Moving During the Holidays

With the break in the school year, many families find themselves moving during the holidays. Moving on its own can be a stressful time, so moving during the holidays can be especially challenging. We want your holiday season to be joyful, even if you are moving. Here are some quick tips to help you to have a special holiday, even if you find yourself far from home.

1.       Find a festive place to stay. If you will be in a hotel over the holidays, try to stay in a place that is planning a holiday celebration.

2.       Bring holiday spirit with you. If you have room in your car, pack some of your favorite holiday decorations and use them in your hotel room. For example, stockings pack easily and can help make a hotel room feel more like home.

3.       Ship your gifts. Shopping for Christmas gifts online might be your easiest option this year. Have them shipped to where you will be staying so that you don’t have to worry about taking them with you. If there is an option to have the item giftwrapped, this might be a good idea as well. This way, you won’t have to dig through moving boxes to try to find scissors, tape, etc.

4.       Pick your favorite holiday traditions and do them anyways! Whether it’s going to church or reading a special story on Christmas Eve, everybody has their own favorite traditions. Despite being on the move or in a new place, try to carry out a few of your traditions this year. It will help to keep you grounded despite all of the changes going on around you.

5.       Begin a new holiday tradition. This is a great year to step out of the box and try something new. Rather than staying home, go out to dinner on Christmas Eve or check out a local holiday concert. You might find that you like it enough to do it again in the coming years, even when you are settled.

6.       Stay connected: With the latest technology, it is easier than ever to stay in touch with friends and family. Video chats are a great way to “see” family during the holidays. Although it is not as good as actually being together, seeing family and friends over the internet/ phone is a great way to feel close to them despite the distance.

7.       Don’t forget to budget: Both moving and the holiday season can be expensive times. Make sure to keep an eye on your budget to keep financial stress at bay.

8.       Have a good attitude: The holidays are meant to be filled with peace and joy. Remember to keep the spirit of the holidays with you, regardless of where you find yourself celebrating. 

If you are in the midst of a move this holiday season, please let us know if there is any way that we can make this time easier for you. No matter where you find yourself this Christmas, we hope that it is full of love and joy! Merry Christmas from all of us here at Sorensen Mayflower!

Reaching Out this Holiday Season

What better way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas than to give back to the community that has blessed us with so much? For the last twenty years, Sorensen has done just that by participating in Florida Today’s Reaching Out program.
 
Florida Today created the Reaching Out Holiday Fund to brighten the Christmas season for less fortunate children in the community and local seniors in need. Florida Today collects donations from individuals, groups, and corporations to buy and distribute books and toys to thousands of children in Brevard County who otherwise may not receive a gift this holiday season. Reaching Out funds are also used to provide small gifts of comfort to local seniors who are living alone. 

We at Sorensen are happy to be able to use our warehouse as a place for the toys to be delivered and sorted before they are distributed throughout the county. Tomorrow, our employees will partner with others from the community to sort the toys and load them onto our truck to be distributed to various sites throughout the county later this week. We feel blessed to be able to participate in this wonderful event.  Merry Christmas from Sorensen Moving and Storage!

Tools that Promote a Safe Move

Last time, we discussed how you can take care to avoid injuries during your move. Today, we will continue on that note by sharing with you some moving tools that you can use to decrease the strain on your body as you move. As stated last time, the best thing that you can do to avoid move-related injuries is to hire professional movers to carry the load for you! That being said, during the days preceding and following your professional move, it is likely that you may find yourself trying to move or reposition a heavy box or piece of furniture. Here are some moving tools that will make this task safer for you:

Gloves provide padding for your fingers, help you to avoid splinters, and give you extra grip as you lift heavy items.

Hand trucks/ dollies ease the strain of lifting oversized items.

Furniture sliders  assist you in moving large pieces of furniture across the room, and decrease the length of time that you have to use your own strength to hold items as you move them from one place to another.

Forearm forklift devices come in handy when you are moving items that are awkward in size because they provide leverage and encourage correct lifting techniques.

Steel toe boots protect your toes if something falls on them. They also provide your feet with padding, and their treads offer you grip to prevent falling.

Sorensen Mayflower wishes you a safe move!

Taking Caring of Yourself During Your Move

Moving can be a strenuous exercise. Hiring professional movers to help with the task definitely reduces the physical strain on you, which is why we highly recommend it! With that said, even with the help of professionals, you will probably still find yourself getting less sleep, feeling more stressed, doing more lifting, and spending more time on your feet during a move than you would any other time. For this reason, we will spend the next few weeks giving you tips on how to take care of yourself during your move. Today, we will focus on how to avoid common injuries associated with moving.

One injury to look out for on moving day is an injury to the finger. If you aren’t careful, fingers can get pinched between walls, doors, and other heavy objects. Be careful if you find yourself moving boxes or furniture through narrow hallways, doors, and the like. The last thing you need around moving time is a trip to the doctor for stitches or to repair a broken finger!

Anyone is at risk of pulling or straining a muscle when lifting objects that are heavier than they are accustomed to. Stretching is always a good idea before doing any lifting. It is also very important to stay hydrated on moving day, as you are more susceptible to muscle strains when you are dehydrated. Do you know which part of the body is most commonly injured during a move? If you guessed the back, then you are correct! To avoid this injury, here are some tips to follow:

-Use slow, smooth movements. When your movements are rushed and erratic, you are more likely to strain a back muscle.

-Avoid twisting your body when lifting. Your body should always be facing the object that you are lifting.

-Keep the object that you are lifting close to your body. Reaching out to lift and carry an object increases the strain on your back and can lead to injury.

-Try to carry the object in the space between your shoulder and your waist. This puts less strain on your back muscles.

-Lift with your legs. This means bending your legs, and not your back, as you pick up a load. Your back should remain straight as you are lifting.

When you put your muscles through more than they are used to, injuries can occur. For this reason, it is very important to know your limits and not to exceed them. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to move something that is beyond your physical capabilities, ask for help!  On moving day, you should definitely let the movers handle all of the heavy lifting. That is what they are there for! Don’t be shy to ask them to move a piece of furniture or box if they have placed it in the wrong area, or if you have changed your mind about where you want something placed. If you need help in the days following your move with some heavy lifting, you might need to ask a family member or friend for assistance. If you don’t have friends or family available to you, than this might be the perfect opportunity for you to meet your neighbors!

Stay tuned for next week, as we will discuss some moving tools that you can use in the days surrounding your move to lessen your chance of injury!

Striving for Success

Scott Sorensen, President of Sorensen Mayflower, attended the 2014 Unigroup Convention in Colorado Springs earlier this month. During this convention, Scott had the opportunity to attend several breakout sessions and workshops to gain knowledge and strategies for making Sorensen Moving and Storage a better company. He also had the chance to listen to Tom Morris speak. Morris is a public philosopher who is most famous for his “7 C’s of success.” These are seven conditions that Morris believes a person must achieve to find substantial and sustainable success in one’s life. He shared them at the convention, and we will share them with you! These are taken from Morris’ website www.morrisinstitute.com.

-A clear conception of what we want.

-A strong confidence that we can attain that goal.

-A focused concentration on what it takes to achieve that goal.

-A stubborn consistency in achieving that vision.

-An emotional commitment to the importance of what we are doing.

-A good character to guide us and keep us on proper course.

-A capacity to enjoy the process along the way.

Success is something that we don’t take lightly here at Sorensen Moving and Storage. We hope that you will trust us with your next move!

 

The Best Time to Move...

Here at Sorensen Moving and Storage, we believe that every day is a great day to move! However, if you are trying to determine when would be the best time for you to plan your move, here are a few things to consider:

School Calendar

If you have children at home, then their school calendar is something that you will definitely want to take into consideration. Summer is generally the ideal time for families with kids to relocate, as children have completed their grade and have had the chance to say goodbye to their school friends.  When scheduling your move date, try to arrive at your new home at least a few weeks before the start of the next school year. This gives your children the chance to unpack, get settled, meet new friends, and become acquainted with their new neighborhood. Having the opportunity to do these things and to make their new house their home will allow them to be much better prepared for the school year.

Holidays

If possible, try to avoid moving right before major holidays since being with family and friends is such a big part of these times. If you do have to move before a holiday, try to do so in advance so that you have the opportunity to meet new people, feel a sense of belonging in your new community, and have others to spend these special times with. 

Seasonal Considerations

Out of all the seasons, most people would agree that summer is probably the most advantageous time to move. Children are not in school, the weather is usually pretty good, and daylight hours are longer. However, summer tends to be the busiest time of year for moving companies, and rates may be higher during these peak times. 

The Best Time

If you are flexible with your move dates and don’t have children, spouses, jobs, and school to consider, then the best time of the year to move would probably be the late spring or early fall. The weather during these seasons is mild, moving costs are typically lower, and there are no major holidays during this time.  

What To Look For In A New Neighborhood

One of the biggest tasks associated with moving is finding a new home. Most people would prefer for this home to be in a nice neighborhood. So what should you look for when selecting a new neighborhood? Here is a list of things to consider when choosing a neighborhood.

Sidewalks: Sidewalks make neighborhoods safer. If you have pets or children, then this will be especially important to you, as you will probably find yourself walking around your neighborhood quite often. In addition to this safety aspect, sidewalks are also an indicator of an active community. If you want to be able to walk to the store, or to a local park, then sidewalks are something that you will want to look for in your new neighborhood.

Taxes and other expenses: It is easy to get so caught up in owning a home that you forget to investigate the additional expenses that living in some neighborhoods require, such as a homeowner’s association fee. Property tax is another cost that many people don’t take into consideration when selecting their home. Make sure you don’t forget to account for these expenses!

Convenience: Ideally, you want a neighborhood that is close to the shops that you frequent, the school that your children attend, as well as to your job. A neighborhood that offers you this convenience not only cuts down on stress levels, but also saves you time and gas money.

Foreclosures: Although you might think that a street lined with foreclosures is a homebuyer’s paradise, this is not always the case and can actually be an indicator that the neighborhood is not located in a very good area. This is because when real estate prices decline, so do property taxes. Property taxes support the city’s public service and safety, so when they get too low, these can be compromised.

Future plans: Before purchasing a house, it is always a good idea to check with your local planning office to find out the city’s future plans for the area to which you are thinking of moving. The planning office can tell you about any upcoming construction projects or road expansions that could affect your neighborhood. After all, you don’t want to buy a house that will soon be right in the middle of the city’s newest busy throughway.

Sounds and smells: Visit potential neighborhoods at several different times during the day so that you can detect any undesirable noises or smells in the area. Neighboring train tracks, restaurants, hospitals, fire departments, and air traffic are just a few sources of unwanted noise that could be present in your new neighborhood. And while you are listening, don’t forget to take a whiff of the surrounding air. Neighboring paper mills, landfills, or even a stagnant lake can all be sources of unwanted odors that you may want to avoid.

Crime rate: Find out the neighborhood crime rate and how it ranks against other neighborhoods in the area. There are websites out there that can give you this information, or you could ask a real estate agent.

Schools: Good schools are important, especially if you have children. Check out the public and private schools nearby. How are their academic reputations? Do they offer the extracurricular activities that your children are looking for? And for those of you who don’t have kids, you  may be tempted not to put much value into the school system. However, keep in mind that the quality of the schools in the area will affect the resale of your home. Good schools are important to everyone!

Good luck in your search for a new neighborhood! We will be excited to move you there!

 

Preparing Items for Storage

In addition to moving services, Sorensen Moving and Storage offers a state of the art storage facility. Since many customers utilize this storage, here are a few suggestions for those who are preparing to place their belongings in storage.

Appliances: Before placing your appliances in storage, it is always best to clean them beforehand. After it has been cleaned, make sure that it is dry to avoid molding and mildew. Also, make sure that the appliance is completely empty before placing it in storage.

Leather furniture: Clean and treat with leather conditioner before placing in storage.

Photos: Because photographs tend to curl over time, place them in between pieces of cardboard to keep them flat before putting them in storage. However, because photos generally do not take up much space, it is best to keep important photos with you. Never put irreplaceable pictures in storage.

Mattresses: To protect from dust and moisture, place mattresses in plastic covers before storing.

What not to store: Additionally, there are some items that are not suitable for storage. Do not store any of the following:

            -Flammables (gas, diesel, oil, paint, etc.)

            -Jewelry or other expensive items

            -Firearms, munitions, gunpowder, and explosives

            -Plants or any other living things

-Hazardous materials and waste storage (lead paint, asbestos, urea formaldehyde, petroleum, methane, medical waste, etc.)

-Cash

These are just a few guidelines to aide you in your storage preparations. If you have any questions or for additional tips, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Sorensen Mayflower!

 

 

Making New Friends in a New Place

There are many difficult things associated with moving to a new place, but one of the hardest is leaving friends behind and having to make new ones. If you find yourself in this situation, then this post is for you! Below are three simple tips for making new friends when you arrive in a new city.

1.      Take lots and lots of pictures. When you attend an event or a party, make sure that you bring your camera. Taking pictures gives you an easy reason to follow up with the people that you meet and get in touch with them later. Let’s be honest, everybody loves seeing pictures of themselves. Bringing your camera along gives you an opportunity to ask the people that you meet if they are on Facebook or have an email address where you can send them the pictures. By connecting on Facebook or email, you have created a means by which you can communicate to get together again sometime.

2.      Dine alone. Often times we avoid eating alone in public because we are embarrassed to be by ourselves. Don’t do this! Instead of ordering takeout when you are alone, try eating by yourself in public. When you are by yourself, you are much more approachable than when you are with another person. People may be afraid of interrupting you or being rude if you are in conversation with someone else. If you feel uncomfortable, bring a book. In fact, this is a great way for others to start a conversation with you if it is a book that they have also read.

3.      Get involved! Think of something that you enjoy doing and join a group. It could be a sport, yoga, book group, sewing class, church group, etc. Continue an old hobby or take up a new one! This will give you an opportunity to meet new people that share your same interests, and then to see them on a regular basis. You will automatically make friends when you share the same interests and are forced to see each other again and again.

Moving can definitely create some challenges when it comes to having to make new friends. We encourage you to look at it as an adventure, and as an opportunity to meet people and expand your social network. After all, you can never have too many friends!

Tips for Keeping Your Move Green

We Americans have a habit of accumulating a lot of “stuff,” and our lifestyles can sometimes create excess waste. These facts can be especially apparent when you are packing and unpacking for a move. If you are looking for some ways to protect Mother Earth during your move, you will find these tips helpful!

1.      Pack environmentally consciously. Boxes and packing supplies such as foam peanuts create a lot of extra trash. One fairly inexpensive way to reduce this trash is to purchase rubber tubs. Once you have finished with your move, these tubs can be reused to store holiday decorations, seasonal clothing, and other items that you are sure to accumulate over the years. Inevitably, you will have to purchase some moving boxes to make sure that all of your items make it safely to your destination. Instead of throwing these boxes in the trash when you finish with them, consider donating them to someone else, or recycling them. Another great way to reduce moving related trash is to use old blankets and towels as padding in your boxes rather than packing paper when possible.

2.      Donate unwanted items. When you are tired of going through your things and come across something that you don’t want anymore, it is tempting to take the easy way out and just throw it away. However, your old VHS movies, clothes that no longer fit, and that unwanted old couch could mean a lot to a local charity or thrift shopper. Additionally, books that you have already read (which add a lot of weight to your move) would be greatly appreciated at your local library. Rather than adding to the landfill, take a little extra time and energy to go through your belongings and either host a garage sale or donate them to a charity in need.

3.      Dispose of hazardous items properly. Certain items cannot be shipped by professional movers because they represent a hazard. Hazardous items are anything that is flammable, corrosive, or explosive. Some examples include fertilizer, car batteries, bleach, ammunition, and paint thinners.  If the movers won’t take them, it probably isn’t the best idea for you to try to ship them yourself. When disposing of these items, try to be conscious of the environment. Check with your local waste management company to see if they have a designated  hazardous materials disposal day, or contact a local vendor of the material to be thrown away to see if they offer disposal services.

4.      Don’t waste food. Try to plan your meals carefully in the weeks preceding your move so that you don't end up with a lot of perishables on move day. Professional movers can’t move perishable items, and depending on the distance of your move, it can be quite a hassle to try to move them yourself. If you do find yourself left with excess perishables in the fridge and freezer, give them to a neighbor. And if you don’t want to pack up and move all of your canned goods (which also add weight to your move,) consider donating them to a food shelter.

5.      Investigate the waste management services at your new home. If possible, find out ahead of time what type of waste management services (trash, recycling, and yard waste) are available and when those pick-up days are scheduled. This way, you can put your items to be recycled out as soon as possible, and you can avoid having all of your trash sitting at your curb for days at a time.

Remember, when it comes to your move, go green! It’s our favorite color here at Sorensen Mayflower!

Using the Internet to Plan Your Move

Each year, 1 in 4 Americans pick up and move. To aid them in this process, more and more people are turning to the internet. In fact, studies have reported that 91% of people state that they have found the internet to be a useful tool during their move. The web definitely provides a lot of helpful information when it comes to finding a moving company. However, it is important that consumers know where to do their research, what to be leery of, and how to supplement their internet findings. Below are some suggestions on what to do and what not to do when it comes to using the internet find a mover.

DO use the internet to research moving companies. However, before you begin your internet search, talk to other people and get some recommendations. Once you have made a list of these recommendations, call each company and gather the following important information:

-Full company name

-Number of years in service

-Address and phone number

-Email/ web address

-DOT (Department of Transportation) and MC license numbers

Once you have obtained this information, go to safersys.org. This is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. It allows you to view safety and licensing information about prospective companies by entering their DOT or MC license numbers. Another great resource to use to find out more about a company’s reputation is the Better Business Bureau. Just go to www.bbb.org. Once you have selected several reputable moving companies, contact at least two of them to schedule an in-home estimate, which should be free of charge.

DO NOT rely on the internet to select your moving company for you. A company’s fancy website or ad in the yellow pages should not determine which moving company you choose. Instead, put emphasis on a company’s reputation and record. Additionally, don’t make your decision on price alone, especially if you are basing it on a quote provided sight unseen given over the internet or the phone. It is always a good idea to meet with a company representative in person. That way, he or she can survey your goods to get a better idea of the cost of your move. This meeting will also give you a chance to discuss any questions that you may have regarding your move.

We hope that these tips are helpful to you, and that your search leads you to Sorensen Mayflower!

Tips On How To Save Money During Your Move

Are you interested in learning about ways that you can cut back on move-related costs? Check out ten tips that will surely help you to save money during your move!

1.      Travel smart: Make your travel plans as far in advance as possible, and try to use travel discounts (like AAA) to save money on hotels.

2.      Eat what you have: Avoid eating out and going to the grocery store as your move approaches. Instead, try to be creative and eat what you have in your pantry and freezer before moving. Frozen foods and other perishable items cannot be moved, and will just go to waste if you don’t eat them. Also, try to eat up the canned goods in your pantry. They can be moved, but are heavy, and will only add to the cost of your shipment.

3.      Collect what is yours: When it comes to an apartment or utility deposit, it is always easier to get your money back prior to your move. Also, remember to pick up any items that are being cleaned, stored, or repaired. If you are a member of a gym or other workout facility, don’t forget to gather any belongings that might be in your locker.

4.      Check on your memberships: Check with any clubs or organizations to which you belong and see if you can sell your membership, get a partial refund, or transfer your membership to your new location.

5.      Contact the IRS: Remember to inform the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about your change in residence. Annually, one of the main reasons that individuals do not receive their tax refund is because they don’t inform the IRS of their change in address. As a result, the post office is unable to deliver thousands of refund checks. Make sure to fill out a change of address form (Form No. 8822) on www.irs.gov prior to your move.

6.      Report your move: If your move is the result of a change in job locations or starting a new job, some moving expenses may be tax deductible. Consult the IRS or your personal tax adviser for more information.

7.      Pack yourself: You can save money on your move by packing and unpacking yourself. Make sure to give yourself at least six weeks to pack and prepare for your move. Contact us and we would be happy to provide you with information on how to pack yourself. However, we do recommend that you invest in the proper packing materials and boxes. Although the use of old boxes and masking tape may save you some money initially, they are not strong enough to protect your belongings during transit. Replacing damaged items can cost more money in the long run than investing in proper boxes.

8.      Timing: Peak moving season is during the summer, as many families like to work around school schedules. If you are at all flexible, you can save money on your move by avoiding a summer move.

9.      Cash in: As the weight of your shipment increases, so does the cost. You may want to think about getting rid of items that you don’t use anymore, and making some quick money in the process. Garage sales, flea markets, online auctions, and taking your items to a consignment store are all great options for cashing in on the items that you don’t need anymore. Giving your things to charity is also a great way to do something nice for your community and lighten your load.

10.  Coupons and deals: Look for coupons, discounts, and free offers from businesses in your new area, who often reach out to new residents. Don’t automatically throw out what looks like junk mail during this time because you could be throwing away money without knowing it!

Moving With Your Pet

As we have discussed in previous weeks, moving can be a stressful time. This stress is not only limited to humans, but extends to pets as well. Here are some ways that you can help your pet to have a smooth transition into his or her new home.

Routines- Although your daily routines are likely going to be interrupted as you plan for and carry out your move, try to minimize the disruption to your pet’s daily schedule as much as you can. Try to stick with your pet’s normal feeding, exercise, and playtime schedule.

Strangers- If you are selling your home prior to your move, there are inevitably going to be a lot of new faces (realtors, potential buyers, inspectors, movers, etc) coming into your home in the months before your move date.  If you have a sensitive animal that is bothered by newcomers, make plans for he or she while these individuals visit your home. Confining your pet to a room or familiar crate is one way that you can take measures to make sure that your pet feels safe during this time.

State laws and regulations- Most states have laws and enforce regulations regarding pets. To acquaint yourself with these laws, it is a good idea to contact the vet in the area to which you are moving, or even the city clerk in your new town, to learn about license fees, leash laws, fences, and other regulations regarding pet ownership.

Vaccinations- Make an appointment with your veterinarian to get all of your pets vaccinations up to date. Many states require a shot record or health certificate to verify that your animal is free of any diseases. Additionally, if you plan to kennel your pet during any point of your move or if you will be putting them on an airplane, this paperwork will be necessary.

Pet identification- Make sure that your pet has identification with your name and contact information on it. In addition to your animal’s permanent ID and rabies tag, it is also a good idea to make a temporary ID tag with your cell phone number and the number of a close friend or relative who would be easy to contact while you are in route to your new home. Finally, this might be a good time to think about getting your pet a microchip since your new surroundings will be unfamiliar to your pet and he/she may be more likely to get lost.

Flying- If you will be moving your pet via airplane, make sure to call the airline for rules and regulations regarding your pet’s transport. Make your reservations as far in advance as possible since pet approval is given on a first-come, first-served basis.

Driving- If you will be transporting your pet by car, make a list of items that your pet will need during the trip. This list will probably include a carrier, dishes, favorite toys, water, food, and treats. If your pet doesn’t usually ride in the car, start practicing with short trips around town when possible. If your pet is anxious in the car, ask your vet about tranquilizers to help relax the animal. Additionally, when traveling with a pet, it is a good idea to bring cleaning supplies in the event that your animal gets motion sickness or has an accident. Finally, make sure to take a few breaks along the way to allow your pet to potty, stretch, and get water.

Tips for dogs- Upon arrival at your new residence, take your dog for a walk around the neighborhood so that he or she can become familiar with it. Also, establish boundaries in the yard for the dog to roam so that he or she can become acclimated to the new environment.

Tips for cats- Don’t expose your cat to your new living arrangements all at one time. Instead, limit the number of rooms the cat is allowed to go in, and gradually let him/ her explore. Surround the cat with items that are familiar during the move to reduce any stress, and once you are in your new home, don’t let them outside until he or she is familiar with your new home. This reduces the chances of the cat running away.

Familiarize it- Since you are in a new home, often with new décor and furniture, you may be tempted to get your pet new things as well. Try to refrain from doing this, as it is better to use your pet’s familiar food and water dishes, bed, blanket, and toys to make him/ her feel more at home. It is also a good idea to keep things in the same locations as they were in your old home for this same reason.

Taking these steps will definitely help to ensure that both you and your pet will have a smooth move!

Reducing Stress After Move-In

We are finishing up our series on how to reduce stress during your move by discussing how to make the time after you move into your new home as stress-free as possible. Here are some good ways to make the transition into your new home and community enjoyable.

Step Out- It may take a little time, energy, and valor, but integrating yourself into your new community is a step that will be rewarded in the long run. Going for a walk, drive, or bike ride to learn your away around the neighborhood and meet your new neighbors is a great way to do this. Assimilating into your new environment is a gradual process, but the sooner you begin to do it, the more settled you will begin to feel in your home.

Join in- A great way to meet friends and to get involved is to join clubs that match your interests. Book clubs, gyms, sewing… The possibilities of organizations that can help you to meet people in your new community are endless. Check out the local library or coffee shop for bulletin boards where notices of meetings and community events are posted and join in! And remember, all of the sports leagues, churches, and other parts of your life in your old community will still be available in your new community. 

Keep Smiling- In addition to being a very busy time, moving can be quite emotional for many people. Therefore, it is important that you take time every day for yourself to do something that you enjoy and that will make you feel positive. Try not to sweat the small stuff, and remember that there is always tomorrow to get to that next box that needs unpacking. It’s natural to miss the way that things were at your old home, but try to take time to appreciate the new things in your life as well. Having an optimistic attitude and staying positive will help you to adjust to your new home more quickly.

We hope that you find these tips helpful. If there is anything else that we can do to make this time less stressful, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Best wishes from Sorensen Moving and Storage on enjoying your new home!

Relieving Stress on Moving Day

We are back with more tips on how to ease move-related stress. This week, we will discuss ways that you can make your actual move day as stress-free as possible.

Children: Keeping your children occupied will do wonders for keeping stress at bay on moving day. Ask your new neighbors if they have kids that your children can play with, or if they know of a babysitter that would be able to help out. If that’s not something that you are comfortable with doing, try to think of fun ways to keep your children occupied, whether it is with coloring books or a few new, inexpensive toys. This will help to distract your children while the movers are bringing items into the home. 

Pets: If you have pets, try to keep them contained. There is nothing more stressful than spending moving day trying to find a pet that is lost in an unfamiliar neighborhood. Designate a room where you can keep your pet and any necessary food, water, and bedding. Post a note on the door to this room reminding everyone to keep the door shut. This way, your pet will be out of harm’s way.

Unpacking: Start the unpacking process by opening the boxes that contain the necessities that you will need first, such as paper towels, trash bags, and light bulbs. To make locating these boxes easier, mark them with a bright colored sticker or a special notation that makes them stand out from the rest of the boxes. Unpack the bathroom and bedrooms first, and then move on to the kitchen and other moving spaces. This way, you won’t find yourself trying to set up your beds and installing shower curtains late at night when you are exhausted after unpacking all day. Another way to avoid stress is to try to keep the unpacking process as neat as possible. To reduce clutter, place a trash bag in every room so that packing materials can be disposed of as you go along.

Mealtime: Trying to prepare a meal on moving day can cause unnecessary stress. Use this as an opportunity to try and find a new and different place to eat. Or if you don’t have the energy to go out, find a place that delivers and order in!

These are just a few tips to make moving day a little easier! We hope it helps!

Relieving Stress Prior to Moving Day

According to the Employee Relocation Council, moving is the third most stressful life event (following death and divorce.) Moving interferes with one’s normal routine and can generate feelings of uncertainty as one enters unfamiliar waters. We at Sorensen Mayflower want to make your move as pleasant as possible. In addition to doing all that we can to make your move go smoothly, we would like to share some steps that you can take to make your move as stress-free as possible.

Before you Move

Be Prepared: Planning and organizing ahead of time will make your move go more smoothly. Keep all of the documents pertaining to your move in one easily accessible location. A folder, notebook, or daily planner are great places to store important phone numbers and documents. In addition to all of your moving information, referrals for new doctors, maps of the town to which you will be moving, and contact information for old friends are also items that you could keep in your organizer.

Make a List: Keep a list of all of the important tasks that you need to complete before you move. For example, make a list of the appointments that you need to schedule before your move out date. This could include turning off your electricity, water, gas, and cable in your old home and turning it on in your new home. When you get overwhelmed, you can consult your list and start checking it off!

Label: Label each moving box with the name of the room to which it belongs. You can write directly on the box, or if it is easier, print out large computer labels and stick them to the box.

Inform Postal Service: Inform the postal service of your move six to eight weeks ahead of time. This way, you will be sure to receive your mail at your new address. The form can be found at usps.com.

We hope you find these tips for relieving stress prior to your move helpful. Stay tuned for  next week’s blog, as we will be giving more tips on how to relieve stress on moving day!

Choosing the Right Moving Company

Deciding on a moving company can be extremely difficult, especially if you have never done it before. To make this decision a little easier, we have put our years of experience in providing high quality moving services to use by coming up with some questions that you should ask when researching and choosing your moving company:

1.      Is the moving company asking you for a cash deposit prior to your move?

2.      Does the moving company have a physical local address (and not just a PO Box) on its website?

3.      Does the company include licensing information on its site?

4.      Is the moving company a member of a certified organization, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA?)

If the answer to any of the above questions is “no,” then you could be dealing with a “rogue mover” or falling prey to a moving scam. As more people are turning to the internet to find moving companies and basing their decision solely on price, moving scams are becoming increasingly prevalent. While we all love a great bargain, it is important to make sure that you are also considering the reputation and track record of the moving company when making your selection. Hiring a moving company that is not licensed and insured could be a decision that you will regret for years to come.

Here at Sorensen Mayflower, we stand out among moving companies because of our long history of delivering top quality customer service, our good standing with many industry organizations, and our competitive prices. We hope that you will choose us to meet your moving needs!

Governor Rick Scott Visits Sorensen Moving and Storage

Last Friday, June 6, 2014, Sorensen Moving and Storage had the opportunity to host a reception for Governor Rick Scott during his visit to Brevard County. Upon his arrival, he met with CEO Scott Sorensen, and the two had the chance to chat about the history of Sorensen Moving and Storage as well as the local economy. Afterwards, Mr. Sorensen introduced Governor Scott to the approximately 150 businesspeople, supporters, and local dignitaries who were in attendance.

Governor Scott spoke on the importance of small businesses to Florida’s economy. He also discussed his plan to try to create more jobs for Floridians by making Florida an attractive climate for businesses to come to and open. After Scott finished speaking, several local dignitaries spoke, including Mayor Kathy Meehan, who gave Governor Scott a key to the city. Following these speakers, Governor Scott stayed and shook hands with those that were in attendance.

The Governor’s reception was a great event. We enjoyed showing Governor Scott our facilities, listening to him speak about his commitment to the growth of small businesses, and having the chance to meet him personally. We were so honored to be selected as one of the Governor’s stops during his visit to Brevard County!

Fun Moving Facts!

-One in six Americans (or 17% of the U.S. population) will move each year. (U.S. Census Bureau)

-The average size of a Mayflower interstate shipment is about 6,900 pounds. This is equal to about 345 average sized watermelons. (Mayflower Transit)

-The average distance of a Mayflower move is about 1,100 miles. This is the approximate distance from New York City to Des Moines, Iowa. (Mayflower Transit)

-The most common demographic of a moving customer is a married person between the ages of 25 and 44 years old, with one or two children between the ages of 2 and 11 years old. (Mayflower Transit)

-The majority of moves are job-related (46%.) 32% are due to retirement, and the remaining 22% are due to other personal reasons. (Mayflower transit)

-Most people (about 31%) choose their neighborhood based on convenience to their job. (U.S. Census Bureau)

-30% of college graduates no longer live in the state where they attended college five years after graduation. 35% no longer live in the state where they went to high school. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

-Moving is the third most stressful event in life, with death and divorce being numbers one and two. (Employee Relocation Council)

-On average, a person moves 11.7 times throughout their lifetime. (U.S. Census Bureau)