3 Crucial Steps to Successfully Downsizing Your Home In 2021
According to one study, nearly half of Canadians have no plans of downsizing their home. Meanwhile, 34% intend to do it eventually while 18% already have. Downsizing is usually considered after retirement. Or, in times like these, when things are tough financially. The idea of getting a large lump sum will appeal to anyone, even at the sacrifice of their longtime sanctuary — or their childhood home. What is Downsizing and Why Do People Do It? Downsizing most commonly refers to purchasing a smaller home after selling a large one. Financial reasons for downsizing are to cut down on the mortgage or to get rid of it and other debt totally. You might also just want to put the money towards retirement. Or perhaps your monthly bills needn’t be as high because of your large home. Persons also undergo physical downsizing because their house no longer suits their lifestyle or family arrangement. New empty nesters or persons who simply have gotten tired of maintenance might also want to downsize. Maybe it’s no longer safe for you to go up or down your stairs due to old age or health issues, or you want to be closer to family and friends. 1. Understand the Costs of Downsizing Downsizing has a lot of benefits, but there are also quite a few setbacks you need to look out for. Luckily, only 9% of homeowners regret downsizing, so once you’re aware, you should be among the majority who don’t. Anticipate the hidden financial costs of downsizing: Real Estate fees Land transfer taxes Condo fees (if applicable) Administration fees Home appraisal Legal fees Moving expenses Furnishing and upgrades for new home Expect emotional costs to downsizing Most likely, moving to a smaller home will mean that you’ll have to part with some of your belongings as they might no longer fit your new living space. The decision of what to keep and what to throw out is often challenging. Of course, if you’re able, you could look into storage unit rentals so you won’t have to give up anything. Or, at least, you won’t have to give up those things that matter the most. However, if you’re downsizing from a home you’ve lived in for a long time, there’s simply no way to get around the loss of memories that were made there. All the life events that took place will now only be in pictures. Understand All the Practical Costs Downsizing might also mean sacrificing a good neighbourhood. Or, at least, one you’ve come to know and love. You’ll no longer enjoy your favourite swimming park or see familiar faces. If you end up moving to a more rural area — which is common for cheaper homes — you also won’t have easy access to cinemas, museums, and amenities you would normally frequent. 2. Get the Most Out of Your Sale If you understand the costs of downsizing and still want to push through, here’s how you can come out on the winning side of the sale: Know that staging your home is not always required. House or condominium staging is typically a good investment, but if you’re looking to save about $4,000, this might be the area to do so. Adopt the buyer’s perspective. Before putting your home up for sale, look at it objectively and be blunt about things a potential buyer might not like. Additionally, make the necessary cosmetic upgrades, changes, and repairs so you don’t lose a good sale. Sell at the right time — and at the right price. If you have a swimming pool, summer might be the ideal time to list your property initially. In certain locations, each city has a “best time” to sell. Research and plan to suit your needs. When you do finally decide to list, be reasonable, otherwise, your house may go stale and end up with a heavily diminished value. Get the right people to do the job. There are many real estate agents and companies out there, but not all of them are the right fit for you. Stack up your options for agents, advisors, maintenance managers, insurance brokers, and tax advisors as needed. Don’t settle. It might take some time to get a sale for the price you want. If this happens, don’t automatically agree when your estate agent suggests you markdown your home. Decide if you want to change your agent, or consider other options. 3. Keep Your Downsizing Options Open While selling your home will offer a lump sum all at once, it’s important to keep in mind the costs mentioned above. You might want to entertain the idea of renting your home instead. By converting your home to an investment property, you could enjoy potential savings of around 30% or more. Costs like new furnishings and moving to a new home can be avoided, but they’re more controllable than, say, agent fees (especially if you choose the right company). A second alternative might be to abandon downsizing altogether and upsize instead. Your local bank might offer a reverse mortgage option suitable for your needs. There are positives and negatives to this choice, however, so make sure you look into it with great care. Conclusion Whether you’re downsizing, upsizing, or staying right where you are, it’s essential to understand the key elements to a move and other forms of estate planning. Relocate Stress Free is here to help you have a smoother ride for all of it. Reach out to us for your next move, and know that you’re in the hands of trusted, experienced professionals.
5 Reasons Moving Is Good for Your Mind and Body
There are two drastically different sides to moving: being able to have a fresh start versus the hassle of learning a whole new habitat. Luckily, humans are easily able to adapt to the downsides, while there are many upsides to moving. Moving is no easy feat. To many, it’s downright scary. Yet it also brings with it many benefits for your mind and body. Once you realize that the challenges of moving can be overcome, you can focus on the many advantages. 1. You Learn More About Yourself Moving to a new place is like unlocking a new level of your potential. You’re forced to socialize in a new culture, find new hobbies, try different foods, and come up with ideas for unique situations you’ve never faced. In doing this, you learn more about yourself in previously unexplored ways. It might seem like you know yourself now, but see what a move can bring out of you and you would be surprised. Even the challenges from moving will show you your imperfects and give you an idea of areas you need to work on. How would you have reacted if your home had to be relocated due to an eroding coastline as the four families did this year? 2. You Leave the Worst of it Behind In moving, you probably know what exactly you DON’T want based on your prior location. You will also be more experienced in choosing the right moving company for a seamless transition. If you weren’t getting the help you need in terms of health, make sure you can in your new area. Moving allows you to leave behind certain people or situations which bring about stress. A breakup or divorce, a fallout with a friend, or recent unemployment may leave you overwhelmed. Your fresh start can help unload the weight of such challenges. 3. You Gain a Wider Perspective and Broader Network Based on how far away you’re going, your perspective can change significantly simply from moving. Even a small move will allow you to see outside your comfortable box. Experiencing certain issues firsthand, whether they be educational, religious, or economical, will positively impact your ability to see things in new ways. In gaining new perspectives, you’ll be talking to people you would never have spoken to if not for moving. New friends often mean beneficial connections and could be a stepping stone in your career. 4. You Learn to be More Grateful One of the most rewarding traits is having a sense of gratitude. Moving helps you achieve it in many ways. You learn to appreciate the people you now have to leave behind who won’t be around anymore. When packing, you probably won’t be able to take everything, so you’re more grateful for those items you can keep. When you finally move, you learn to be grateful for your former home and its lessons, and for your new abode. 5. You Become More Independent You might be moving somewhere that has no one to help you upon arrival. You’re forced to rely on yourself, and while that can be annoying, it forces you to be more independent, which is arguably always a good thing. It means you’ll develop bravery, and will be better able to handle tough situations in life. While you should still be willing to take help, you’ll probably learn what’s right for you on your new journey. Conclusion If you do your research properly, moving to a new place can indeed be everything it’s cracked up to be. Although there will always be unforeseen situations, they almost never override the positives of moving. (Choosing professional movers decreases the chance of any surprises). The benefits of moving on your mind and body should not be disregarded. Even the most luxurious home won’t be as enjoyable if you don’t appreciate the unseen aspects of a move Be aware of what you can’t see or touch when you make your next move.
7 Tips for Moving During the Summer
Moving in the summer has its good and bad, but the heat is what mainly stands out. There are also factors such as cost and scheduling. If you’re moving in the summer, make sure to be prepared with these tips. Like in many countries, in Canada, the number of moves increases drastically during the summer months. The peak time to move is in July. If you’re among those moving soon, here’s what you need to know. 1. Secure your Desired Day to Move Early On Summer moves are popular, so be sure to call and schedule your move with a trustworthy company way ahead of the actual day you plan to relocate. Also, speak to your landlord to make sure you don’t lose out with your lease. By staying ahead of things, you not only secure your spot, but you may also end up paying less since moving prices tend to increase during the summer due to high demand. 2. Keep Cold Water around to Stay Hydrated Be sure to put some liquids into the fridge so that, on the day of moving, you won’t find yourself getting dehydrated. Even if you’re not the only doing the heavy lifting, even a few minutes under the sun could leave you thirsty. Drinks should be kept nearby even if the weather is not that sunny. In general, moving is a physical task and everyone will want to stay hydrated throughout. Hold some bottles in a cooler if necessary. 3. Make Sure you’re Dressed Appropriately Summer weather calls for loose-fitting, breathable clothing. You want to go with light colors and choose what’s comfortable over what looks good. Linen and cotton are great options for moving. Ideally, you may want to wear clothing that you won’t mind will rip or stain. To top it off, you can stay cool with a hat, don a pair of sunglasses, and, of course, don’t forget the sunscreen! 4. Start the Move Early in the Day The sun’s UV rays are strongest between 11 am and 3 pm in Canada, so it works in your favor to start the move as early as possible. While you won’t be measuring temperatures (or maybe you will), you’ll certainly feel the effects of an extremely hot sun. After starting early, you can schedule a break when the sun’s heat peaks around noon. This will avoid falling prey to heat exhaustion. An early start also puts you in front of potential traffic. 5. Cool Down and Set Up your New Home Before moving, it’s wise to take steps in your new home to avoid an unwelcome heat bath. You may open the doors and windows, turn on fans, or switch the AC in a room to go sit in after moving. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure all your utilities have been turned on in your new spot. You may also consider keeping your car’s AC on for much-needed breaks throughout. 6. Keep Essential Items at Hand If you don’t like to keep your AC on in the car, considering carrying a portable fan to chill yourself during the move. Alternatively, you could keep a wet towel on your neck You’ll also want to hold onto any medication, a toothbrush and toothpaste, toilet paper, and sanitizers in case of any delays with the moving truck or otherwise. We do our best at Relocate Stress Free to bring you the most reliable, on-time service. 7. Look out for the Children and Animals While your kids and pets may be delighted to play outside under the summer sun, it’s best to keep them in the home while items are being packed. Inside, they’ll be away from the heat and less prone to wandering off. Furthermore, be wary of whether or not you’re moving to a new school district and get your child enrolled as soon as possible. Learn about community projects and activities they might want to take part in. Final Thoughts Summer moves might be the most convenient, but they also have the potential for the most discomfort. Remember to stay hydrated, plan ahead, and most of all, enjoy the summer skies as you make your fresh start.
8 Simple Ways to Go Eco-Friendly With Home Decor
Sustainable decoration is a phrase that may be lost on some of us, but being environmentally conscious and eco-friendly should always include our immediate surroundings — our home. It’s easy to think that going eco-friendly at home means sacrificing your preferred decor style, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Whether you’re moving soon or staying put, the planet will thank you. An eco-friendly home means you’ll be supporting sustainable businesses with good intentions, improving you and your family’s health, and boosting your mental and physical health. 1. Use Natural Wallpaper and Eco Murals Eco-murals are just one of many alternative options when it comes to wall decor. These items are printed using non-toxic, water-based latex. This means you’ll be breathing in better air. Companies that create these items aim towards increasing sustainable forestry. Fewer chemicals and less destruction of our natural greenery and wildlife means a happier earth. 2. Indulge in Vintage Goods Vintage items will never go out of style. Plus, they allow you to do the bare minimum when it comes to going eco-friendly — recycle. Typically, you can get vintage items for a low cost, too. If you are one of those who prefer the distressed vintage look, you also have the option to peruse the internet on sites like Ebay and others to find what you like. 3. Add Houseplants to Your Home House plants fight against pollutants and chemicals that linger as a result of other items in your home. Furthermore, they’re an inexpensive way to increase the level of oxygen in your space. 4. Repurpose Items from Your Home Some of us are more DIY-inclined than others, but all of us feel a sense of pride when we create new items that we can actually use. Keep this in mind as you rummage through old stuff to give them new functions. Repurposing means less trash and more imagination. Of course, the web is littered with ways you can recreate and redecorate various items lying around your home. This practice further adds personality to your space. 5. Go with Wood for Shelving Wooden decor is as timeless as it is beautiful. Using reclaimed wood to decorate your home is also one of the easiest ways to be sustainable. There are a number of means to reuse wood. 6. Embrace Natural Fibers There’s a growing appreciation for natural fibers as people become more conscious. Linen, sisal, raffia, cotton, bamboo, wool, and wicker are all great options for chairs, tables, beds, and other furniture pieces. Natural fiber items aren’t just gorgeous, they also tend to be more durable and give better airflow. Furthermore, the production of these is much less detrimental to our planet. 7. Use Low Consumption Bulbs and Solar Panels A long-touted way to be eco-friendly is by considering lighting carefully. Not only are low-energy bulbs cheaper, but they’re more sustainable and often less harmful to your eyesight. Additionally, some Canadian companies push forth the use of solar panels while building new homes. One such company makes sure to include six solar panels in every home they build from 2019. 8. Use Non-Toxic Paint These days, there’s no excuse for using chemical-ridden, synthetic paints. There are tons of eco-friendly options out there that come in an extensive variety of colors. The old way would see you breathing in volatile organic compounds, or “VOCs,” which pose a risk to the environment as well as your family. These reportedly increase allergens, so it’s best to avoid them. Final Thoughts There are other ways to be eco-friendly when you’re working on decorating your home. You could donate, and help others practice repurposing and sustainability as well. As much as you can, you should lose the plastic that’s in your home. Alternatives include glass and paper bags. Whatever you do, remember to reduce, reuse, and recycle. More and more, environmental-friendliness when it comes to home decor is turning into a viable option from every angle. If you’re moving, make sure to keep your eco-friendly options in mind as you stay ahead of the curve.
How to Safely Move during the Coronavirus Pandemic
Like most industries, the housing market is being affected by the coronavirus pandemic. However, the start of this year saw a 27 percent increase in home sales compared to last year. If you’re among those who are preparing to move amid COVID-19, be sure that there are lots of precautions to take as you start a new life in your dream home. To be sure, moving companies (like Relocate Stress Free), are considered essential services. So there’s no need to worry about the moving process. Here are some tips to ensure your safety. Go Electronic with Paperwork As much as you can, you’re going to want to avoid touching others and any items that don’t originate in your home during the pandemic. Ask your moving company if there’s a digital option for paperwork and money transactions. Make Use of Quarantine and Self-Distancing If you’re someone who’s working from home because of the pandemic, chances are you have more time on your hands to clean out your home properly to get the best moving experience. You’re probably not doing social gatherings either. So use this extra time to properly sort your belongings, getting rid of items you don’t need and organizing those you do. This will give you the freshest start in your new home. Have Ample Hygiene Products Nearby In case your movers are short, make sure you’re well stocked up on things like sanitizers, soap, and paper towels to aid them. As the moves go in and out of your home, encourage them to sanitize regularly. Let the Movers Know If Coronavirus Has Reached Your Family Go with full transparency to make sure everyone around you is safe. If you or your family are exhibiting symptoms of the coronavirus, let them know as soon as possible. Chances are, the company will still do the move with renewed protocols to keep workers safe. If you’re in isolation, tell them this as well so the appropriate actions can be taken. Don’t Let Medically Compromised Persons Help Remember that older persons or those with underlying conditions are at higher risk of mortality than others. As such, you should probably not ask them to be involved in the moving process. This isn’t insensible, rather, it’s showing compassion for those dear to you even if they might want to take part. Surely, you’ll want everyone around to enjoy your new home. Practice Social Distancing If social distancing makes you look paranoid among others, you’re probably doing it right. At the end of the day, there’s nothing wrong with taking safety measures that could benefit both you and others. Wear gloves and face masks Moving has never been about how we look entering our new home, but we can all agree that wearing a face mask and gloves is never fashionable. Do it anyway to curb the spread of COVID-19. Sanitize Your Items Once the moving company has done their job, you may want to go the extra mile and sanitize all your belongings. You might choose to do this outside your home before you bring the items in. Use New Moving Boxes If you’re doing things yourself, avoid using free or recycled moving boxes. Some reports claim that the coronavirus lives on cardboard for 24 hours, so avoid taking the risk. You may use boxes that are already in your home. The other option is to purchase new ones in a store. If possible, opt for self-checkouts to increase your safety. Stay in Contact with Your Movers It could be that you have to cancel your move because of the coronavirus. If this is the case, let the moving company know sooner rather than later. Even if it’s just a possibility, you might want to reach out and find out what the procedures are for canceling a move. Stay in control despite the circumstances. Wrapping It Up We’re doing our best to stay safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and we encourage you to do so as well. If there are new developments with the business as time goes by, we’ll let you know via social media.
10 Signs to Help You Decide When You Should Move
Figuring out when it’s time to change your daily environment is not always obvious. Maybe you’re over your neighbors, your kids have moved out, or you just want a change of pace from the slow country life to the fast city — or vice versa. If you’re struggling to make a decision to move, here are some factors that could help you make a confident choice. It’s a little cramped at home Perhaps you need a spare room for visitors or a relative who’s moving in. Or maybe you just welcomed a new addition to your nest. It could also be that your stuff has taken over your floors due to a lack of space. If any of the above is happening, then yes, you should probably get a bigger place. You’re moving on up Another common reason for an upgrade could just be due to preference. Renovations are nice and all, but they typically go way beyond what you expected and are sometimes more trouble than they’re worth. Plus, it’s just not always possible to implement the upgrades you desire on a home that’s already limited in so many ways. If that’s the case, don’t hold yourself back from living your best life and moving to a nicer spot. You hear echoes when you speak Of course, it might be the exact opposite of the above two. It’s definitely possible to have too much space in a home — especially if it doesn’t suit your character. Additionally, you may have just become an empty nester. It may be time to let go of your home despite the memories, and move on to a more cozy — and easier to clean — downsized home. You can’t trust anyone Ok, maybe you can still trust some neighbors, but perhaps your location isn’t the safest around. This could have been happening for a long time and you’ve only just reacted, or it could be an unfortunate new situation. Either way, anything that makes you feel unsafe or disturbs your peace — we’re looking at the disruptive neighbors — is a reason to get out. You deserve better. Your job is an issue Starting at a new job is a common reason to move, more so if it’s one you worked hard to get. Don’t hold yourself back by staying where you are if you have a new job or want to look for one. It could also be that the commute to your current job is simply too much to handle. Avoid that stress (which, by the way, is our job to help you with at Relocate Stress Free) by packing up your bags and finding a job closer to your place of employment. Your finances are calling out It’s not always easy to support your preferred living situation and social life, especially when you’re living in an expensive neighborhood. Sometimes a good move is all we need to step out on the weekend with friends. Your daily weather report is always painful It might not seem like a justified reason to change your whole location, but some people can live on the beach, while others love the city. To each their own. At the end of the day, a constant damper on your mood is not something you should ignore as it can affect your health and emotional state. If you’re done with the hot or cold, switch it up with a move. Your family needs you When life gives you lemons… you know the rest. Sometimes, the unexpected occurs and you’re forced to go take care of an aging parent or support your partner by moving. Don’t let it set you back. The children might also have a role in this. Perhaps you need to find a better school for whatever reason. Don’t blame yourself for realizing that moving might be best at this point. For the children. Your goals are different Sometimes, you’ll want to move because you’ve either achieved something you came to do or no longer want to do, you might be better of moving to get that sense of achievement we all want. Your gut tells you to If you’ve bored with your job, make sure others out there are better. Feeling stuck in general? scout your area for a new hobby, restaurants, park, or other hot spots you may have missed. Don’t move just to run away from your problems — that’s something within you need to fix. And if none of that applies, but there’s a loud voice telling you to follow your heart, then do it. Before moving But first, consider your finances and the budget you’ll need to make such a big change. Look at those you’re leaving behind, and think about your family and how it will affect them. Most of all, be sure that you and your family are in the right emotional space to take the leap and upheave your current lives. Moving is no joking matter. Thankfully, we at Relocate Stress Free will keep a smile on your face throughout the entire moving process. If you’ve finally made the big decision, reach out to us to see how we’ll help.
How Mental Health Improves from a New Year’s Move
New Year, new house? If you’re moving at the start of the year, you don’t want to be bogged down with any burdensome tasks. Rather, a sense of relief should be the result of your latest move. In addition to getting the right professionals to help you, moving is a plus for your mental health for a number of reasons. You not only get a fresh start, but you also get a cleaner environment. Out With The Old… Typically, a move leads you to a rejuvenated home that you’re not going to want to fill with old, unused possessions acquired over the years. You’ll probably want to put run down furniture and unused valuables into storage. Another option is to donate these items. Giving back for the new year, combined with a new, cleaner space, eases the mind. A New Chapter Awaits Whether or not anything else in your life changes, moving closes out a chapter in your life and begins a new one. In many ways, you’re now able to leave behind any negativity, reevaluate your life, and start over. Save Some Money In making a new beginning, you can organize things so that you have more money after the big move. Aside from a profitable house sale, you might also opt to downsize your home. A smaller home is not just cheaper, it’s also a plus as it puts you in closer contact with your companions. You’re also obliged to make wiser purchase decisions as there’s less space to put it. Get New Neighbors Your old neighborhood and the people that came with it might be a legit factor in your decision to move. Either way, you’re going to have new neighbors and possibly new friends when you relocate. You can’t know in advance who you’ll click with, but meaningful connections are among the top ways to improve mental health. Further, you get a chance to be a better you — if possible — in your new circle. Circling Back If you haven’t moved just yet, there are also things you can do to mentally prepare. Now that you know it’s blue skies ahead, there’s no reason to be afraid, but there are always ways to be more ready. First off, don’t disregard your routine with old friends. Amid the organization and packing, set time aside for lunch dates. Your kids’ routines should also remain in place so they don’t stress about leaving their home and friends. Consider Going Green The green bandwagon is not just a trend, and if you’re on it, you know how good it feels to make a positive impact on the environment. Fortunately, there are a lot of ways to do this while moving. Make use of old newspapers, clothing, and linens for wrapping fragile and non-fragile items. Your home also probably offers a range of tote bags and containers you can use. Take advantage of a moving company that uses reusable boxes — such as Relocate Stress Free — or rent plastic containers. The professionals can definitely help here. Mind Your Physical Health Of course, moving involves a lot of physical tasks as well. Be prepared for the job by keeping up with your exercise routine if you have one. If you don’t yet, that’s fine (just make a new year’s resolution for it!). Regardless of your physical state, be sure to use the proper equipment like gloves with grips, wrist and knee braces, and well-cushioned shoes. Pretend as if you’re going to the gym. In line with that, you’re going to want to eat and drink as needed ahead of and during your moving task. Stay hydrated with water, rather than caffeine and sugar which do the opposite. Finally, pace yourself if possible. We know you’ve got a schedule to stick to, but try and remain steady to avoid injury and reduce stress. Above all, make sure you get sufficient sleep for both your physical and mental health.
Our Top 5 Tips For Moving In The Fall
The fall is a busy time of the year. Getting back into a normal routine after the summer can be stressful and exhausting as it is, never mind if you’re trying to move too. Moving in the fall has its perks and its negatives just like any other time of the year. To make the most of your move in the fall and ensure a smooth transition, take a look at these tips. Declutter from the Summer You may have clothing items, swimwear, beach gear, outdoor furniture, toys and other items that are on their last legs. Instead of wasting space packing these items and moving them just to throw them away next year, discard them now. If there are items in good shape that you know you won’t use, donate them and ditch the items that are a little worse for wear. It’s always a good idea to thin your wardrobe at the end of each season. Donate items you or your family members never wore, or that you/they don’t like. It will save you a ton of time, space and money! Reconsider Storage Options When living in a place with challenging seasonal weather like we have here in Alberta, consider the benefits of putting some items in storage. Doing so during your move will help keep your moving truck clear of heavy or bulky items that you may not use until spring or summer again. Outdoor furniture, gardening tools, BBQ’s, lawnmowers and more are all common items you can place in storage. Placing items you know you don’t need in storage, saves you time during packing, saves space in the moving truck and makes the unpacking process easier. Pack by the Season Packing seasonal items together makes it easy to find everything you need when you’re on the other end of your move. If you move at the beginning of September you may be dealing with weather very similar to summer but by the time you get settled and totally unpacked it could be cool fall weather. Packing all your seasonal items ensures everything you need shortly after you move is easily accessible. Setup Utilities in Advance There is nothing worse than getting to your new home on a cool fall day to find that you still need to set up electricity and gas. Getting new accounts setup can take a few days, which is fine if the weather is warm but if not then it can be a chilly few days. Take a few minutes during your packing to make a call to your utility companies and let them know what day you move into your new home. Put Down Plastic When Moving When moving in and out during the fall it’s possible to track in wet leaves, dirt or mud depending on the weather. Setting down plastic in the place you’re moving out of will make the cleanup process easier, ensure that the new buyers are happy with the cleanliness of their new home upon possession, or if you’re renting, makes sure your damage deposit comes back to you. When you are moving to your new place, using plastic will save you clean up time too since unpacking is already so much work as it is. Moving in the fall doesn’t need to be a stressful situation. Relocate Stress Free is here to help if you need assistance packing, moving and unpacking too!
Moving In The Summer? These Tips Are For You
As most people know, summertime is the most popular time for moving. Most people also know that moving is strenuous work. Add the summer heat to the stress and the strenuous work. Here are five tips to make your summertime move a breeze. Think Ahead Planning ahead is one of the most important things you can do when moving at any time of the year. Since summer is the busiest time of the year for movers, you need to plan in advance if you’re hiring a company. The best moving companies fill their schedules quickly. If you can, start looking for movers at least 4-6 weeks in advance if you can. To avoid the last-minute rush, pack your belongings in the 1-2 week period before your movers arrive and ensure you’re organized for moving day. Research Do thorough research on which moving company to hire. Researching one or two movers might seem like enough, but you need to dig deeper. There are many companies out there and you should talk to several of them to ensure you’re getting the best price and the best value for your investment. Beat the Heat When it’s possible you should always try to beat the heat of the day. If you can arrange your moving company to arrive early in the morning while it’s still somewhat cool. By doing so your movers can get the bulk of the heavy lifting done in the cooler temps. Remember to keep yourself hydrated and if you’re helping out, wear light clothing to avoid overheating. Heatstroke is a serious problem when you’re moving in the summer. Move on the Least Busy Days The beginning and end of the month and weekends are always busiest when it comes to moving day. If you can, arrange your move for a weekday to give you more options when choosing who to hire, and also to save yourself some money. Weekend moves or moves during the busiest times of the week can leave you paying top dollar just to get the help you need. Take Care When packing your items for the moving truck. Take care to ensure that any items sensitive to heat are taken with you in the car. Candles can melt and get wax on your other items. Certain instruments, CD’s and records can warm or get damaged under high temperatures. If you think it’s hot out, it’s significantly hotter inside a moving truck. Moving companies always want to ensure that your items are delivered in excellent condition, so cooperation from you can be incredibly helpful on super hot days. Moving, especially during the busy summer months can be extremely stressful. The goal of your moving company should be to make things easier on you, however, the 5 points above are all things you can do to make it easier on yourself too.