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!