PACKING TIPS FOR YOUR SMOOTHEST MOVE YET

Moving is one of the most difficult challenges nearly everyone would face. Although moving can be difficult and sometimes not fun, it is often a positive experience. Planning and avoiding making mistakes are key to the success of any move, particularly when it comes to packing.

Get Ready

These tried-and-true tips will make it easier to move. A checklist can help you make sure everything runs smoothly before, during, and after your move. Moving is a great way to be positive about what would come your way.

Moving can be stressful. There are many moving details. This guide will not cover all situations. Different people will have different needs and concerns. How to pack china, move fragile heirlooms, and safe transport valuable wood furniture. These moving and packing tips and tricks will help you in almost all cases. These moving tips will help you move more quickly, efficiently, and with less hassle.

Packing Tips For Moving

1. Use the correct size boxes

Books and other heavy objects should be packed in small boxes. Lighter items like pillows and linens can be packed in larger boxes. Professional moving helpers are often annoyed by large boxes containing heavy items. These boxes not only make the job more difficult but also offer a greater chance of breaking.

2. Place heavier items at the bottom of your boxes and lighter items at the top

For balance, you should pack your largest boxes towards the front of the truck if you are loading it yourself.

3. Do not leave any empty boxes

You can fill in the gaps with clothes, towels, and packing paper. Unbalanced or loosely packed boxes are often not allowed to be moved by movers.

4. Do not mix items from different rooms into the same box.

It will speed up your packing and make unpacking much easier.

5. Each box should be labeled with the room it is to be used and a description about its contents

This will allow you and your moving help specialist to know exactly where each box is located in your new home. It’s a great way to keep track and make sure everything is still in its place when you move.

6. Tape your moving boxes carefully

Tape the seams at the top and bottom of the box. Next, use one of the movers’ methods: Wrapping a few pieces of tape around the edges and top of the box. This will reduce stress.

7. Ask your mover for special crating if you are moving valuable art.

To ensure that your artwork is safe, you need to know how to pack it. Oil paintings should not be wrapped in regular paper. They will stick. To strengthen the glass and hold it together in case it breaks, place masking tape on top of your pictures to make an X. Wrap the pictures in bubble wrap or paper and place them in a box with a piece cardboard between each frame.

8. Pack your kitchen carefully for the move

There are many items that you need to pack in your kitchen. How to pack dishes for moving? Wrap each dish in packing paper, wrap them with more paper, and then tie the bundles of five or six together. Do not pack dishes flat. Use lots of bunched-up newspaper as padding. Cups and bowls can also be placed inside each other, with paper between. Then wrap three to four of them in a bundle.

To protect glasses when moving, wrap them in layers of paper and place them in a cardboard box.

9. Your wardrobe should be in order

You have a variety of options for packing clothes to move. If the clothes are not too heavy, you can put them in suitcases or cardboard boxes. You can hang clothes in a wardrobe box that is specially designed for hanging. You don’t need to figure out how to pack your hangers to move!

When you are packing shoes for moving, make sure to protect them from one another. To prevent sharp heels and buckles from damaging your other shoes, wrap each pair of shoes separately. To help shoes retain their shape, you can put socks inside.

10. How to pack your TV for moving

Moving companies wrap TVs in furniture pads and treat them like other furniture. If you no longer have the original box, plasma TVs require special wooden crates to ship. They can also be damaged if they are laid flat. Double-box your TV and place the TV in a box you have padded with packing papers.

Call Brunswick Organizing Solutions now if you need help in packing for your upcoming move.

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Leland, NC 28451
910-477-3768
https://www.getorganizednc.com/

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Shallotte, NC 28470
910-477-3768

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-429-8158

Cities Served
Leland, Wilmington, Shallotte, North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Southport, Bolivia, St. James, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Carolina Shores, Calabash, Castle Hayne, Burgaw – Brunswick and Horry County

WHY HIRE A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER WHEN MOVING?

Hiring a professional organizer during a move could help in solving problems even before they happen. Plus, it will help make your moving experience more convenient and memorable.

Moving can be a stressful process and that’s why many people hire moving help. Even the most organized individual can benefit from hiring a professional organizer.

3 Ways A Professional Organizer Make Your Move Easier

1. Reduce the moving weight

Movers base their charges on the weight of the items being moved. Although getting all those extra skinny jeans and underwear may not reduce the weight total significantly, removing 20 bags of books will definitely make a difference.

You should start packing at least 2 months before the day of the move. But before you do that, you should have a professional home organizer to thin out our shoes and books. These things are heavy and it could be difficult for you to be objective since these are your belongings.

A move is also a good time to upgrade your home furniture. Perhaps your kids need a bigger bed or your new home calls for a new table or couch. If you have furniture that you no longer adore, have a professional organizer help you sell it before the moving day. Less furniture means lower moving costs.

The garage is another place where you can cut the weight since this is the area where most families store things they don’t use or need anymore. Once you are finished with all the heavy things, you and your professional organizer can help you with the toys.

2.Unpack as you get back to work

In most cases, the kitchen is the first room that is unpacked in their new house. You can hire a professional organizer so you will have someone to help you unpack your kitchen. They will arrange things in an organized method and label the fronts of your drawers and cabinets so your family could find the bowls, cereal, spoons, and coffee cups. As the organizing team starts to unpack all your kitchen items you could go to work, nap for a bit, and even go to the grocery store so your family won’t have to eat at restaurants all the time.

3.A professional recommendation is always best

As you find places for your things in your new home, a professional organizer will most likely come up with storage solutions for spaces that you may have not thought about. A reliable professional organizer will be able to suggest the appropriate shelf extender, and the right storage container, and give a few out of the box ideas for spots where you can store things when the usual areas are not available.

If your new home has limited closet space, a professional organizer could help determine how you could adjust the storage to fit your new home better. Don’t worry if there’s no linen closet. A professional organizer like Brunswick Organizing Solutions will be able to help you with one on one or virtual organizing.

Call Brunswick Organizing Solutions now and let our professional organizers help you pack and unpack your things to make your move easier, more convenient, and fun.

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Leland, NC 28451
910-477-3768
https://www.getorganizednc.com/

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Shallotte, NC 28470
910-477-3768

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-429-8158

Cities Served
Leland, Wilmington, Shallotte, North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Southport, Bolivia, St. James, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Carolina Shores, Calabash, Castle Hayne, Burgaw – Brunswick and Horry County

DOWNSIZING FOR PARENTS PART II

Downsizing is easier said than done especially when it involves parents. It requires careful thought, patience, and thorough planning. If you haven’t read the first part of this post, click this link. If you’re ready for the second part, then let’s proceed.

Before they find their next home, help your parents to reduce their possessions. Due to the amount of decluttering that must be done before they can sell their house, it will take on average three months.

Decluttering can be a physically and emotionally taxing task for seniors. Families should consider decluttering a process and not an event.

Guide To Downsizing

To break down the work, create a weekly plan

You don’t have to do the whole project in three months.

Once you have a plan, begin decluttering the spaces that are least important. For example, linen cabinets. Your parents can choose which rooms you will tackle first, and then move on to the more challenging rooms. Your parents will feel more confident and have greater emotional stamina if they are able to secure easy wins early in the process.

Donate or sell unwanted items in good conditions

Your parents can sell appliances and furniture on the internet. The money you make from selling the items can be used to pay for your parents’ moving costs.

To determine the value of antiques and collectibles, it is a good idea to take them to an appraiser before listing them online. Donate items that are of historical importance to your local historical society.

Donate any items that are left to charity. These items can be given to a local group, or left on the curb with a sign that says “free”.

If you have a lot of waste to dispose of, it is a good idea to rent a dumpster.

Renting a dumpster from a reliable company is a good option if you are expecting to have bags upon bags of trash.

Do not rush to reduce the “maybe” pile

Haste is almost always accompanied by regret. Reputable moving help companies suggest that seniors who are having trouble deciding what to keep should be treated with kindness by their families.

A few boxes can be used to store “maybe” items. This will help speed up the process. Each week, go through the box together with your parents to see what they need. Before your parents move in, pack all “maybe” items in a box. You can help your parents make final decisions once they have settled in.

Before you move, help your parents to reduce their possessions.

You’ll be able to see how much space your parents will have once they have purchased their next home. You can work with your parents to reduce the amount of stuff they still own.

Measure the new house of your parents, taking into account the dimensions of cabinets and closets. Next, calculate how many boxes you can fit into each storage space. This will give your parents an idea of the number of boxes they should bring to their new home. Avoid renting a storage unit for items that won’t fit into the new home if possible.

Protect your sanity by organizing your parents’ move

Once you have completed your decluttering, it is time to plan your move logistics. This is a crucial step that you must not underestimate. You will need to be organized and alert in order to assist your parents with a smooth transition.

Once you have a clear idea of the move date, search for and hire professional  moving helpers. To avoid any delays, book the company’s earliest available window on the day. Start packing your parents’ less-used items, such as holiday decorations and seasonal clothing, first.

Start packing more commonly used items like spare towels, kitchenware, or bathroom products as you get closer to the move-in date. To make the packing process easier, label every box with the following information:

• Destination room (i.e., living room, master bedroom, etc.)
• Weight: heavy, light, medium
• Fragile (if necessary)
• List of contents inside

Your parents should prepare their suitcases a few days in advance of the move. This includes clothes, medication, important documents, and hygiene products. They will have quick access to all their everyday possessions when they arrive at their new home.

Get ready for an emotional ride

No matter how well you and your parents plan for the move, it can cause sadness, guilt, and other emotions. During this final stage of your life, be sensitive and supportive.

As your parents begin to settle in, celebrate their downsizing.

It’s time for your parents to unpack and celebrate. Plan to go with your parents to visit the local hubs, and encourage them to get involved in their local community.

If your parents seem to be having trouble with the transition, you can help them by being patient and reminding them of all the benefits they have gained from downsizing their home.

Compassion is the key to senior parents’ downsizing.

Remember to help your parents downsize early, be patient, encourage positive feelings, and keep organized. Remember that it is your parents’ decision, not yours.

It’s up to them to decide if they are ready to downsize or not when they pull the trigger and what possessions they want to keep or toss. As their child, you can work with them to make it easier and give them the freedom to make their own decisions. You can also hire a professional home organizer who can help.

Call Brunswick Organizing Solutions if you need moving help, decluttering, downsizing, or organizing services.

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Leland, NC 28451
910-477-3768
https://www.getorganizednc.com/

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Shallotte, NC 28470
910-477-3768

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-429-8158

Cities Served
Leland, Wilmington, Shallotte, North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Southport, Bolivia, St. James, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Carolina Shores, Calabash, Castle Hayne, Burgaw – Brunswick and Horry County

DOWNSIZING TIPS FOR PARENTS PART I

Even the most meticulous plans for downsizing can go wrong, causing stress for both senior parents and their adult children. To help your parents downsize, it is important to have a plan, lots of time and increased emotional awareness.

We offer expert advice from three senior move manager who specialize in downsizing. This will help you plan for every stage of your parent’s downsizing, including how to:

• Start the downsizing conversation
• A senior-friendly real estate agent is available to help you.
• Find the ideal home for your parents
• Your parents’ home can be decluttered
• Help your parents with their move
• Celebrate the downsizing of your parents together
• Do it early and with compassion
• Hire a moving and packing company

Downsizing Tips You Need To Know

Many adult children fear that their parents will be offended or upset by the idea of downsizing. It doesn’t matter if you are hesitant to get in touch with your parents. The downsizing process will be much easier if everyone starts the process sooner than others.

Before a life event forces them to move, adult children need to discuss downsizing with their parents. Parents can have more time to discuss their feelings about moving and find a smaller home they love. They also have more control over the process. These are some tips for parents to consider when downsizing.

Expect more than one conversation to persuade your parents to downsize.

It is not common for someone to just decide that a home is too large.

Ask your parents questions about downsizing in everyday conversations to break the ice. This will allow them to talk about their feelings on downsizing without being confrontational. These questions will help you gauge the state of your parents.

• Can you imagine living in a smaller, more manageable home?
• Are you thinking of moving to a one-story home?
• Are you looking for help in going through your garage and donating items you no longer need?
• What would you like to spend the extra money on if you could lower your housing cost?

Consider downsizing as an opportunity to embark on a new adventure

Talk to your parents about downsizing. Don’t focus on what they would lose by moving.

Offer to renovate your parents’ home. You can help your parents improve their safety by supporting them while they downsize. These are some easy ways to make your parents’ home more accessible.

• Install handrails in the bathtub and shower.
• Take out any rugs your parents may trip over or have difficulty crossing when you use a walker.
• You can organize your cabinets by putting the most important items of your parents on the lower shelves.
• If necessary, add a wheelchair lift.

Keep in mind that your parents will decide whether they want to downsize.

Although you may think you know best what your parents want, it is ultimately up to them whether they decide to downsize. They can continue to live in their home even if they need to be supported by a caregiver.

Hire a senior real estate agent

Partner with a senior-friendly real estate agent when your parents are ready for downsizing.

Reach out to your network and ask for recommendations to find the top-rated agents in your region. Ask candidates about their past experiences and how they approach working with seniors.

Your parents can help you find a house while keeping your future needs in mind

Your parents will be able to select from many options, even if they limit their search to smaller properties. These are some of the factors that will help your parents choose the right home for them:

1. Affordability: Your parents should be able to determine what they can afford before buying a new home. This includes their retirement savings, their monthly budget, and their estimated earnings from the sale of their current home.
2. Accessibility: You should limit your search to single-story or multi-story homes with an elevator. Look for homes that have an accessible ramp or entrance that is flat. You can make it easy for your parents to move around the home, even if they have to change their health.
3. Maintenance: Would your mom like a small garden that she can use? Your dad might prefer a heated driveway that doesn’t require him to shovel. Talk to your parents about how much maintenance they can manage for a month. Keep in mind that they might underestimate and you may need to take over the work later.

Next, think about which type of housing you and your parents would be open to renting or buying. Here are the pros and cons of the most popular options.

1. Single Family Home: A single-family, single-story home for your parents. They will have the privacy and independence that comes with owning a large lot. They have full control over the renovations and repairs and can make modifications to the home as they wish. A single-family home, however, will need more upkeep and maintenance than other property types.
2. Condominiums: Condominiums are less maintenance than single-family homes. HOAs manage amenities like the pool, gym, common areas, and entertaining spaces. Your parents won’t have complete control over the property, and they will need to follow the community rules, including pet policies. Their privacy may be compromised by them sharing a wall with their neighbours.
3. Apartment: Your parents can rent an apartment. Their landlord will manage most of the property maintenance. Your parents may not be able to alter their living spaces and could face rent increases depending on local laws.

Our team at Brunswick Organizing Solutions is ready to assist you with your upcoming move, downsizing, decluttering, or home organizing projects. Call us now for more details.

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Leland, NC 28451
910-477-3768
https://www.getorganizednc.com/

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Shallotte, NC 28470
910-477-3768

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-429-8158

Cities Served
Leland, Wilmington, Shallotte, North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Southport, Bolivia, St. James, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Carolina Shores, Calabash, Castle Hayne, Burgaw – Brunswick and Horry County

HOME ORGANIZING TIPS FOR SUMMER

Now is the best time for home organizing and to get ready for summer! You’ll have plenty to do once your children are out of school and the weather warms up.

Get organized now to save time searching for sunscreen and toys, and spend more time enjoying summer. These are some simple ways to organize your house for summer.

Summer Home Organizing Tips

1. Make Your Summer Calendar

You will feel more prepared if you plan ahead for your summer calendar. It will also prevent events from sneaking up. This is a great opportunity to give your family some vacation days. Summer should be relaxing.

You should make space on your calendar for lazy summer days or spur-of-the-moment fun. Your summer calendar should be visible to everyone. This will allow everyone to know what’s happening in the summer.

2. Get Summer Essentials Now

Make sure you have enough space for your summer necessities in your home. This is the perfect time to stockpile sunscreen, aloe, bug repellent, first aid, and other essentials. Are you sure that you have enough beach towels? Are there enough life jackets? Swimsuits? You want to be able to store these items before the summer starts, and you also want to have somewhere to store them for easy access during summer.

3. Take Winter Away, Pack for Summer

Winter stuff takes up so much space! You will need to pack away some winter items if you are trying to organize your house for the summer. You may need to move winter items that are taking up space in your entry or dresser, as well as your garage, and store them.

Don’t forget to get rid of any winter items you don’t need. You don’t need to store things that you don’t use anymore.

4. Make summer rules or activities for your kids

Summer is the best time for home organizing especially if your children will be staying home. You might want to create a summer chore list or chart. You can give your children tasks to complete each week or day to help run the household. You can always hire a professional organizer to help you out.

5. How to organize your outdoor space for summer

It doesn’t feel like it’s summer until your patio furniture is set up. This is a great opportunity to clean your patio or deck, wash your tablecloths and get ready for summer by setting up your outdoor space.

6. Encourage children to entertain themselves

Contrary to what your children may believe, you aren’t a circus master. While it is great to take the kids on outings, it doesn’t mean that you have to entertain them every day.

Encourage your children to learn to play independently. This is a great way to help them develop independence and creativity.

7. Simplify dinnertime

It’s not something you want to do after a hot summer day. Make sure you have easy freezer meals that can be thrown in the crockpot or grilled.

Summer is something we all should enjoy. Call Brunswick Organizing Solutions now if you need help in organizing your home this time of year.

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Leland, NC 28451
910-477-3768
https://www.getorganizednc.com/

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Shallotte, NC 28470
910-477-3768

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-429-8158

Cities Served
Leland, Wilmington, Shallotte, North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Southport, Bolivia, St. James, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Carolina Shores, Calabash, Castle Hayne, Burgaw – Brunswick and Horry County

MOVING HELP: CHECK THE NEIGHBORHOOD BEFORE YOU MOVE

It’s the same thing that they say about renting or buying a house: Location, location, location. It can make a big difference in how happy you feel about your apartment or house. It’s difficult to know the neighborhood well until you’re there. However, it can be a good idea to do some research before you make a move. This will help you avoid a lot of buyer’s and renter’s regret later. It can be very helpful to check the details of the neighborhood before you commit to living there. Experts that provide moving help services have offered six things you need to do when checking the neighborhood before your move.

Moving Help: 6 Things To Do When Checking The Neighborhood

Take a look at the Walkability Score

You can use a tool such as Walk Score to assess how the neighborhood ranks in terms of convenience and walkability. A low walkability score will mean that you will need a car to get you where you want to go. However, a high walkability score can indicate that you can walk just fine.

Walkability scores measure how walkable a neighborhood is from a specific address. This includes things such as whether it’s possible to walk to the grocery shop if you want to, or whether there are sidewalks and bike trails connecting stores and houses. It is possible to gain key insights into the neighborhood’s residential density, accessibility to public transport, and general physical environment.

Take it on Yourself

It is often the best way to get to know a neighborhood. According to professional moving helpers, you can learn a lot about a neighborhood by simply walking around. This will reveal things like whether there are families crowded in parks and streets, or if people are friendly to each other. You can also enjoy the sights and explore your options for recreation, shops, and restaurants.

Walking can also point out the bad things. Is there a lot of garbage? Is it difficult to cross the street safely because of all the cars? Talking to a local agent or looking at photos of the neighborhood won’t give you a full picture of what to expect. You can take a walk to get a better idea of the neighborhood you are moving into.

Talk to people who live there

Asking locals is often the best way to find out about a place. Ask your family and friends who are local about their experiences and whether they would recommend the area. If you don’t know anyone who lives in the area, try reaching out through Nextdoor or a Facebook group.

Remember that everyone has different opinions about what makes a good place to live. Ask specific questions to find out what matters most to you before you seek out the services of professionals who offer move and pack help. For example, ask about noise levels in your home. If you are interested in networking or business, inquire about the community and the opportunities available to get involved. You can learn a lot from former residents and some of the information might not be possible to find elsewhere.

Give your Commute a Test Run

Your daily commute can make a huge difference in your quality of living. A Google Maps search may show you the route and time it would take, but it is better to just test drive your commute, either by car, bike, or public transit. Better yet, test drive your commute during times when you would be either travelling to work or returning from work.

You should consider whether this commute is something you are comfortable doing every day. Also, pay attention to amenities and whether you will have to travel through areas that might slow you down such as school zones or streets with lots of traffic lights. You might be used to getting a quick coffee or breakfast on the way to work every morning. If you plan to use public transit, get an idea of how crowded it will be at certain times. Also, consider whether you can comfortably read a book or take your phone along with you during your commute.

Take a look at the Property Value Trends

While this is not necessary if your home is rented, it is crucial if you plan to purchase. These indicators will show you whether the home prices in your neighborhood are rising, decreasing, or staying consistent. This is important information to have for making smart investments.

These trends have more to offer than meets the eyes. Analyzing how housing prices have changed over time can reveal a lot about a neighborhood’s history and potential. Based on the property tax rates within an area, you can make assumptions about whether schools and parks will be well-funded.

Property values will not tell the whole story. However, low property values do not necessarily mean that a place is not a good choice for you. But they’re worth looking into as you research a neighborhood–especially if you’re investing for the long term.

View Crime Rates

When you move into a new area, it’s normal to be concerned about the crime rate. However, the Fair Housing Act doesn’t allow real estate agents to reveal this information to clients. It’s up to you to research.

When you want to find crime statistics, there are several places to start. A tool such as Neighborhood Scout, AreaVibes or CityProtect can help you start to find crime statistics for specific areas. Family Watchdog, meanwhile, will let you see if any registered sex offenders are in your area. You can also do some Google searches on your own.

Remember that it is unlikely you will find a place where there is no crime. It is important to compare the reports to determine how they relate to the population density. While more people mean more crime, it does not necessarily mean that you are at greater risk.

While all of these steps will assist you in researching a neighborhood before you hire moving helpers, only you can decide what is most important. Keep your most important concerns and preferences in your mind as you research. Also, keep in mind that every neighborhood will have its own benefits and drawbacks. You should have a solid foundation of information to be able to make an informed decision about whether or not you would be happy with your residency.

Brunswick Organizing Solutions can help make your move a breeze. We rent boxes, and help you sort, pack and inventory your items for the move. We can take unwanted items to a charity, mark items for sale and help you make the important decisions. Call us today for moving help before you are overwhelmed.

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Leland, NC 28451
910-477-3768
https://www.getorganizednc.com/

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Shallotte, NC 28470
910-477-3768

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-429-8158

Cities Served
Leland, Wilmington, Shallotte, North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Southport, Bolivia, St. James, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Carolina Shores, Calabash, Castle Hayne, Burgaw – Brunswick and Horry County