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How to Avoid the Most Common Moving Mistakes

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  • How to Avoid the Most Common Moving Mistakes

    How to Avoid the Most Common Moving Mistakes

    If you’ve ever moved and made a big mistake while doing it, we can pretty much guarantee that you’ll never make that mistake again. Now, some mistakes are fun. Sometimes you forget to label the outside of one box and it almost feels like a surprise when you open it up. This sounds like all fun and games but what if you labeled zero boxes! Then, that quickly becomes a big old nightmare! At Brooks Transfer & Storage, we want you to avoid the most common moving mistakes so that your move goes as smoothly as possible! Here are some tips to keep you from turning your exciting move into an expensive disaster!

    Research Your Moving Company

    When you move, you need to know all the information. One of the worst case scenarios during a move is that you pick someone because they look affordable and then they completely scam you. They take your money and all your belongings and you are left with that extremely sad emoji face for weeks. Do your research, people! Did they give you an in-person estimate? Do they have insurance? Are they even available the day you want to move? Do you feel like they are trustworthy and reliable? These are all things that are crucial when trying to avoid a very common moving mistake.

    Declutter Your Current Space

    You know what’s really obnoxious? Moving something extremely heavy to a new location and then deciding you actually don’t really want or need it. While many may not enjoy going through every item they own, it’s an important part of moving! If you are able to clean your existing home out and really fine tune your items, keeping the things you enjoy most, not only will it save you tons of money in packing, but it will allow more space you can utilize in your new home!

    Packing

    There are so many things to avoid doing while packing. Whether it’s putting something extremely heavy into a box or packing up flammable and corrosive materials together, packing can be exhausting, hazardous, and take a lot of brain power! The best thing you can do to avoid a mistake in packing is let someone who has much more experience than you pack up your belongings. While you worry about packing your essentials, let us pack up all of your belongings in an organized and effective manner.

    At Brooks Transfer & Storage, we love helping families transition to their next home. It is our joy and honor to help you begin a new life in a new space! Our company has been in the moving business since 1878! That’s 140 years of moving experience. We know how to reliably move your items safely and professionally so that you can enjoy your new space and not worry about those common moving mistakes that so many others have dealt with in the past. For more information on Brooks Transfer & Storage, give us a call today toll free at 800-544-1265 or email info@brookstransfer.com.

  • 3 Tips for Decluttering and Preparing to Downsize Your Home

    3 Tips for Decluttering and Preparing to Downsize Your Home

    If you’ve been in a home for many years and you’re looking to downsize your property, preparing for this big event isn’t something that can be done overnight. Utilize the decision to downsize as the perfect time to go through all of the items that you’ve built up over the years. In turn, you’ll be able to declutter and truly prepare to downsize your home. At Brooks Transfer & Storage, we have a passion for helping Virginia homeowners with their downsizing process. Before we start the moving process for you, we wanted to introduce you to 3 tips for decluttering and preparing to downsize your home.

    Address the Big Items First

    It makes sense that if you are downsizing from a 4 bedroom home down to a 2 bedroom, that you can immediately get rid of 2 beds and potentially even two sets of bedroom furniture. There is no sense in moving large items that simply have no place in your new home. So, one great place to start when it comes to decluttering and preparing to downsize your home is to go through the big items in your home first and decide whether or not there is a place for them in your smaller house.

    Don’t Rush the Process

    At Brooks Transfer & Storage, we understand that the moving process can be overwhelming. By teaming up with our moving professionals, we’ll take some of that unnecessary pressure off of your shoulders. One great way to help limit the stress when trying to declutter and downsize is for you to start the moving preparations early. Do not rush through the fine details of your move. Feeling comfortable with items that you plan to get rid of, pack up or store will go a long way in limiting your stress levels throughout the move.

    Create an Inventory

    With any move big or small, creating an inventory is critical. This will ensure that all items that you’ve gone through and plan to take with you when downsizing are delivered and identified once our team at Brooks Transfer & Storage moves your items to your new home.

    Even though you may be planning to downsize to a smaller home, the moving process is still one that should not be taken lightly. At Brooks Transfer & Storage, we believe that addressing the big items first, taking your time with the moving preparation and creating an inventory are all key tips for decluttering and preparing to downsize your home. If you are ready to partner with a proven moving company in VA, contact our dedicated staff at (800) 544-1265 or email info@brookstransfer.com to request a free quote.

  • The Best Advice for Avoiding Stress While You’re Moving

    The Best Advice for Avoiding Stress While You’re Moving

    With so many things that need to be done before moving, sometimes a move can feel quite stressful. Fortunately, though, with the right preparation and planning, much of that stress associated with a move can be entirely avoided.

    3 Essential Tips to Make Moving Less Stressful 

    1. Approach Everything with the Right Mentality

    In life, there are two ways you can approach challenges: you can either be negative and complain about it, or you can embrace the challenge and see the good in it. Adopting the right mindset can make all the difference. Accept the fact that yes, moving will be a lot of work, but know that it will be worth it in the end. Make a list of all the exciting things you will do in your new place of residence and stay positive. Psychologists’ research studies have even shown that people who do not perceive a life event as being stressful – but rather view it as an opportunity to grow – do not exhibit biological symptoms of stress as their peers do otherwise.

    1. Give Yourself More Time Than You Think You Need

    From canceling your cable bill to decluttering all the junk that has accumulated in your closet, so much needs to be done before the big moving date. Start making progress on everything several months out and give yourself more than enough time to do everything. Sometimes, things will pop up in your schedule and make it difficult to do everything last minute. Make consistent progress week after week, so that when it comes time to move, the bulk of your work was already finished well ahead of time.

    1. Declutter, Declutter, Declutter

    The most time-consuming aspect of any move is packing all the things you have accumulated over the years. One of the best ways you can save time and energy taking care of all of this is to get rid of the things you no longer need. From old clothing styles to kitchen appliances, you never use, people oftentimes find that there is a lot that can be donated or given away to friends. Take the time and be honest with yourself to find things which are no longer needed. Focus on one room at a time going through drawers and closets. You’d be surprised how much stuff you no longer use. Plus, you can feel good about donating these things to those who need them much more than you.

    Let Professional Movers Handle the Heavy Lifting

    As a highly experienced moving company in the Hampton Road area, Brooks Transfer & Storage can help save you a substantial amount of time and stress moving your most delicate items. With Brooks Transfer & Storage comes piece of mind. Call us today at 1-800-544-1265 or fill out our online contact form to receive a free quote today. You can trust us to take care of the most difficult aspects of your move.

  • How to Save Money Moving in the Virginia Beach Area

    How to Save Money Moving in the Virginia Beach Area

    Moving in the beautiful Virginia Beach area doesn’t have to be as expensive as you might think. With the right strategies in place, you’d be surprised how much you could save – without having to do all the work yourself too.

    The 5 Top Tips to Save Money Moving in the Virginia Beach Area

     1. Make the Most Out of the Space in Your Moving Boxes

    The more tightly you pack the items in your moving boxes, the fewer containers you will need to buy and then relocate to your new home. The less boxes you have, the less time it will take your movers to transfer everything into your new home – which could save you substantially on your per hour fees when everything is all said and done. As a bonus, tightly packing your items will also minimize your risk of potential property damage; the less empty space in your boxes, the less likely your things will shift around and possibly break.

    2. Do Everything You Can to Prevent Potential Property Damage

    One thing you might not consider moving is the hidden costs that can result from property damage to your more valuable assets. While moving yourself can sometimes seem like the most cost-effective option, think about the risks you face financially if something goes wrong handling your more delicate items. To minimize this risk, hiring experienced moving professionals in many cases are the better option in the end.

    3. Schedule a Move-In Date at the Most Cost-Effective Time

    The time of year you move can substantially affect the costs of hiring movers. Try to avoid moving during their busy seasons in the summer and the first half of months. Relocating during the winter, towards the end of the month, or during a weekday is most ideal for those looking to maximize their moving budget. Save your slot well ahead of time with professional movers in Virginia Beach to guarantee their availability and the most cost-effective pricing.

    4. Donate or Sell Your Belongings You No Longer Need

    Odds are you’ve probably accumulated quite a few items you no longer use, need, or like in your current place of residence. Selling these items can help you earn some extra cash, while donating them could provide you with a nice tax deduction. The less items you need to move, the lower your moving costs will be as well.

    5. Look into Possible Tax Deductions

    If you are moving in the Virginia Beach area for work purposes, you may be able to write this off as a tax deduction on your income taxes. Take the time to save all your receipts associated with your move and check with your accountant to take advantage of these possible financial savings.

    Trust Brooks Transfer & Storage When Moving in the Virginia Beach Area

    As long-time moving professionals serving Virginia Beach residents for nearly 140 years, Brooks Transfer & Storage is the clear company to turn to for moving. We’re the clear leaders in the area committed to your moving success. Don’t hesitate to call us today at 1-800-544-1265 or use our online contact form to receive a free quote!

     

     

     

  • The Top 8 Most Commonly Damaged Items During a Move

    The Top 8 Most Commonly Damaged Items During a Move

    Maintaining the integrity of your most precious items during moving is likely one of your most major concerns when relocating to a new home. Some items are more fragile than others and subject to damage. The last thing you want after moving is to need to worry about replacing some of your favorite and most valuable possessions. Make sure to pack the fragile items carefully and fill up all empty space in boxes during transport. Use plenty of packing tape to secure closed boxes and label containers as “Fragile” and “This Way Up”. When moving, be most cautious transporting these belongings to avoid having to replace this often irreplaceable items.

     The 8 Items Most at Risk of Damage When Moving

    1. Glassware and Plates

    Glassware, plates, and China are high-risk items for breaking or chipping during a move.  Extra steps need to be taken by using boxes specifically designed for transporting glassware and plates. Partitioned boxes with dividers work great and add extra cushioning to the boxes.

    1. Electronic Items

    Electronics, particularly if they are large bulky like a flat screen TV can present other challenges as well. If you have their original boxes, take advantage of them; if not, use a very similar style box. Remove cords and store them separately. Use more padding than you think you need with bubble wrap and blankets on the outside of the electronics’ boxes for added protection.

    1. Sports Equipment

    Many sports equipment items can be sensitive depending on the type of product. Again, use original boxes if you have them. Avoid mixing of these items with other things when packing to avoid damage during moving.

    1. Home Decor

    From artwork to lamps, home décor can present issues moving. Disassemble lamps and store the pieces separately. Wrap your art in paper to prevent scratches to the items.

    1. Plants

    It’s important to stop watering plants a day or so before moving so that they are lighter and less likely to leak, which can damage the boxes used for transporting them. Use boxes with holes in them if they fit, or utilize bags tied securely separate plants and protect loose branches while transporting. 

    1. Furniture

    With table legs, corners, and sofa arms, moving furniture from one place to another through tight corridors, up and down stairs can be difficult. Take apart your furniture when possible and wrap items with bubble wrap. Utilizing proper moving equipment goes a long way, so hiring professionals is often advised.

    1. Mirrors and Frames

    Frames are most sensitive to damage with their bulky shapes, so proper preparations need to be made. Mirrors present safety hazards if they break and should be transferred vertically with moving blankets carefully secured around them.

    1. Bottle Collections

    Just as you need to take care of your other glass items, your wine or spirits collection needs to be carefully packed and transported as well. Divided/cell boxes from a moving company or wine shop work well, and be sure to wrap each bottle individually with packing paper.

     Protect Your Belongings by Hiring Highly-Seasoned, Professional Movers

    With moving all these delicate items, oftentimes its best to seek professional help and advice. Safely transporting your valuables, collectibles, and other personal belongings to your new home is of the utmost importance to the team here at Brooks Transfer & Storage. We understand how costly and frustrating damage to your personal items can be. We work hard to ensure that your belongings arrive at your new home as safely as possible and because of this we’ve earned an excellent reputation for our dedication to our customers in the Hamptons Road area. Don’t hesitate to call us today at 1-800-544-1265 or fill out our online contact form to ensure the integrity of your personal belongings during your next move. With close to 140 years of experience, you know you can always trust Brooks Transfer & Storage.

     

     

  • Important Things You Don’t Always Think to Do When Moving

    Important Things You Don’t Always Think to Do When Moving

    When moving in the Hamptons road area, there can be so much to keep track of relocating from one home to another. The process takes time and there are many steps you must take before you are fully moved into your new place. Here are some of the most important things to do that people commonly forget about when moving.

    5 Important Tasks to Make Sure You Take Care of Before Moving

    1. Collect All Your Personal Records

    If you are moving to a new area and changing veterinarians, doctors, dentists, daycare centers, etc., make sure to pick up your records from these places. This is one of the most commonly forgotten things to do when moving. Obtaining these records will take a bit of time to accrue, so gather them all well before the day of your move.

    1. Keep All Your Documents Safely in One Place

    Receipts, bills, contracts, social security cards, passports, and so on, all should be kept separate from the rest of the items you are moving. Hold onto this documentation personally and bring them with you during your move.

    1. Make Separate Plans for Transporting Your Pets and Plants

    If you have any pets or plants, you need to be aware of the fact that moving companies are not supposed to transport these items for you. You need to make different plans accordingly for your furry friends and comforting plants.

    1. Cancel All Recurring Charges for Services You Will No Longer Need

    At least one month before you move, make sure to cancel your gym membership and other subscription services. If possible, relocate your subscriptions and memberships to a more convenient location.

    1. Change Your Address Early and Call Your Insurance Companies

    Even if you are simply moving within your town to a new address, your car and other insurance rates can change. Make sure to notify your agents with plenty of time about your relocation, so all the necessary documentation is completed in a timely manner. Notify the U.S. Postal Service online about two weeks prior to your move to ensure all your mail arrives at its proper, new location. Additionally, make sure to change the addresses of your monthly product deliveries with companies online if you have any ongoing orders.

    Hire a Reputable, Experienced Moving Company to Ensure Your Success

    With almost 140 years serving the Hamptons Road area, Brooks Transfer & Storage has been the professional company individuals and families turn towards for handling some of the key logistics of their move. As a clear leader in the local area, we are dedicated to meeting and exceeding the needs of our loyal customers when it comes to all things related to moving to a new home. Reach out to us today at 1-800-544-1265 or fill out our online contact form to receive a free quote and book today!

     

  • Why Choose Brooks Transfer When Moving in the Norfolk Area

    Why Choose Brooks Transfer When Moving in the Norfolk Area

    Hiring an experienced, professional moving company in the Norfolk area can be a cost-effective solution that saves you both time and unnecessary stress.

    Experience Servicing the Norfolk Area and Surrounding Areas since 1878

    When looking for a moving company in the Norfolk area choose Brooks Transfer & Storage. We are one of the most experienced moving companies in the country! For over 138 years, we have been proudly servicing:

    • Norfolk
    • Suffolk
    • Virginia Beach
    • Chesapeake
    • Portsmouth
    • Newport News
    • Smithfield
    • Hampton
    • Williamsburg
    • Poquoson
    • Isle of Wight
    • Gloucester
    • Surrounding Hampton Roads
    • Northern North Carolina

    We began as a family business seeking to help people relocating their belongings both locally and nationally. While we no longer use horses and wagons like we did in 1878, our commitment to our customers has remained the same. Today, we use modern vans and advanced technological systems to provide you with the best service available on the market.

    A Reputation for Providing Service of the Highest Quality

    As a company, we have earned a strong reputation for being:

    • Punctual
    • Thorough
    • Meticulous

    Our incredibly knowledgeable and professional staff will handle all the small details of the move for you, so you can stop worrying, sit back, and relax. Leave it to the highly reliable, trained professionals with “thousands-of-moves worth” of experience! Rest assured with Brooks Transfer & Storage your personal belongings will be transported safely and securely to your next location. We have the moving process down to an exact science.

    We’re Local

    Norfolk residents have been trusting Brooks Transfer for a long time. If we weren’t 100% committed to our customers’ satisfaction we wouldn’t be in business for as long as we have.

    Our family owned and operated company provides moving solutions customized for your specific needs. We offer services for:

    • Local moves
    • Office relocations
    • Interstate relocations
    • International relocations

    A Wide Array of Moving Services Customized to Fit Your Needs

    Need some help moving your personal items? Need just a little help packing? We’re here for you and happy to take care of it. Among other things, we can also provide you with:

    • Storage units
    • Temporary storage
    • Full service packing
    • Unpacking services
    • Complete relocation consultations
    • Packing insight tips

    With Brooks Transfer & Storage a move doesn’t have to feel so overwhelming anymore. Contact us today for a free quote and get started on your next move. Brooks Transfer & Storage is the best in the business so why not work with someone that will always put your needs first?

  • Top 10 Tips for Moving with Children

    Top 10 Tips for Moving with Children

    Kids are resilient and can love new experiences, but moving can also be a big challenge for them.  Here are some recommendations—practical and psychological—for how to make your move easier for you and your kids.

    Tips for Moving with Kids

    1. Hold periodic family meetings.  Involve your children in the process of moving.  If they’re old enough to understand their own feelings, use these meetings to reassure them and answer questions.  If they’re not yet old enough for such complex conversations, use the meetings to involve them in the process and help get them excited about this new chapter.
    2. Project your positive attitude with a countdown to the move. Once the decision has been made, tick off the days on a calendar and help your kids understand that this is an exciting change and everything will be not only okay, but even better.
    3. Solicit your kids’ feedback on your new home.  If you have multiple choices for where you’ll live, your kids’ feedback can be valuable to you and to them.  If your choices are limited, solicit feedback from your children about how to make the best use of the choices you do have.
    4. Do lots of research on your new home and surrounding area.  Learn about the neighborhood you’re moving into, the school system, public transportation, museums, and other aspects of your new location so that you start with a good understanding of the community.
    5. Get your kids involved in determining which rooms will be used for what purpose.  This is especially helpful with their bedrooms, which functions as their own personal space.  But they can also be involved in how you set up other rooms, like offices or play rooms.
    6. Visit your new location with your children before you move.  This will mean that the newness of the move will be mixed with some familiarity, which can be of great comfort to them.
    7. Plot points on the map to your new home.  If you’re driving to your new community, especially if it’s a long drive, make an adventure out of the trip by visiting interesting and new places along the way.  Your kids will take that sense of adventure to the new place with them.
    8. Have a See-You-Later party, instead of a Goodbye party.  If goodbyes communicate finality, sadness is likely to be the prevailing feeling for your kids.  But if you set it up as a See-You-Soon party, your family’s friends as well as your kids will likely view it as an opportunity to visit you in a new location, allowing friendships to continue.
    9. Keep your routine intact: Try to give your kids stability, even during a move with established bedtimes, mealtimes, etc.
    10. Help your kids find new friends:  Even though you are busy getting settled, invest time in meeting new neighbors and finding other kids who might be new playmates.

    Contact Brooks Transfer & Storage for More Information

    Brooks Transfer & Storage is interested in your whole moving experience, not just in filling boxes and loading moving vans.  Give us a call at either 800-544-1265 or 757-427-9500 and we’ll be happy to help you.

  • How to Move with Pets

    How to Move with Pets

    We all know that moving is one of life’s most stressful events. And, when you move with pets, this stress can be compounded for you and for your four-legged friend.  There are some things that you can do to help your pet acclimate to a new environment, so that they stay safe and make the transition as easy as possible.

    Tips when Moving with Pets

    • Walk around your new neighborhood: Before you move in, you may want to walk around the new area without your pet and see if you see kids, other dogs or cats, busy streets, that might be a potential hazard for your pet.
    • Pack their favorite room last: The packing up process can be extremely stressful for both cats and dogs.  It is usually helpful to keep a pet’s favorite room intact until last, so that they have a place to retreat to during the chaos that feels safe and comfortable.  Bring boxes in early so that cats and dogs can smell them and get used to them being around.
    • Moving Day: When moving day arrives, keep your pets in your old home, in a room with the door closes so that they are not able to sneak out and take off.  Keep your pet’s routine (feeding, walks) as consistent as possible.
    • Transporting your pet: If you are concerned about your pet having trouble riding in a car/truck/plane to get to your new home, spend time before the move acclimating your pet to a crate (if he/she is not used to one). Feed your cat/dog in the crate occasionally, put a blanket inside, and even take a short drive to see how your pet will do in a car.  Keeping your pet in a crate for transport will keep them safe.
    • New Home: In your new home, plan to introduce the area slowly.  A large, new space can be overwhelming for a cat or for a dog.  You can start by setting up a room for them with things from their favorite room in your old home.  Once they get used to this new space, slowly introduce them to other rooms in the home.  If you have a cat, keep the litter box in this new “safe” space move it slowly (approximately one foot/day) to a permanent location.

    Brooks Transfer & Storage – Experienced And Reliable Moving Company in VA

    Brooks Transfer & Storage Co., Inc. can help you move all of your belongings to your new home, so you can focus on making the transition easier for your family and your pets. Our professional residential moving team has been serving the Hampton Roads, VA area for more than a century.  For more information or to request a quote, call us today at 800-544-1265 or 757-427-9500.

     

     

  • The Hidden Costs of Complete DIY Moves

    The Hidden Costs of Complete DIY Moves

    Sometimes moving can be overwhelming, particularly if you decide to go it alone to save some extra cash. The problem is that total DIY moves don’t always save you money. There’s hidden costs that go into complete DIY moves.

    The Costs of DIY Moves

    The Potential for Property Damage

    When moving furniture through narrow doors or hallways and up steps, there is always the potential that bulky, heavy furniture items could leave a dent in the wall or chip off quite a substantial amount of paint. Without the proper equipment and training, moving these items yourself isn’t always the best idea. Additionally, you don’t want to run the risk of that new, favorite TV of yours being damaged during the drive over to your new home or carrying it into your living room.

    Time Off from Work to Pack and Move

    Packing and transporting all your possessions on your own can be incredibly time consuming and could require you taking time off from work to make sure that it all gets done in time. These hours away from work could add up in your next payroll check. Don’t forget about how inefficient moving will be on your own without the proper loading solutions and the furniture re-assembling that will be involved.

    Renting a Moving Truck and Paying for Gas

    Unless you plan to make dozens of trips in your car, you’ll probably be renting a moving truck and unloading equipment to transport your items into your new home. Moving trucks alone can cost you significant money, with additional costs for gas and mileage on the vehicle.

    The Price of Insurance

    When transporting delicate and expensive items to your new home, insurance is essential to invest in. Most professional moving companies already have insurance when you hire them. The cost of insuring that huge flat screen TV you’re moving yourself can add up, and you know you don’t want to run the risk of not having it insured.

    Work with Professional Movers for a Better Return on Investment

    When transporting your belongings to your new home, think about hiring Brooks Transfer & Storage. As a leading professional moving company in the Hamptons Road area, we have been servicing the needs of the community since 1878. Our loyal customers know the value they receive when hiring Brooks Transfer & Storage. To let us handle the heavy lifting for you, reach out to us today at 1-800-544-1265 or fill out our online contact form to receive a free quote!