If you’ve been thinking about moving, we’re here to say: go for it! Moving is one of the best ways to start fresh, and if you’re looking for a new place, there are so many great places to choose from. Moving takes courage and commitment, but it can also be one of the most rewarding things you’ve ever done. You’ll be able to see new things and meet new people, and if you’re relocating for work or school, you’ll have an opportunity to learn new skills and grow in your field. But before you start packing up your life in boxes, let’s talk about what makes a successful relocation.Whether you’re moving across town or state lines, there are some important things to consider when moving.
Tips to Store Fragile and Dangerous Items
4 Tips for Organizing Your Home
Have you heard the saying, “a place for everything and everything in its place”? What a GREAT rule of thumb to live by when focusing on organization in your home. If you are like so many others, you walk in the door and drop your keys wherever you stop first. Fast forward, it’s now time to leave and you can’t find your keys and everyone is getting a little comedy show with breakfast watching you run around in a tizzy looking for them. This is avoided by following that rule, and maybe a key rack or basket by the front door! Check out these 4 tips for some of the best ways to keeping your home neat and organized! Declutter The first step to organizing a cluttered house is, in fact, decluttering. Learning how to get rid of stuff is a necessary first step. Because if you don’t, you will just end up shuffling clutter from one room to the next, trying to find somewhere to make it all fit. Clutter is probably the biggest reason for disorganization. A few great ways to remove clutter could be recycle things, have a garage sale and donate reusable items. Clean Out Your Closet Every Season By removing summer clothes for winter months you free up a ton of space. It will allow you to easily access the clothing for the current season and also leave you space for any new purchases. Any empty looking closest is about the best reason to justify a shopping trip. That’s a win, win! Pro tip- that garage sale money you just made from decluttering could go towards funding your shipping trip to fill your freshly emptied closet! Labels and Baskets Are Your Friend Grouping like items in baskets keeps them organized and easily accessible. Baskets are your friend here. They are so versatile. You can mix and match sizes to meet your needs. You can also label them or colour coordinate them. They can be used in vanity drawers, dresser drawers, pantry shelves, even the play room. Labelling the baskets makes finding things much easier and a lot more efficient. For children who can not read labels colour coordination may be an easy way for them to tidy their toys and keep organized. Pro tip- check out your local dollar store for a selection of baskets. They usually have tons of options. Put It Away. Right Away. You have worked so hard to declutter and give everything a home. Now comes the hard part, you have to keep it that way. It may seem like an easy idea, but the most simple way to keep things organized is to put your things away in their place immediately after using them. It can be as simple as hanging up your coat after you wear it. The more little things you can do throughout the day, the less likely you are to create clutter in the first place. A little bit each day will keep your home organized and ultimately you feeling more relaxed.
10 Tips For Decluttering Your Home, Simply
Decluttering is something we all dread, however, it is a necessary part of living comfortably. If you stay on top of the decluttering process it will be easier to get ready to sell your home, should you ever need to.
10 Reasons Why You Should Declutter Your Home This Fall!
Decluttering is something we all dread, however, it is a necessary part of the moving process. If you stay on top of the decluttering process it will be easier to prep and stage your home for showings! These creative tips will help you to declutter your home, simply. 1. Work in 15 minute increments. If you find yourself weighed down by the idea of decluttering your home for an entire day or weekend, try a 15 minute schedule. The short time frame makes it simple to stick with long term, even for the busiest people. 2. Say goodbye to guilt. It is common for people to feel guilty for getting rid of items they no longer need or want. Avoid feeling guilty about “wasting” your stuff by donating items to a local thrift store, women’s shelter or homeless shelter. Giving back is a great way to see the positive in your decluttering efforts. 3. Add decluttering to your to do list. To hold yourself accountable to completing the decluttering process, add it to your ongoing to do list. This will help you to stay on track with what needs to get done. 4. Declutter rooms in sections. Start at the door and work your way toward the centre of the room. Continue with your efforts until you reach the opposite side of the room. This will make decluttering feel like a process broken down into steps and decrease any feeling of overwhelm. 5. Start and finish your decluttering efforts in one room before beginning another. This includes closets, dressers, desks, etc. 6. Minimize your storage space. Keeping storage space to a minimum will give you less space to fill with more stuff once you have removed excess items from your home. 7. Follow the 6-month rule when purging your closet and dresser. If you haven’t worn clothing for more than 6 months add it to your box of donations. 8. Ask for help. Outside sources have no emotional attachment to any of your items and can help your make decisions when items fall into a grey area. 9. Create a designated space for mail and other papers. A junk drawer or a filing system needs to be in place in every home to cut down on the clutter caused by incoming mail. 10. Make it a family affair. Working together on organizing your home is a great way to bond with your spouse or children and a joint effort will ensure the habit sticks. After purging the clutter, you may be shocked to see how much room you have and how many fewer things you need to pack. Looking for support with an upcoming move? Let us do the heavy lifting!
6 Reasons to Move During the Spring
It’s finally here. Springtime! It’s officially the season of all things new, and what better way for new beginnings than with a big move? Calgary is seeing a growth in the older population in recent times. Are you among them? Where are you heading for your next move? Equally important is when are you relocating? For many, summertime is the ideal time to move. In reality, though, there are many benefits to moving during the spring. In fact, we highly recommend it for these reasons: 1. The Weather is Better People often forget about the debilitating summer heat when they opt to move during the summer months. As for the snow, injuries are possible even when you take strong precautions due to the ice. While the spring season comes with its own challenges, a quick look at the weather report should give you a fair warning to avoid surprise showers. Other than that, you’ll be avoiding heat exhaustion and frozen fingers. 2. The Cost of Moving is Low Because so many have scheduled their moving days for the summer, more moving companies are available to cater to you. According to economics, the higher the supply and the lower the demand, the lesser the price. By moving during the spring, you’re saving yourself a heap of money. Of course, it’s still recommended to give movers notice ahead of time — even if they’re not too busy. 3. The Kids Are Out of School Spring break is around the corner. Whether your kids go to school in-person or virtually, they now have more time to help you with moving. They can clean, pack and prepare for the big move without worrying about their studies. 4. You’ll Have a More Relaxed Summer All moves require work. And who wants to work during the summer? By moving during the spring, you’ll be way ahead when it comes to unpacking your items before the holiday season. You can go all-in for your summer vacation and not feel weighed down by the thought of a move. That’s done with! Spend your first summer in your new home with a carefree state of mind. 5. It Will Encourage You to Do Spring Cleaning Spring cleaning can be a pain. But if you move during the spring, you now have the motivation to get it out of the way. Well, you kind of have to if you intend to sell your home at a decent price. A good home cleanup will also leave you with more money in two ways: The movers will have less to carry, assuming they charge for weight. You can do a garage sale for things you no longer want or need. 6. Spring is the Ideal Time to Sell Your Home Since most people are bent on moving during summer, they need to have a new home to go to. During spring, there are a lot of home buyers looking to find their new beginning, too! The housing market is not like most. When the demand for houses is high, the costs go up — not down! Additionally, you get a wider pick of who you’re going to leave your old home to. Statistics show that this year is especially promising for house selling, with a record 2% increase in sales from December to January following consistent growth in sales over the past few months. Remember This When Moving During Spring There’s no way around it. Spring is a great time to move. But before you do that, remember that spring is allergy season. Keep these tips in mind: Check the pollen count in the air around your moving day. Avoid moving on windy days or take allergy pills if you do. Seal moving boxes well. Take eye drops to thwart pollen discomfort. The Relocate Stress Free team is all set to make your spring move as easy as possible. Give us a call or contact us today to get ready for your new beginning!
How to Best Prepare Your Home for Sale
In 2020, Canadian home sales rose by 7.2% from November to December, cementing the yearly increase in sales for the year. The number of new listings naturally increased. And for the year, more than 550,000 homes were sold, over 12.6% that of the previous year. People are selling — and winning — with home sales in the nation. Even the average house price has gone up by 17% at $607,000. Will you be jumping on the bandwagon? To get in on this profitable real estate trend, it’s going to take preparation. When considering a home sale, you might feel overwhelmed. It’s a daunting task to get everything in order. But it doesn’t have to be. In just about a month — and with a little help from us — you can feel at ease knowing you’ve set yourself up for a successful home sale. First, Declutter Your Home Will your potential buyers go for a clean home or a dirty home? This is a no-brainer. Declutter your home and get that out of the way before anyone shows up to have a peek inside. Let There Be Light Now that your home is clean, make sure there’s a spotlight on it. This is especially crucial for photos you’ll be using to market your home online. Brighter homes with tons of lighting appear more spacious and inviting. Fix All the Things Do your due diligence and make sure your home is inspected prior to putting it on the market. Then fix what needs to be fixed. Even though it’s a one-time process for you, it’s a brand new start for your buyers’ life, so make it a positive experience for them and don’t leave any tasteless surprises. Revamp Your Curb Appeal Just as the inside matters, so does the outside of your home. First impressions are key. So be sure your exterior is as welcoming as the interior. You can enhance your curb appeal by placing flower pots outside, hiring a landscaper to clean your lawn, repainting peeling walls, and clearing your walkway. A colourful wreath can also give more life to your entrance. Have Focal Points Homebuyers are going to remember special areas of the home that catch their attention. So create those and draw them out using bright colours or accents. For example, you can add bright green throw pillows on your window seat, or place a bowl of fruit on your luxurious island. Go Natural To get the effect of focal points, you’re going to want to keep your colours as neutral as possible. Neutral does not mean boring. Quite the opposite. Softer colours are trending now — and for good reason. They help with the minimalist appeal which enhances how large a home appears. Plus, they relax your buyers. Get Rid of Smells Your house should not be a stinkfest when potential buyers arrive. That’s a given. However, you should further consider less noticeable (at least to you) scents that may be lingering around. Once you’ve taken care of the bad smells, what about the good ones? While it’s not necessary, you could put cookies out to have a “homey” baking smell around. This will create a connection with your kitchen. Mind Your Pet Not everyone is a pet lover like you are. In fact, some people are against it. So make sure you hide or place your pet’s things in less conspicuous locations around your home. Toys, beds, food bowls and the like should not be in the way when walking, nor should they be in the buyer’s direct line of eyesight. Rent a Storage Unit Since a minimalist approach is an ideal technique for home sales, you might need to store some furniture, artwork, or other large items. Renting out a storage unit will keep your items safe while you grant buyer’s more space to move around. Get a Professional Clean Don’t want to do the necessary cleaning yourself? Then consider hiring a cleaning company who will do the job right and increase your chances of getting that sale. Remove Personal Decor Remember, buyers walk into the house imagining themselves there in the future. It’s best to take down family photos or kids’ artwork before they stop by. This might not be easy for you, but it’s kind of a must-do if you want to get a sale. Place Plants Inside Bringing nature into your home is an easy way to increase positivity in your space. This applies when you’re ready to sell as well. It can be a vase filled with flowers, or a simple house plant. You can bring in one of your plants from outside and use it temporarily for your viewings as well. Ensure that the plants are thriving and have no bugs on them. Renovate Doing a faux renovation can do wonders for your buyers’ experience while viewing. Maybe your faucet or hinges need some changing. How about upgrading those curtains? Small renovations can make all the difference. Conclusion Your home sale preparation doesn’t have to be a headache. In fact, it can boost morale as you anticipate moving to your own new abode. Downsizing? Read our previous blog post on the three crucial steps you need to take for a successful downsize. There, we also talk about getting the most out of your sale. And don’t forget to reach out to us when you’re ready to make your move to your new home.
8 Ways to Reduce the Stress of Moving During the Holidays
Moving during the holidays can be a challenging task. Not only is it the busiest time of the year commercially, but you have to ensure to keep gifts hidden from the kiddos and, of course, watch the weather. There are benefits, however, such as lower rates during what is an off-peak moving time. This is especially helpful considering that the effects of the weather might make it difficult for friends to assist you. If you are among those trying to get in your move before the peak of the holiday season, here are some ways to reduce the stress of relocating in late November or December. Plan Ahead Nothing beats a well planned out move. As early as you can, start packing items you won’t be using soon, and make arrangements to have utilities turned off. Also, secure a moving company way ahead (Go with Relocate Stress Free if you want to dispel the rest of the stressful situations that might arise during a move). Be mindful of the weather when you schedule the move, and have a contingency plan in case you need to stay somewhere temporarily on short notice. Purge Your Home A de-cluttering session significantly cuts down on the stress you might encounter during a holiday move. Deep cleaning your home means you will have less to pack into boxes and move. In addition, you will be making space for the “stuff” that comes along with the season. Gifts, decorations, and more might be on their way to your new home. The holiday season is one of the best times to donate items you no longer use. The entire family can play their part in choosing items to give away, showcasing their holiday spirit. Secure Important Documents Once you’ve planned ahead and don’t have to rush your move, you should have enough time to secure your most important documents. Keep things like birth and marriage certificates, bills, and bank records organized. You are also going to want to have your moving contracts, closing papers, and rental agreements somewhere. A document showing a list of contacts should be kept in a folder close by in case of emergencies. Be Mindful of Cold-Sensitive Items Moving during the winter is vastly different from moving in the summer. Sub-zero temperatures will put items like glass, wooden furniture, electronics, houseplants, and musical instruments at risk of damage. Protect your belongings by placing them in layers of bubble wrap, using thick blankets, and using insulated packing materials. Consider storing electronics in airtight containers. Further, remember to put liquids in containers that will allow for expansion and avoid breakage when frozen. Finally, protect wooden furniture by waxing them no less than two weeks prior to moving. Check the Weather and Adapt Always be sure to stay updated on the weather as you get closer to your move. You may have to change certain arrangements or simply take steps to avoid cleaning stress. The wet sidewalks might see a lot of muddy boots entering your home. Try placing flattened cardboard boxes to prevent a messy floor. Better yet, go with plastic sheets to avoid water. Check Your Taxes and Reduce Costs The financial strain of moving will have you looking for any option to cut costs. You may want to consult with an accountant or use tax software to find out if you’re able to deduct moving-related expenses. Organize Items Intentionally Since you might be decorating as soon as you step into your new home, be sure to pack decor in an easy-to-reach place. In addition to those, put familiar items altogether so that you can brighten up your new place right away. Those items that hold sentimental meaning and truly make your home a home will be needed immediately for the holiday season. You’ll want to make a shortlist so you know exactly what to pack. Buy a vacuum sealer. Just for this time of year, you should purchase a vacuum sealer to store summer clothes since you won’t need access to them for a few months. This will help reduce the moving space you require and protect your items. Conclusion Moving during the holidays should bring about joy, not stress. Enjoy the drive to your new home, bask in the decorated sites, and make it as stress free as possible.
Moving in Fall 2020? — These Dos and Don’ts will Help
Hesitated with moving during the summer? If so, you can breathe easy now that the fall season is here. Fall typically means cooler weather and a much easier moving process without the sun beating down your back. Of course, the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba all faced unexpected strong winds and showers during their abrupt transition to fall in early September. This leads us to the first “DO” for moving during fall. DO Be Mindful of the Weather While the fall season is admired for having temperatures that are just right — not too hot and not too cold — you never know what can happen. We’ve already had one surprise. The fewer surprises you have when moving, the better. DO Purchase New Moving Supplies Usually, we’ll look to friends and local businesses for free boxes when moving. While this is a great way to save money, there’s a risk that comes with doing that this year. The coronavirus is still alive and moving around. To put safety first, it’s best to buy new supplies like boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, and tape, rather than borrowing from others. DO Prepare a Checklist As we mentioned, there’s nothing worse than an unexpected surprise when moving. Avoid this by having a checklist in place so you are fully prepared and on top of the moving process. Your checklist may include finding the right moving company a month ahead, hosting a garage sale, getting the forms for an address change or doing it online, scheduling disconnections, and canceling subscriptions. DO Declutter Before you Move Not decluttering before a move, especially if you’ve followed our second tip, will lead to more spending. You’ll have to use more boxes — which you’re buying this time around. It might also mean more movers and increased charges from the moving company. It might be a hassle for you to declutter beforehand, but you will thank yourself when you unpack at your new home. Additionally, decluttering will give you a fresher start on your journey. There’s no doubt you have some junk laying around that needs to throw — not come along with you to your brand new home. DON’T Pack Last Minute Last-minute packing is the absolute opposite of what you want to do for a successful move. In your head, you might calculate that it will take you much less time than you truly need to pack. Remember, time flies. The stress of moving is already a weight on your back, so don’t overburden yourself with rushed packing. Start by packing those items you use least often, and work in small portions. DON’T Hire Movers too Late Allow yourself enough time to choose professional movers by hiring early. It takes time to scout out the right company for your needs. But if you take too long, their available slots might get filled. Last-minute hiring could also mean a bigger price tag among the few choices you have left. Ideally, you’ll want to secure moves at least two months in advance, and a month at the latest. DON’T Forget to Share the News Moving can take up a lot of time and mental energy. Although it’s in your checklist, it’s worth mentioning that you ensure you inform the right people about your move. Sometimes, phone calls are a hassle. Yet you will want to let close relatives know about your new location. You will also have to update your bank, post office, and organize things with your utility provider. Final Thoughts Moving can be easy once you have the right team of movers — speak to us to find out if we are that team — and stick to these dos and don’ts. If you’re moving this fall, also keep in mind the risks presented by COVID-19, and take the right precautions. The week before the move, you should be able to sit back, relax, and smile with confidence.
Downsizing Your Home? — 8 Things to Do First
Downsizing to a smaller home is a bigger step than most people think. The benefits are also often overlooked. It’s more economical, easier to clean, and homier. Parents who become empty-nesters are big on downsizing. People also downsize due to divorce, lowered income, or because they have to move for various reasons. Thankfully, only 9% of people who downsize regret it. Whatever the case, downsizing will bring about drastic changes. Some are inherently good – like getting a fresh start. Others are not as great. Avoid downsizing challenges with these tips. 1. Establish the right mindset. You may want to find someone you trust who is a good listener to open up to about moving. The act of packing can draw a lot of memories that might be difficult to dwell on. Having to let go of certain items may also take a toll on you. However, you shouldn’t see it as a loss, nor should you feel too connected to things (family heirlooms are an exception). Instead of looking back with regret, focus on where you want to see yourself in the future and how the items you decide to keep will fit into that bright, new plan. The right mindset also means planning ahead. Make sure you hire a reliable moving company and schedule ahead of time so you’re not left with the headache of doing things on your own when you want to move. 2. Take pictures of your old home. Taking pictures of your old home is great for three things when it comes to downsizing. First, you get to look back at the space where memories were made and know that you will always have a piece of those items you eventually throw away. Second, pictures help you decide what items you absolutely want to keep that you were previously going to toss. If your eyes go quickly to certain items in a photograph, it probably means you shouldn’t let them go. Third, you can use the design and arrangements from your old home to get an idea of how to do the new one. Your new home will, of course, be different, but it will still be you. 3. Pare down items and only keep your favorites. Expand the idea of downsizing to all aspects of your new home. You probably do not need several spatulas in the kitchen, and the “good” grater likely does the job each time. Throw away the rest of each item. Similarly, it might not be the best idea to carry over entire collections. If you’ve received tons of wine over the years, feel free to keep your favorite bottles and sell off or give away the rest. 4. Examine your new home with care. This might be obvious, but it’s tempting to just pick up your favorite large pieces of furniture and pray that they will fit into a smaller home. Instead of doing that, be more precise. Get the measurements for each room of your new home and know beforehand what will and won’t fit. That way, you’ll avoid the headache of struggling to fit something in and possibly having to let it go last minute. 5. Discuss items of value with family. If you’ve lived in your home for a long time, chances are your relatives are attached to certain items of sentimental value. Their feelings will make it easier to decide what to keep and what to toss. 6. Keep, Toss, and Donate — and Start Early. Again, your family needs to be part of this process. You may want to go as far as having them go through their old high school memorabilia and decide what they want to hold on to. Each day, you can set apart some time (about 30 minutes) to clear out a small area of your home. You only need three boxes — labeled “keep,” “toss,” and “donate,” to get the ball rolling. Remember to keep your mind open to alternatives for certain items. You can digitize photos and scan receipts you may need. Be strict but forgiving when it comes to what you throw out. 7. Get Help From Friends Friends can help you both physically and by giving advice. That old attic that’s filled with junk is not a one-man job. Ask anyone if they’re willing to pitch in, keeping in mind any allergies and being mindful of heavy loads. Speaking to persons who have already downsized is a huge help. They can fill you in on what to expect and motivate you about the wonderful realities that come with a smaller space. If you’re not acquainted with anyone who has downsized, reach out to an experienced company for help. 8. Stop ordering and acquiring things. Now is the time to stop any impulsive shopping. Change the way you look at acquiring things. More items typically means more clutter. In a newly-downsized home (or any home), clutter is the last thing you want. A useful rule is to get rid of one thing every time you buy something new. This will keep your home clean and organized and will leave you with no regrets about downsizing. Conclusion The most important thing to consider when downsizing is the reduced space. While you might have grown into your clutter over the years, you will inevitably appreciate the clarity of a cleaner environment. Once you’ve properly prepared to downsize, everything else should be a breeze. After moving, make sure to celebrate in any way you can. Treat yourself, call a friend, or have family over. It’s time for a new journey.