Cross country movers Archives

DIY Home Projects

Moving to a new house is an opportunity for a new look. If there’s things that need repairing, updating, or just a few nails in the wall, ask yourself if you’re up for doing a few DIY home improvement projects.

Tools list

Having a good supply of tools in your toolbox can help you achieve many simple DIY home projects and repairs. Here is a list of some basic tools that many experts recommend every DIY enthusiast have. Once you become more advanced, make sure to invest in a drill; It’ll be your favorite power tool on the upcoming move.

1. Hammer – In addition to using a hammer to insert and remove nails, it can also be used to knock things down, or to knock things in place.

2. Screwdrivers – There are two types of screwdrivers: flathead and Philips. You will want to have different sizes of each.

3. Wrench – Use a wrench to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts. Having an adjustable wrench is best.

4. Utility Knife – For the use of a sharp knife, a utility knife is great and safe, it folds up into the handle.

5. Pliers – Pliers can be used for an assortment of things, especially when you need to grip an object and turn it.

6. Tape Measure – Having a good tape measure is a necessity.

7. Flashlight – You might find yourself working with little, or no light. Always have a flashlight and extra batteries.

8. Tape – Tape can be a savior, fill your toolbox with: duct tape, painter’s tape, electrical tape, and plumber’s tape.

Help Children Settle in After the Move

Four tips

Moving across country, or to a new home can be exciting and also difficult for children, regardless of age. To make it easier, and to adjust to the move, here are a few tips to ease your children into their new home.

Tour the new home – Taking a tour of the new home with the children before moving in is always best. However, if this is not possible, try to arrange a virtual tour so your children can have a visual of where they’ll be living. Once you arrive at the house, take the time to walk through the house with your children, sharing ideas.

Pack some essentials – Make sure each child has some of their favorite items when you arrive at the new home. These items will be different for each member of the family. If you have hired a moving company to transport your belongings, and will be arriving the same day, make sure your first day essentials box is easily accessible so everyone feels “at home” those first few days and nights.

Unpack the children’s room – These are the first rooms to be unpacked, once the kitchen is set up for basic living. If you have older children, they might want to do this themselves. For younger kids, some might want to get involved with organizing their belongings, helping them to settle in faster.

Routine – For some, routine is essential! After the initial excitement of moving in, return to your family’s regular routine.

Moving internationally

How exciting! Moving internationally to another country. Within that excitement, there could also be feelings of anxiousness and possibly even a little fear, all of which are natural. If you’re moving to a country that you’ve never been to before, there’s a lot to take in, a whole new culture! Often, we feel very comfortable with the familiar, the food we know, the climate, our surroundings, and if you’re not able to speak the language, it’s only natural that you might be experiencing culture shock.

Moving oversea

Moving to a new country is a big step, especially if you’ve done it alone. Finding your community, and places of interest, might take a little longer than expected. If you find yourself feeling lonely, impatient, or having any physical pain, such as headaches or stomachaches, both of which are common causes of stress, you might be experiencing culture shock.

To ease culture shock and have a smooth transition, there are ways to help you adjust to the move. These can be done before you move. They include: Learning about the country you’re moving too, and familiarizing yourself with the language. Acquaint yourself with local attractions that can be visited once you arrive. And remember not to rush to accomplish everything immediately. Adjusting takes time. You’ll meet new friends, find your favorite hangout spot, and become a local sooner than you expect.

Unpacking After Your Long Distance Move

Your long distance move is almost complete. The only thing remaining is to unpack your belongings in your new home.

First, check inventory to make sure everything has arrived. Once it is confirmed you have all your boxes and furniture, start by unpacking some essentials. If you prepared a first day essentials box, locate this. It should have the basics for you and your family while you organize the rest of your stuff.

It is best to unpack the kitchen and bedrooms first. This way you and your family have a place to eat and sleep, allowing you to continue your daily routines, such as work, school, etc. while you unpack the rest of your home. Once you have these basics in place, create an unpacking plan. If you have children, their stuff should be unpacked after the basics, this way they can be surrounded by their belongings, which will create a sense of familiarity. If you have the space, use one room for all the boxes, you can then unpack them, as you need them. Alternatively, place boxes in the corresponding rooms. Ideally, each box will be labeled clearly.

Home sweet home

Next step is to decide where you want to place your large pieces of furniture and make your new home, feel like home. If you’re feeling creative, sketch a rough floor plan and draw a layout of where you would like your furniture placed. This will save you time and energy when it comes to lifting and moving any heavy pieces.

unpacking-plan

Extra Services For Long Distance Moves

Moving to a new home can be very simple. However, some moves require special services, also referred to as accessorial services within the moving industry.

Extra services could include:

Packing/unpacking – professional packers pack and unpack your belongings.

Bulky items – Pianos, pool tables, motorcycles, etc. are considered bulky items. They are heavy and hard to maneuver.

Expedited service – Receiving delivery on a guaranteed date.

Stairs – Flight charge is common above a certain number of stairs. Check with your moving company.

Elevator – Elevator charges are common in the city. More time is spent loading and unloading an elevator when done more than once.

Long carry - If your items need to be carried above a certain distance from the moving truck to delivery location.

Shuttle service – If a large moving truck cannot park by your home, a smaller shuttle truck will need to be used.

Other moving services

Extra services are charged at an additional cost, on top of the estimate provided from your moving company. Before the movers pick up your items, you might have already arranged extra services; therefore they will already be included in your estimate. In some situations, extra services are necessary without prior knowledge, due to unforeseen circumstances. Knowing what the extra services mean will help you better understand what you are being charged for.

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DIY Home Projects