revelation that you have to move your messy room. Even if you take pride in keeping your home relatively clean, there’s probably at least one room in your house that’s messy – you can be honest.

Messy rooms are challenging because you need to clean them before you start packing. And once you start cleaning, you’ll no doubt come across things you know you don’t need.

The good news is that once you get through your messy room now, you won’t have one in your new space!

A lot of homes have messy rooms where extra items are stored, toys are overflowing, or boxes of old documents are stacked on top of each other. Thinking about packing up this room before your move can be overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to prepare for your residential mover, which is why we’re talking about it today. If you need to clean up a messy room before moving day, we suggest following these four steps to get organized.

1. Start organizing. First thing’s first. You’ve got to step into that messy room and get the process started. Begin by creating three piles: Keep, Toss, and Donate. This is your messy room so chances are you haven’t used everything in here on a regular basis. Gently used clothing, furniture, and toys are great items to donate to Goodwill or The Salvation Army. You can be as cutthroat as you want, but remember that you don’t have to get rid of absolutely everything. If you come across family heirlooms and antiques during your organizing, find a new home for them where they won’t be forgotten.

2. Create an “essentials” bag. Moving is a lot like getting ready for vacation; you tend to forget about all of the little things you use each morning until they’re all packed away in your suitcase. At the end of a long moving day, the last thing you want to do is search for your toothbrush, soap, toilet paper, and dental floss. Instead, designate one of your bags as your essentials bag. Keep all of the little things you’ll need right after you first move into your new space so they’re ready for use. Don’t let your residential movers take this bag, keep it with you in the car so it will be handy.

3. Label everything! As you pack your belongings, make sure you label each box with a general category such as “Kitchen.” This will help you determine what’s in the box without having to dig through everything first. Ask your residential movers to put the boxes in their designated rooms in your new home so unpacking is a little easier. Are you interested in being hyper-organized? Assign each room a color (the kitchen could be green, the kids’ bedroom could be pink, etc.) so you can look at boxes and quickly identify which ones go where.

4. Download and use a moving app. Have you considered keeping yourself organized the digital way? There are several apps out there that can help you organize your items before moving day comes. If you’re a visual person, check out Sortly. It will help you create a visual inventory of your belongings and create labels for your boxes. We also suggest Snap ‘n Pack Moving Assistant, MoveAdvisor, Home Move Pro, and First Home Checklist.

The moving process can be hectic but it doesn’t have to be miserable. Working with a residential moving company is one way to alleviate the stress of moving. If you’re in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area and you need some help with your move, get in touch with White Glove Movers. We specialize in cross-country and in-state moves. Let us give you an estimate today.

When preparing for a residential move, it’s easy to get caught up in the big things. So much so that we forget to take care of the little things like turning off utilities at our old homes. Transferring utilities is pretty easy and it’s important, so make sure this task makes it onto your To-Do List.

Transferring utilities gives you the opportunity to choose the best dates for activation and coordinating this with your moving dates is important so you don’t experience a lapse in service. To transfer your utilities, we recommend following these easy steps.

Before you start making arrangements, locate the contact information for your phone, Internet, water, sewer, gas, electric, trash, cable, or satellite companies.

1. Choose your shut-off and activation dates. These dates will be determined by your moving date. A safe bet is to have your utilities shut off the day after you move out of your current space and turned on the day before you move in. This will keep you from moving in the dark!
2. Keep your account numbers handy. Make sure you have copies of your most recent bills or keep track of your account numbers so you can provide them to customer service reps when making phone arrangements.
3. Let your current utility company know you’re moving as soon as possible. The average utility company requires plenty of advance notice that you’re moving. This way, they can make arrangements with their technicians. Try to call at least three weeks ahead of time so you get services on the dates you need them.
4. Pay off any remaining balances. When calling your utility companies, make sure to ask if you have any final balances that need to be paid. Take care of them before your shut-off date to avoid any service disruptions. You should also know that leaving an unpaid balance can impact your credit score.
5. Provide your forwarding address. Most companies will ask for this, but make sure you give each utility company your new address in case they return deposits or send you a final bill.
6. Arrange activation as soon as you can. Speak to your landlord, realtor, or city government about your new utility providers. Then, call them regarding activation at least three weeks in advance. They may require you to complete a credit check or pay deposits so activation can be scheduled.
7. Take a look at your meter before you leave. Now that your items are packed and you’re ready to turn the lights off and head out, check your meters. Write down their levels and take a picture with your phone in case any disputes pop up.
8. Ensure someone is there when services are activated. Arrange for a family member, friend, neighbor, or landlord to be at your new home in case there are questions or issues occur.
9. Examine your fixtures. Once your services are turned on, go through each room and make sure the fixtures and faucets work correctly.

As a locally owned and operated company, White Glove Movers takes pride in helping you with your residential move. We’re happy to help you with the packing, loading, and arranging of your new space. Give us a call today to discuss your moving needs.

Moving across town or across the country can get hairy fast. As one of the most stressful experiences you can go through (not to mention if you’re doing it with a family in-tow), moving is a great opportunity to get all the help you can get your hands on.

Making a move can be thrilling. It gives you a chance to start a new life in a new space, work the job you’ve always wanted, and purge your home of items you no longer need. While these advantages are great, they don’t always make the moving experience a pleasant one.

A good residential move starts with being organized, using the best shipping materials for your items, and turning to others when you need help. That’s why we recommend using these apps that will help you achieve all three of those goals.

Sortly

Sortly’s app is great for staying organized because it keeps track of which boxes contain which items. The app does this by creating and maintaining a full inventory of your household before, during, and after the big move. The only downside is that it’s available on iOS exclusively, but the free version is powerful and offers a lot of features you can make use of.

If you opt for the $4.99 Plus version, the app will sync all data across your devices and create QR code labels for your boxes. For your convenience, it will save your lists in a variety of file formats including .csv and .pdf. As an app that’s rated 4+, we highly recommend it. The best part is that you can cancel your subscription once your move is complete. Pretty cool, huh?

uShip

This app helps you stay connected to the people who are moving your stuff. For example, if you’re looking to move a specific item and you’re not sure who can help you, visit the uShip website where you can post what you need moved as well as your ideal price. Movers will then bid on your project and can ask you questions on the public forum.

If you’re someone who is diligent with your online communications and prefers to skip a lot of dull phone calls, this is a great way to connect with movers.

MoveAdvisor

MoveAdvisor is more accessible since it’s available to iOS, Amazon, and Google users. We recommend this app because it offers you a complete moving package. In fact, the app will track your home inventory, find movers for you, draft a moving timeline, and find free moving quotes for you. The benefits don’t stop there.

The moving timeline gives you the ability to create tasks, check them off when they’re complete, and add additional reminders and actions so you can stress less during your move. The only catch is that the timeline isn’t yet available for iPhone users.

If you look into using MoveAdvisor, you will see that the reviews on GooglePlay are mixed. While the app helps you stay organized and connects you with moving companies, it does tend to crash and their customer service seems to be lacking. If you can look past those cons, we recommend that you give it a try.

White Glove Movers is a professional moving company that’s been helping homeowners like you move since 2004. Though we’re located in Iowa, we specialize in local and cross-country moves. Give us a call today to discuss the moving services you’re looking for and we’d be happy to provide you with a quote.

Are you getting ready to move from a house to a new apartment or condo? Your upcoming move is an exciting new start but it may feel strange or overwhelming if it’s been a while since you moved. When the stress and anxiety start kick in, it’s natural to have second thoughts about whether or not this is the best thing for you. Don’t worry!

Change throws us for a loop but it doesn’t have to be scary. Here are some important things you can expect when moving from a house to an apartment or condo that will help you decide if this is the right kind of move for you.

Get Ready to Downsize

The minimalist movement continues in full swing so people are all about downsizing. A simple search on Pinterest or YouTube will produce thousands of strategies for improving your life by downsizing. You, however, have already decided that downsizing may be the right thing for you. Moving from a house to an apartment or condo requires to you let go of some of your excess belongings. Let’s take a closer look at how this will impact you.

Reduced Space

The biggest change you’ll have to adapt to is a smaller home. Most apartments and condos are designed for efficiency, which means you get less square footage and bedrooms will be smaller. Less square footage means you’ll have to rethink your furniture. For example, that oversized sofa of yours will need to be traded in for a smaller one. This might be a bit depressing at first but the bright side is that you can go shopping and invest in furniture that gives your decor a whole new look.

A Smaller Yard (or Lack Thereof)

If mowing the lawn is therapeutic for you, then you’ll have a big adjustment to make when you move into an apartment or condo. However, if you detest mowing then you can happily watch out your window as the mowers do the job for you. If you lead a busy and professional life, or if you have small children at home, skipping the lawn mowing can be a huge perk.

The best part is that your landscaping will look fabulous all the time and you won’t have to break a sweat. Do you like to garden? Maintain your green thumb with a container garden on your balcony! Remember, you don’t have to give up everything you love just because you’re moving into a smaller space.

Less Storage Space

Before you move, you should do some serious cleaning out. All of those tubs, bins, and totes you have packed with items won’t fit in your new apartment or condo. Comb through every closet, drawer, cupboard, nook, and cranny and let go of what you can live without. If you’re a new renter this is a good opportunity to declutter.

Removing extra baggage around your home is quite liberating, so keep that in mind if you’re hesitating to make a final decision. If you still have a lot of items that you can’t go without consider renting an affordable storage unit where your items will be safe.

Moving from a home to an apartment or condo can be the perfect opportunity to simplify your life. It’s amazing how much “stuff” you can accumulate when you have the space. Downsizing to an apartment or condo is an effective way to ask yourself what you truly need to be happy.

If you’re getting ready to move from a house to an apartment or condo, speak with the professional team at White Glove Movers. We’ve been helping Iowans complete residential moves since 2004 and would love to help you. Give us a call today and we’ll gladly provide you with an estimate.