WHITE GLOVE MOVERS

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The Difference Between Intrastate and Interstate Moves

Are you getting ready to move out of state? Do you know whether your move is officially considered an interstate move?

Knowing all the details about your residential move is critical for having a smooth moving day. One thing you should know is the type of move you’re going to be making. For example, is your move considered an intrastate or interstate move? Do you know the difference? There seems to be some confusion amongst homeowners as to what constitutes interstate and intrastate moves, so today we’re taking time to clear things up.

Understanding the kind of move you will be performing is the first step on the right path. When you start reaching out to moving companies, the first question they will ask you is whether your move is interstate or intrastate. The benefit of knowing the difference is that you’ll be protected against scammers. Knowing the difference between the two will also help you keep track of your rights.

To better understand the difference between the two types of moves, let’s take a closer look.

What exactly is an interstate move?

During an interstate move, you are transporting belongings in and out of state lines, which includes overseas. There are rules laid down by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) that govern interstate moves. Your move is considered an interstate move if the long-distance moving company crosses a state border at any time during the moving process

Are your items being transported by truck, van, or train? Even if the moving vehicle doesn’t cross state lines, your move is still an interstate move if your items cross a state border. One thing you should consider is that long-distance moves usually cost more than local moves, so be prepared for that.

What constitutes an intrastate move?

A move that is completed without crossing a state border is considered an intrastate move. These moves are not regulated by the FMCSA but rules do apply to intrastate moves that do not apply to interstate moves. Did you move to Iowa from another state but now you’re moving to another city in Iowa? Before you move within the State of Iowa, you should familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of moving since they vary by state.

Local (intrastate) moves often cost less than long-distance ones but moving companies may still charge a long-distance fee depending on the mileage. Before you decide on a licensed moving company, have a conversation about your move type so you’re not surprised by fees you didn’t know about. Knowing your rights and checking on the moving company’s licensing will help you rule out untrustworthy companies. You should also verify if the company you’re considering is licensed to do interstate moves.

Are you getting ready to move to another city or state? White Glove Movers can help you with all of your residential moving needs. We’ve been performing interstate and intrastate moves since 2004. From packing to moving and hauling we do it all. We’d be happy to make the moving process as smooth as possible for you. Call us today to discuss your upcoming move.

Tips for Staying Organized While Moving

If you’re like one in every five American families, you’ll be making a move this year. Since moving can feel like an organizational hazard, the best thing you can do is start getting things in order as early as possible.

The thought of packing up everything you and your family own is daunting, especially when you start to go through each room. However, disassembling and reassembling your life doesn’t have to be a horrible experience.

Taking some easy steps to get yourself organized can make the moving experience more enjoyable. Here are the key things we recommend:

Start purging

Though it might not shave off the bulk of your moving time, getting rid of the items you no longer use will make the whole process a lot easier. Start taking a serious look at everything in each of the rooms in your home to decide what can be eliminated and what needs to go with you. Don’t forget to look in your closets too – they have a way of storing a lot of items you’ve forgotten about!

Get a handy dandy notebook

Head to your local office supply store and pick up a quality notebook or binder that will withstand the entire moving process. Use it to document as many things as you can. From phone calls with the moving company or meetings with your realtor to business cards and paint swatches, use this notebook to keep track of it all.

Talk to your school

Speak with your child’s school regarding the upcoming move. This will give them time to transfer your kid’s records to the new school and give teachers the opportunity to update their grades.

Gather packing supplies

It’s wise to start packing items you don’t use every day as soon as you can, so make sure you have the supplies to get started. Invest in some quality boxes, packing tape, sharpies, and labels that will help packing go smoother. At the very latest, start packing two weeks before moving day – you’ll be surprised by how much stuff you have.

Create a floor plan

Get the dimensions of your new space and start planning where your furniture will be placed. Determine the layout of each room ahead of time so moving day is smooth for you and your moving company.

Do some housekeeping

Try using up things you might not want to move such as cleaning supplies and frozen, perishable, or canned food.

Label everything

Once you start packing, you’ll accumulate a lot of boxes. Unpacking becomes a lot easier if you know what boxes go where, so label each box by room and write a one-to-three-word summary of what’s inside on each one.

Keep track of your valuables

Special items such as jewelry, financial records, and identification cards should be kept in a safe box that you’ll transport yourself. Pro tip: keep the moving company’s estimate in this box so you can reference it on moving day.

If you’d like some help with your residential move, reach out to the professional team at White Glove Movers. We specialize in intrastate and interstate moving and would love to make the moving process as easy as possible for you and your family.

Moving with Pets

Before moving day ever gets here you’re already frazzled. You’ve rented a truck, met with movers, consulted utility companies, done a million other things and now you need to finish packing. Moving is tricky enough for us humans so imagine how confusing it is for your pets when things inside the home start getting shuffled around.

Your pets will become stressed and anxious when the unexpected activity starts to go down and after that, they’ll need to acclimate to their new surroundings. Since moving with pets comes with its own challenges, we’ve put together a list of things to consider and steps you can take to make the process easier for you and your furbabies.

1. Pack a bag for your pet

Designate a bag or suitcase that will be used only for your pet. Fill it with the essentials like food, treats, grooming tools, medications (if applicable), and toys so you can have easy access to the things your pet needs to be comfortable. This bag will allow you to easily feed and care for your pet if you’re making a long distance move. You’ll also have an easier time taking care of them during the first few days in your new home.

2. Talk to your vet

Make sure to let your veterinarian know you’ll be moving so they can update your pet’s records. You should also renew any prescription medications your pet needs so you have enough until you find a new vet. If you’re moving far away, you can ask your current vet for recommendations on one in your new neighborhood.

3. Place your pet in a quiet spot

Animals tend to be more sensitive to commotion than we are, so the best way to reduce stress is to keep them in a quiet area. If you prefer to keep your pet with you on moving day (otherwise you could kennel them or take them to a friend’s house), keep them away from the action. Empty one bedroom on another floor, place them in there and keep the door closed. If someone in your family can manage to entertain your pet during this time that’s even better. Be sure to check on your pet regularly throughout the day so they have enough food, water, and bathroom breaks.

4. Bring your pet along for the car ride

Transport your pet to the new space in your own car. Cats and dogs can be placed in their pet carrier in the back seat and larger dogs can hang out in their kennel in the back. If possible, put the seats down so you can accommodate your pet. If your pet is uneasy in the car, encourage them to relax by placing a blanket over their carrier but try to follow the same routine you would during any regular road trip with your pet.

5. Introduce them to the new space slowly

Use caution when transporting your pet to your new neighborhood. Your pet can easily get lost if they get out, so use a leash or keep them in their carrier even if your pet is usually calm or well trained. If you’re the owner of an outdoor cat this could be a good time to help them transition into being an indoor cat.

6. Update their contact info

Moving is strenuous enough and the last thing anyone wants to go through is losing their pet. Take a moment to update your pet’s contact information before moving day. Go to your local pet store, make new tags, and attach them to your pet’s collar. If your dog is registered with the AKC, update your contact info on their official website. If your cat or dog has a chip, make sure your vet updates it to the new address.

Tips for Moving Your Outdoor Furniture and Plants

As a midwesterner, you enjoy your outdoor furniture when the sun is out and the humidity is low. Of course you’re going to take it all with you when you move, but how do you pack your outdoor pieces? As a professional moving company, we know all about moving the odds and ends of your home, which is why we’ve put together this list of tips for moving your outdoor furniture.

  • Clean ‘em up: Outdoor furniture can get dirty, but that doesn’t mean you should take the dirt with you. Make time to clean your outdoor furniture so you can enjoy it right away when you get to your new home.
  • Do an inspection: The last thing you want in your new home is unwanted pests, so make sure there are no bugs or other critters lurking in your furniture.
  • Disassemble them: Certain patio pieces can be tricky. Take the time to wrap your glass tabletop so it’s protected during transit.
  • Use proper packing methods: If your furniture comes with loose pieces, take time to pack and secure them properly. Put all hardware pieces in a storage baggie and label the bag so you know which piece it goes with. You can also tape the bag to the chair or table.
  • Tend to your plants: You’ve worked hard to grow your houseplants and keep them healthy and now it’s time to pack them up. Moving can really take a toll on your plants if you’re not careful. Make sure all of your delicate plants are packed in boxes with ventilation holes so they can breathe. Plants that already have branches should be tied up so the branches extend in the direction they’re already growing.
  • Watch state laws: If you’re moving to another state, make sure your plants can cross state lines. Many states require plant inspections – California, Arizona, and Florida are among the strictest.
  • Take some cuttings: If it’s too much of a hassle to move all of your plants, consider taking some of the cuttings instead. Wrap them in wet moss and newspaper and put them in unsealed bags. Put the bags in a carton and fill the space with light packing material. The cuttings should survive this way for a couple of days and can take root in your new garden.
  • Empty play equipment: If you have sandboxes or water toys for your kids, empty them so they’re much easier to pack. Disassemble all play structures for easy transportation.
  • Take care: No matter what you’re moving, make sure you’re following correct lifting methods. Lift from the knees to avoid throwing out or doing damage to your back. Avoid wearing sandals or flip flops during the moving process, otherwise your toes will be easy targets. Of course, if you have any existing injuries, get someone else to do the heavy lifting for you.

If you’re looking for a residential company that makes the moving process smooth, give White Glove Movers a call today. We’re a locally owned and operated company that’s happy to help you move to the other side of town, across the state, or to another region. We’ll also take care of the packing for you!

What is the Ideal Time of Year to Move?

Regardless of the season, making a household move is difficult. If your schedule and timeline are flexible, there are multiple factors you should consider when booking your moving date. Don’t forget to make these factors part of your negotiation deal if it’s your current or new employer who wants you to move.

If we had to recommend an ideal time of year, it would be spring or late fall. Why? These are the best times to find professional movers and rental companies that aren’t charging outrageous rates.

Do you think you can manage to complete your move during the week? We suggest this because weekend rates are usually the highest for both truck rental and moving companies. Moving is at its peak in the summer and the first weekend of each month is the most common. Granted, you’ll need to think about all considerations including your spouse, kids, jobs, school, and other factors when choosing a moving date.

Here are some of the most common factors you should think about when picking a moving date:

The school year

If you have children that still live at home, the best thing you can do is work around their school calendar. Summer is the best time because they’ve completed another grade, have said their goodbyes, and are no longer under academic obligations. Careful not to move right after school is over, however, as doing so won’t give your kids enough time to adapt to the idea. Give them time to say their farewells to neighbors and school friends. Try to also allow for a few weeks in your new home so your kids can meet other children and make neighborhood friends before school starts up again.

It might feel like you’re taking away some of their summer fun, but your kids are more likely to be excited about their new school if they’ve already made friends.

As the new school year approaches, create some time where you and your child can see the new school, meet their teachers, and determine the best transportation method so you both feel prepared.

Special events and holidays

Major holidays are less than ideal for moving. Avoid relocating during Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or Ramadan since the focus should be on spending time with family and friends. Moving on or near birthdays, anniversaries, and other family events can be challenging too. Try to buffer in some time between your move and any major events or holidays so you can get settled into your new home. Doing so will also give you time to make new friends that would love to have you over for the holidays.

The changing of the seasons

The average person would say that summer is the best time to move because kids are out of school, the weather is great, and friends can usually lend a hand. If this is the moving season for you, make sure you do your research on moving company rates and schedules. As we said, most companies have peak times and will charge more, so don’t be afraid to shop around.

Why Use a Packing Service?

Moving comes with a task list so long that one of the best ways to make the process easier on yourself is to hire a professional packing company. No matter your budget, keep in mind that there are lots of options out there. You don’t even have to have your entire household packed if you don’t want it to be!

If you’re not following a specific budget, consider hiring a professional company to do the packing and unpacking for you. Most residential moving companies offer this as an add-on, so ask the moving company you’re thinking of hiring.

Before you commit to anyone, weigh your options. Think about the energy it would take to complete these tasks yourself versus the cost that comes with hiring a professional service.

Here’s what you can expect when you look into working with a professional packing service:

Home Evaluation

Packing companies want to know what they’re in for and you undoubtedly want a cost estimate. Most companies start by sending a surveyor to take a look at the details of your home. They’ll start a list of all the items you want them to handle including cupboard contents, furniture, kitchen drawers, and more. Not only is this a great way to give you feedback on your expected cost, but it also allows them to see what items need special care.

Most packing services will use the home assessment to discuss paperwork, valuables, jewelry, artwork, and other items that need to be moved in specific ways. These items are typically taken with you on moving day versus being loaded onto a truck, but the company may have other suggestions.

Comprehensive Packing Services

Full service packing companies will take the time to disassemble all furniture pieces, properly wrap them, and secure them with padding. They’ll take the time to remove pictures, frames, and paintings from the walls and roll away rugs or carpets that are coming with you. They will take care of the boxing, labeling, and placement, which is a huge weight off your shoulders.

When you’re in the initial stages of planning your move, a packing company should give you an estimated timeframe for packing and unpacking your goods. Most can do it in a day, so if you get a quote for something much longer than that, be weary. Keep in mind that the duration and cost really depend on how much stuff you have. If time is a factor and you’re in a hurry to move, the cost will go up as more movers will be needed to man the job.

Make Special Arrangements

As a courtesy to your packing service, make arrangements for babysitters and petsitters so your kids and pets are either entertained or elsewhere.

Is a packing service right for you?

Truly, this is something only you can decide. If your budget will allow for you to hire a full service packing company, we recommend it. The moving process will go that much faster and smoother.

Consider speaking to the experienced team at White Glove Movers. We’re a locally owned and operated residential moving company based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. We enjoy making the moving process as easy as possible for our clients. Give us a call today.

Keeping Your Fine Art Safe During a Move

While you value many aspects of your home, it’s clear that your art collection is one of your most prized possessions. Whether you have one conversation piece or multiple sculptures, moving your art can be challenging. Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to protect your pieces during your residential move.

Here are some professional tips we’d like you to know:

1. Take inventory and gather data: If you have multiple pieces in your collection, now is a good time to take an inventory if you don’t already have one. If you’re working with a professional moving company, they’ll need to know the size, weight, dimensions, material, and other important pieces of information in order to give you a proper quote. It’s also good to know how many pieces you’re moving so they can be easily accounted for in the new destination.

2. Make a photo album: You don’t have to print out the photos and make a scrapbook, but if any of the pieces sustain damage, you’ll need photographic evidence. This will make the claim filing process much easier.

3. Brush up on your insurance policy: Did you know that some homeowner insurance policies cover your items during transit? Make sure you know the level of protection your policy provides for your fine art and sculptures.

4. Consider moving insurance: Any high-end and expensive art pieces should be covered by moving insurance. There are companies that specialize in offering policies solely for moving fine art pieces, so seek them out. Once you have an appraisal, purchase the best policy for your collection. Your pieces will then be covered should loss, damage, or accidents occur.

5. Look into storage: You’ve invested in your sculptures and fine art pieces, so the last thing you want to do is ruin them during storage. Should you need to tuck your items away for a time, be sure you know what kind of conditions they should be stored in. If necessary, choose a facility that offers temperature and humidity control as well as filtered or natural lighting.

6. Study up on appraisals: High-value collections should be appraised before the moving process starts. You should know that there are two types of appraisals – current value and replacement value. Current value appraisals tell you the coverage based on the piece’s current worth whereas replacement value focuses on how much the piece costs to replace.

7. When in doubt, use crates: Paintings, sculptures, and other large pieces need to be protected during a move. Customized wooden crates are the way to go because pieces can be moved several times before they’re ever put onto the truck. Pro tip: Wooden crates also preserve the quality of your art.

8. Invest in climate control: You do have the option of renting climate-controlled vehicles for your art pieces, so why not use one? This is the best way to keep your pieces safe during your move.

As with any precious items you may be moving to your new home, it’s important to take the time to protect them. You’ve spent years investing and collecting your sculptures and fine art. Be sure they’re taken care of during your move by following these tips.

Moving Sale Season: Is it Right for Your Move?

When is the best time to have an estate sale? Should it be in the spring, summer, winter, or fall?

What’s the best month?
Day of the week?
What’s the best time of day for a tag sale?

The answers to these important questions vary depending on your region, but here are some helpful pieces of information you should know before you plan your upcoming estate or tag sale.

Choosing a month

If you live in an area that has warm weather year-round, there isn’t one particular month that’s best. If you’re located in a state that gets a full blast of winter and snow, you probably want to aim for warmer temperatures.

The pros recommend April, May, June, and September for those of us who experience all four seasons. Springtime is quite popular because Mother Nature is starting to bloom again and homeowners have cabin fever. If they’ve spent time doing their spring cleaning, they might be interested in replacing some of their previous items with new ones, especially if it’s a bargain.

The next popular time is summer. In fact, did you know that the second Saturday of August is National Garage Sale Day? Third on the list is September. People love being out and about in the summer, but in the fall you’ll experience less competition from other estate or tag sales.

Choosing a day

The best day of the week to have your sale can vary depending on how much traffic you see on your street. If you’re in town and on a popular street, you’re likely to see a lot of people on Fridays, especially during lunchtime and after work. Most of your traffic will come from dealers and retired folks, which can be an advantage depending on your items.

Saturdays are always best because you’ll get traffic from dealers, retirees, and the working population. Traffic will most likely diminish on Sundays, however, since most people want to be home. Those that do show up on Sundays are either looking for discounted items or they’re diehard tag sale shoppers.

Keep this in mind: Unless your estate sale features rare and hard-to-find items, you’ll likely see the most traffic on Fridays and Saturdays.

Choosing a time

Don’t underestimate the dedication of regular estate sale shoppers. They’ll be early and ready to go. If you’re working with a professional estate sale company, they should be prepared to hand out numbers on a first-come-first-served basis. You’ll see the most people between 7:00 and 11:00 am. Unless you see a sudden upswing of people in the afternoon, generally 3:00 pm is a good time to wrap up for the day.

Summary

In the event that you’re liquidating an estate, you can’t control the time of year the sale will take place. If it’s a situation where the items and the home itself need to be sold, simply have the sale as soon as your items are ready. If you can afford to wait until a more opportune time of year, try aiming for April, May, June, or September. If you’re feeling overwhelmed about sorting, pricing, and displaying everything, consider working with a professional estate sale company that will handle all aspects of the sale, including the advertising.

Is an Estate Sale Right for You?

When the time comes to have an estate sale, we might ask ourselves if a sale is the best way to liquidate our personal assets. There are many situations where an estate sale is appropriate such as homeowners moving, downsizing, divorce, or the death of a loved one. That being said, estate sales aren’t the right choice for everyone, so here are some points you should consider when making this decision.

You’ll get the best bang for your buck

When you trust a professional estate sale company to organize, price, and advertise the estate sale, you’ll end up with the highest possible value for your items. Professional estate sale companies have the resources and assets to determine the best prices for your items. If, on the other hand, you decide to have a garage sale or put your items on consignment, you might not get the best prices. Estate sale shoppers look for bargains but they’re more likely to expect fair, higher prices than those who come to garage sales.

You won’t have to worry about a thing

If you decide to have an estate sale company organize, advertise, and run the sale, then you won’t have to deal with it yourself. Instead of spending your days, evenings, and weekends planning, pricing, and organizing the items for the sale, you’ll be free to do whatever you want.

Number of items

One main reason homeowners decide to forgo having an estate sale is because they think they have too few items or they believe the quality of their items isn’t good. If the number of belongings you have to get rid of is giving you concern, speak with a local estate sale company. You’ll likely find a company in your area that will give you a complimentary evaluation regardless of the item count.

Does it make financial sense?

If you pursue a professional estate sale company, they’ll want to be sure holding your sale is the best choice for them. You should also determine whether or not it makes sense for you on a financial level. Speak to the company you’re considering about whether or not your home qualifies for an estate sale or if there are other liquidation options better suited to your situation. After all, you deserve to get the highest value for your situation.

You’re out-of-state

Estate sales can be tricky if you’re liquidating the assets of a parent or family member that’s out-of-state. Being concerned about scheduling and the logistics of the sale is normal in this situation. Working with out-of-state family members is something that a lot of estate sale companies are used to doing, so be sure to ask around. The company you’re considering should offer to direct traffic during the sale and act as a liaison between all parties throughout the sale and probate process.

If you’re in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area or you have a loved one near here, be sure to ask White Glove Movers your estate sale questions. We’d love to help make the estate sale process easy for you.

Using a Professional Moving Service for Large Antiques

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!

How to Pack Your Collectibles

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.

How to Celebrate Your Upcoming Move

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.