Basic Tips on Room Arragement

Creating a space in your new home that’s completely yours can be a daunting task. First, you’ll need your thinking cap. Grab your patience while you’re at it. While many sites recommend drawing the dimensions of the room and making scale size paper cutouts of your furniture we think that’s just way too much work. The easy to follow steps below should be the guidance needed to complete the look of your room with the tools you already have!

First, scan the room and find your focal point. This will be the key to arranging the furniture to appropriately represent the room around the focal point. For example, the television may be the focal point in the family room or a fireplace in the living room. Once you’ve chosen the focal point start placing all the big furniture items first, like your couch or bed. Keep traffic flow in mind as you decide on placement. The recommended space for standard traffic areas is two feet. It’s always a good idea to drive the traffic towards the perimeter of the room to avoid congestion.

Always arrange your furniture before hanging pictures, photos or mirrors. Once you’ve got your big items in go ahead and start filling in the pieces. Add a floor lamp in a dark corner or a reading chair and lamp to an unused space. Make sure all drawers and doors can open and aren’t placed too close to a wall.

Lighting can be just as important as furniture placement. Lamps and lights can easily be moved around the room but natural light can’t. Take into consideration where the natural light comes in throughout the day.

Need more help? Check out these Decorating Tips for different rooms throughout your home. And Go Green!

Tipping Etiquette

Every time I walk into my local Chinese restaurant for carry-out I am faced with a dilemma – do I tip or not?  I’ve heard many people asking this same question on moving day when the movers are just finishing unloading the last of the truck.  I think the exact rules are a bit fuzzy, as with all tipping etiquette, but hopefully the “tips” we’ve provided will help alleviate some of that anxiety you don’t need on moving day!

Tipping should be based on the quality of service your moving company provides.  Many question why a tip is necessary considering the high cost of the move.  If you’re receiving good customer service and the movers are taking care of your valuables, not dinging up your brand new hardwood floors and are still courteous and professional, a tip is a nice gesture.  Tipping should occur once the job is complete.

• If the move is an all day job it’s nice to have cold drinks, such as water or soda, on hand for the movers.  Many people provide lunch, such as quick fast food or pizza, for the crew.  This is typically appreciated by the movers allowing them to take a quick break and then get back to work without an extended lunch period.

The amount tipped is discretionary.  Below are a few simple guidelines I’ve stumbled across but, as always, tip with what makes you feel most comfortable.

• If you have one mover lifting moderately heavy furniture and boxes, tip between $20 and $50.
• With multiple movers on the crew the general rule is to tip each mover the same as above but lower the amount by $5 per person.
• On average, most people tip $20 or $25 per person.
• If you’ve had your car shipped it’s recommended to tip the truck driver $20.

Phew!  Now that that’s taken care of go out and grab yourself a beer to relax.  But don’t forget to tip your local bartender $1/drink!

Get Your Moving Day Green On

These days being “green” is in.  You’re already part of the solution each time you take reusable canvas bags to the market, refill your water bottle with tap water and conserve energy.  So why not take it one step further and be “green” while moving!  It’s easier than you think and when it’s all said and done you may have actually saved money.  But more importantly you’ll feel good about yourself!

It won’t happen overnight but if we can provide just a few tips on making that transition a little easier, we’ve done our job.

Purge and Condense

It’s always a good idea to take your upcoming move as an opportunity to sort through your belongings and decide what you want to keep and what you don’t.  If you want to sell your items place them on eBay, Craigslist, or simply have a garage sale.  Don’t feel like it’s worth the hassle?  Find your local donation agency to schedule a drop-off or pick-up.  Don’t let your electronics pile up in the junk yard.  Check out www.aslrecyling.com to find a local agent that will pick up your eWaste for free.

Eliminating extra waste also saves on the number of trips you have to take to your new home.  If you’re moving yourself think about renting a larger truck or maximize your space.  If you’re hiring a moving company you might be interested in www.greenmoversusa.com to find a green moving company in your area.  These companies are rated by just how green they are, including those companies that plant 10 trees for every completed move!

Cleaning

Whether you’re cleaning your new home prior to move-in or doing a final clean for the new homeowners, use green cleaners.  They are safe for your family, safe for the environment and actually less expensive than those products with harsh chemicals.

Packing Materials

Think reusable or recycled.  Ask friends and family for old moving boxes or search Craigslist.  You might also consider stopping by your local grocery store or liquor store to find out what day they normally receive shipments.  These boxes are typically more sturdy than boxes from holiday/birthday gifts.  Instead of plastic bubble wrap to protect your valuables use old newspapers that can be recycled or sheets and towels that can be washed.

Want to avoid waste altogether?  If you live in Southern California check out Earth Friendly Moving at www.earthfriendlymoving.com.  Earth Friendly Moving will drop off plastic, reusable containers for a small fee, then pick them back up once your move is complete!  Avoid boxes and tape all in one quick delivery.

We hope you find these tips helpful and think “green” before your next move!

How to Downsize/De-clutter and Sell Items Online

You’re moving, what next? Let’s face it, we all have things we could do without. Whether you’re downsizing, trying to reduce your overall moving costs or simply de-cluttering the big question is, “where to start?”

Start by accessing your bigger furniture items first. What will you need for your new home? Then more on to those smaller items you’ve been collecting for years. Does it have sentimental value? Can you live without? Do you really need the entire subscription of Home and Gardens dating back to 1999? It’s time to let go.

To begin, start going through your home room by room. Gather all those items you think you can do without and place them in one room. Start separating items into designated groups: donate, junk and sell for cash.
Once you’ve established your groups, break it down one step further by separating each group into categories, such as books, clothing, furniture, kitchen ware, toys, etc.
For those items you deemed trash, take advantage of 1-800-GOT-JUNK. For those items you wish to donate start calling your local donation agencies to find out if they will send a truck for pick-up at your home or if you need to make trips to your local agency. And don’t forget to keep a receipt of items donated for a tax write-off.
All that’s left are those items you want to sell for cash. You can hold a garage sale or sell your items online using craigslist of eBay. If you’re not versed in the art of online selling you’re probably wondering where to go from here.
The good news is the hard part is done! Now use these tips to be as descriptive as possible when listing your items for sale:
- Take a picture of the item and include the sale tag if the item is hasn’t been used
- Disclose the purchase date and condition of the item
- Include brand names, if applicable, i.e., designer/artist
- Be descriptive when describing the item for sale. Does it have a history that makes it interesting?
- Decide on a minimum purchase price you are willing to accept and how long you’re willing to leave it listed (You can also consider the option of allowing someone to purchase it on the spot for a set price)
- Depending on the site you choose you’ll need to determine the shipping arrangements. I.e., if you’re selling through eBay you may request the buyer pays for shipping and insurance. If you choose craigslist for local buyers you can request they arrange for pickup.
- If the sale is final make sure you clarify there is no return policy
- And finally, keep all documentation of correspondence with the buyer
Last, but certainly not least, make sure you really want to part with the item you’re selling. Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good!

Moving on a Budget

The key to moving on a budget is ORGANIZATION. Plan ahead, make lists, talk with moving companies and get quotes, and most importantly – make a moving budget. Know how much you can spend ahead of time and factor in all costs, e.g., moving truck, packing supplies, gas, hotel expenses, etc.

Below are just a few tips on how you can save on expenses when planning your move:

–> Have a garage sale – Start going through your closets, old furniture you no longer want, etc. Not only will you lighten your load and reduce your overall moving costs it’s a great way to make some extra cash. And, any extra cash you pocket can go towards decorating your new home!

–> Don’t pay for packing material when you can find it FREE – Craigslist is the first place to start looking for boxes and bubble wrap. Check with your local bookstore for packing boxes and don’t rule out a local liquor stores. The liquor boxes are ideal for packing glasses and breakables. Start stockpiling your old newspapers or raiding the recycling bins! And, use your own blankets and towels as padding. Just remember, you might have to launder them when you’re done.

–> Pack yourself – even if you’re planning on hiring a moving company pack your own boxes.

–> Skip the moving company – Yup, you guessed it! Ask friends and family for help on moving day. Tip: depending on the distance of your move you could save more hiring a moving company once you’ve factored in gas and mileage (so plan ahead and do your research).

–> Timing is everything (if you have the option) – Moving during the week can actually save you more than moving on the weekends. And, if you’re hiring a moving company you can usually find better rates if you move between October and April rather than the height of moving season.

These are just a few tips on how you can save money on your upcoming move. Just remember to plan ahead, do your research and shop around!

Moving with Kids: Tips for an easy transition

Communication is they key to planning and executing a successful move when children are part of the equation. Getting a child of any age involved in the moving process from start to finish is the best way to reduce stress before, during and after your move.

We’ll start by discussing the best tips for moving with children before your move.  This is a great jumping off point if you’re considering a move or have a move in the works!

Before Your Move

Be upfront about your upcoming move

It’s important to tell your kids about your upcoming move as soon as possible. This allows the child to begin processing the move.

Open lines of communication

Your child will have questions about the upcoming move. Make them feel comfortable approaching you with          questions and concerns. Depending on the age of your child, you may consider asking them to write down a list of questions they have and plan a family meeting to sit down and discuss each questions/concern in detail. Be open and considerate of their requests and try your best to accommodate their needs.

Like father like son

Children’s tension levels mimic yours. That’s why it’s extremely important to keep a positive attitude throughout the move – your children will too!

Make it a family affair

Keep your kids interested and involved by assigning small tasks to help with your move. Ask them to do research on your new community. They may find community activities that interest them so they’re excited about this new stage in life.

Another fun project is to create “My Moving Essentials.” Ask your child to decorate a box to put their favorite items they’ll need immediately after moving…a pair of pajamas, a toothbrush, they’re favorite blanket or book. This way your child can locate their box on move-in day and have everything they need to comfortably settle into their new home!

Need packing tips, check out www.movingboxes.wordpress.com, www.antimanaponivi.wordpress.com or create an account on www.onesimplemove.com (for free) and get a customized moving checklist complete with packing tips.

Knows what’s important to your child

Your child’s reaction to moving will depend on their age. Younger children, up to age ten, are more concerned with how the move will affect their routine. Therefore, it is important to keep their schedules the same during the planning and moving stages. For example, keep their school routine as similar as possible, while also keeping their mealtimes and bedtimes the same.

Pre-teens and teenagers are more concerned with losing touch with their friends. Suggest your teens create a personalized address book by collecting contact information of family and friends they don’t want to lose contact with.

During Your Move

Out with the old…

No matter what age your children you should celebrate their old home and community before embracing your new one. Throw a casual pizza party for your kids inviting their friends and neighbors. This is a positive way to say goodbye.

Have you kids make a list of their favorite places, whether it be the local zoo or favorite restaurant, and plan a visit to three favorites before move-day. Celebrating will put a positive spin on what you’re leaving behind.

In with the new…

This is an exciting time for your kids. Let them explore their new home finding all the nooks and crannies that make this house a home. Involving the kids in the planning and decorating of their new room is always a great way to engage them! Let them help with the floor plan and picking the paint color on the walls. They’ll be excited just to be a part of the planning process.

Settling in

Now’s the time to find each child’s “My Moving Essentials” suitcase. That favorite blanket or book might be just what your child needs to make that first night a good night.

If you have a family pet it’s also very important to make sure that pet is adjusting comfortably. Kids are often very concerned about their pets and to see their pet at ease will put them at ease.

For more information about moving with pets check out www.seowhitehat.wordpress.com.

After Your Move

Set those ground rules

Now’s the time to re-establish those ground rules from the old home. Enforce the normal bedtime schedule the first night in your new home. Have your favorite breakfast cereal on hand that first morning, etc. It’s important to show your kids the only thing that’s changed is the roof you live under.

Have a little fun

It’s important to unpack essentials, like bedding, bathroom and kitchen supplies and boxes, but you can take your time with the rest. Get out there and explore your new neighborhood and community with your children. Find a new favorite pizza joint and make a family affair out of it.

Introduce yourself to the neighbors. Who knows, your child’s new best friend might be right next door!

The dreadful new school

If your child is starting a new school it’s important to schedule a tour so your child can see the lay of land and possible meet their new teachers. This will help alleviate anxiety associated with new schools.

Need tips on the best approach to finding a new school?
www.greatschools.net

Hopefully you found these tips useful. Communication and participation are the key ingredients for a successful more – with or without children!