Children Moving: 3 Tips for Planning a Household Move With Children

Moving to a new home in a completely new city can be a stressful event for everyone in your family.

If you’re dealing with children moving along with you, the entire process can be even more overwhelming, which is why it’s important to plan ahead.

Whether you’re moving down the block or across the country, read on to learn three crucial tips that will help you plan a move with children in-tow.

1. Foster a Spirit of Communication

Often when children need to move to a new home or school, it’s upsetting for them. Communicate with your kids about the transition. Allow your child to process the fact that you’re moving. Allow them time to prepare and have closure with friends.

Talk to your children about moving in general and ask them if they have any concerns. When kids can express themselves openly, it makes everything easier to cope with and can help to ease their fears.

Encourage your children to ask questions about the move and let them know you’re happy to answer any of them as best you can. The more you stay positive and foster a spirit of communication throughout the process, the more streamlined everything should be.

2. Plan Ahead

You can reduce the impact of moving with your children by planning a few things in advance. Contact the new school your children will attend and ask them about any programs they might offer to help new students with the transition.

Make sure your kids all have the latest immunizations, and they have a full check-up from their doctor. Find out where local parks, museums, and other fun activities are located in your new city, state, or town.

When you plan ahead, your entire family will have a much easier time jumping into their new surroundings without hesitation. Find out exactly what needs to be done based on the new location well in advance, so the move goes smoothly for everyone involved.

3. Stay Upbeat and Positive

Moving can be scary, particularly for younger children. Do your best to get your kids excited about the move by always focusing on the positive.

If it’s within your budget, consider letting your kids pick out new furniture for their bedroom or allow them to choose a new paint color. These things can make the change more exciting and will give your children something fun to focus on.

Stock up on your kids’ favorite snacks before the move so they’ll have something familiar when you get settled. Show them some new and exciting places you can visit, such as a new pizza place, a brand-new park, or a local zoo.

Make Moving Fun

When it comes to your children moving, it doesn’t have to be a negative experience. Do your best to focus on the positive, encourage communication, and plan ahead for a smooth transition.

Express your excitement to your children about the move, and everything should fall into place.

For your moving and storage needs, visit our website and contact us today for more information.

Handle With Care: How to Pack Glasses for Moving

Every year, approximately 40 million people pack up their homes and move, either to another local home or somewhere farther away. Even if each home only has eight pieces of glassware, that’s over 300 million chances for breakage.

Unfortunately, glassware and ceramics are among the most frequently broken items during a move. You can’t do much to prevent someone from dropping a cup or dish while you pack. What you can do is take steps that will help prevent your glasses from breaking during the trip itself. 

Use Glass Pack Kit

Many people don’t realize it, but you can get moving boxes specifically designed for packing glasses.  Check with your moving professionals for these specialty boxes.

Called a glass pack kit, these boxes come with individual compartments for your glasses. Each compartment consists of sturdy cardboard that will resist crushing.

Glass pack kits also keep the glasses from bumping into each other, one of the main reasons that glasses break during shipping and moves. Of course, you should still provide some padding as added insurance.

Not sure about what goes into padding your glasses? Don’t worry. We’ll go over padding your glasses in the next section.

Lots of Padding

For glasses, packing paper and bubble wrap save the day. You can find these at most retail outlets, many office supply stores, and even for sale at package delivery outlets.

Start by packing the inside of each glass with wadded-up paper. This provides some internal support for the glass if the box comes under pressure. This can help stave off crush breaks.

Wrap the outside of each glass with either packing paper or bubble wrap. Don’t skimp on the packing paper. For standard boxes, make sure you put several layers of crumpled paper on the bottom of the box and on top of the glasses. It provides a cushion when the box gets jostled.

Mark As Fragile

Always make a point to mark all boxes with glassware as fragile. Label all sides of the box. If someone else handles the boxes, they might not realize it’s glassware. You might also forget by the time you’re unloading them at your new home.

Hire Professionals

You probably won’t hire professionals just to pack up your glassware. If you own a lot of glassware and other fragile items, though, getting some pros on the job can relieve you of a lot of stress.

You can focus on the organizational aspects of the move, rather than the nitty-gritty of actual packing. Plus, you won’t wonder if your fragile possessions got packed the right way. You’ll know they were packed properly.

Safely Packing Glassware

If you’re getting ready for a move and wondering how to pack glassware the right way, start with the right materials.

Get the right kind of boxes ahead of time. Glass pack kits come in many sizes for different styles of glasses. Take a glass with you and find the right size.

If you’re packing in regular boxes, use small boxes and invest in plenty of packing paper and bubble wrap. These will provide a cushion and internal support for your glasses during transit.

Need help with your move? Brooks Transfer & Storage specializes in residential moves and office relocations in the Virginia Beach area. Need help with your move? Contact us today.

New Home Essentials: Must-Have Items for Move-In Day

Moving day can be a whirlwind of chaos. That’s why you need to plan ahead and take the time to pack an essentials box.

An essentials box can be a life-saver for the first few hours – and perhaps even the first few days in your new home until your boxes arrive, and you get everything unpacked. Having critical items set aside and available right away in your new home is vital to surviving your first night or two.

But what should you include?

Moving Day New-Home Essentials

Your new-home essentials box should contain all the items you need to be comfortable before you get everything else unpacked. Nobody wants to wade through piles of boxes to try to find their toothbrush, especially after a long day of moving. 

1. Bathroom Stuff

Ideally, your box of essentials should contain everything you need to keep yourself clean and well-groomed. Here are some suggestions:

• Toiletpaper
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Soap
• Towels
• Shower Stuff (including a shower curtain)
• Comb and Brush
• Deodorant
• Medicines

2. Bedroom

Moving is hard work, and by the end of the day, you will likely be tired and ready for some rest.  Your essentials box should contain a few items to help you make up your room so you can crash at the end of the day. 

• Bedding
• Pillows
• Pajamas
• One or two changes of clothes 

3. Cleaning Supplies

Put some necessary cleaning supplies in your new home essentials box.

• Paper towels
• Multi-purpose cleaner
• Dishwashing liquid
• Sponges
• Kitchen towels
• Broom and dustpan

4. Pet Items

For those with pets, remember to bring your furry friend’s essentials. 

• Pet food
• Bowls
• Pet bed or blanket
• Leash

5. Kitchen Basics

To be able to prepare some essential snacks and  meals to “recharge” after your move include these necessities:

• Plates
• Silverware
• Basic Cookware
• Glasses
• Snacks
• Beverages
• A few food items for an easy dinner and breakfast
• Dishrag and towel
• Garbage bags

If you’re one of those people who can’t start the day without your morning coffee, include a coffee brewer, mugs, and your favorite coffee.

6. Entertainment

You might want some entertainment to help you through the first few days before everything’s unpacked. Consider including:

• Personal electronics such as iPads and eReaders
• Chargers
• Favorite books and toys for children

7. Emergency Supplies

Also, include a small emergency kit to deal with minor mishaps that may occur while your family is settling it. Include:

• Band-Aids
• Gauze
• Antibiotic Ointment
• Tweezers
• A flashlight
• A small tool kit

Keep Track of Your Essentials Box

This box should have a primary spot in your car. Put a bright strip of tape on the side of the box so that it stands out from the other boxes. Make sure it is labeled “essentials box.”

Moving into a new house is hectic, no matter how prepared you are. Assign a trusted friend or family member to manage the box during the move, and once you arrive.

Need Help Moving?

For additional moving tips and hints, check out our blog.

 Contact us today to talk about moving. We help with local, long-distance, and even international moves! 

How to Host a Stress-Free Housewarming Party After You’ve Moved In

Once you’ve unpacked all the boxes and arranged all the finishing touches on your new home, there’s only one other thing left to do. Host a housewarming party.

It can be a great way to meet your new neighbors and welcome friends and loved ones to your new home. But if you feel hesitant about planning a big event, don’t fret.

Use these housewarming party ideas to host a manageable celebration.

Housewarming Party Essentials

If you’re ready to celebrate with those you care about with as little hassle as possible, that’s very doable. House warming party ideas don’t have to cost a fortune to be truly enjoyable.

You could stick with some of these housewarming party nuts and bolts:

• Pick a time and day. You can’t accommodate everyone’s schedule, but perhaps check around to see if there are dates that would work for the majority of your guests.
• Send an invitation to your guests: This could be as easy as sending an email or using a paperless invitation service to create a beautiful invite.
• Prepare food and drinks: If you want to keep this simple, use paper plates and order food through a catering service. Or you could ask your guests to bring a dish for a potluck-style party.
• Keep the gathering casual. Save a fancy cocktail party for another time. Your housewarming guests will likely be more comfortable in casual attire. Besides, you will save your floors from the effects of high heels and scuff marks.

Another helpful tip that could reduce the stress factor is to offer a time frame to your guests. This keeps the feel casual and allows people to come and go as it’s convenient.

Unique Housewarming Party Ideas

Housewarming parties can also double as a way to help you settle into your new home with family and friends.

If you’re interested in creating a unique theme that you and your guests can enjoy, here are some fun and useful housewarming ideas to consider.

• Scavenger hunt: You’ll probably give a few tours at your housewarming party. But you could invite your guests to get to know your home by setting up a scavenger hunt throughout the rooms.
• Make it seasonal or focus on a theme: If it’s springtime, head to the yard for a garden party housewarming. Or if its fall, host a Halloween get-together that’s scheduled just after trick-or-treating.

When you send your guests home, you could see them off with a small party favor. This could be a food item related to the theme of your celebration or a small memento like a magnet.

Even if you pick a theme or arrange games, you could still simplify things with disposable cutlery, simple food, and a flexible time window.

Thank You Notes

Always remember to be a gracious host by sending “thank you” notes to all of your party guests. Keep it simple with a small card and a line or two of text. Be casual and genuine. Let them know you appreciate them and that you hope to see them again soon!

Get More Moving Resources

We know how important both the move and post-move housewarming party phases are for our customers. If you need moving advice or first-rate moving services, contact us for a quote. We’re here to help with small or large-scale moves.

Moving With Pets: What You Need to Know

Did you know that being with a pet can help reduce stress levels? 

That’s a big reason why so many people own pets in the United States. But we all know there are times when owning a pet can be more stressful than anything else.

One of those instances is when you’re moving to a new home. You have to deal with the normal stressors of moving like packing, transporting, and acclimating to a new area. But you also have a pet to care for along the way.

But moving with pets doesn’t have to be stressful. A little planning can make moving with your furry friend easier. 

Keep reading to learn how to make the move with your pet as smooth as possible!

Talk with Your Current Vet

Before you make your move, it’s important to take one last visit to your current vet. Make sure your pet is all up-to-date with vaccinations and has a full stock of any needed medications.

Ask for copies of your pet’s medical records. Get a paper copy and an electronic copy, in case the paper copy gets misplaced during the move. You’ll want to bring these to your new vet once you move.

If you’re flying with your animal to your new destination, talk to your vet about ways to ease your pet’s anxiety during the trip.

Have a Pet Sitter on Moving Day

There will be lots of commotion at your house on moving day. Movers will be in and out of your house at a quick pace. The door will likely be wide open throughout the day. Not only can all of this activity stress your pet out, but they could easily wander out while the door is open.

Arrange for a friend pet sit for you on moving day. That way, your pet will be stress-free and safe, and you’ll be able to focus on the move.

Set Up Their Space

When you arrive at your new home, arrange your pet’s living area similar to how it was arranged in your old home.

Your pet will feel more at home if his living space is all set up and feels familiar. 

Ideally, position your pet’s bowl, bed, and toy basket in similar spots to where they were situated in your previous home. For instance, if your pet’s bowls were near the back door, place them in a similar position.

 Update Their Info

Pets tend to run off when they’re feeling confused or scared. When you move into your new home, your pet will be in an unfamiliar area.

Update all of your pet’s information, including their microchip and collar tags, so that in case they get out in your new home, you can be located and reunited with your pet quickly.

Moving with Pets Should Be a Smooth Transition

If you follow this guide, moving with pets shouldn’t be too stressful. Just make sure you start planning well in advance, so you and your pet can be at ease on moving day.

Are you looking to make your move easy and stress-free? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help make that happen!

The Essential Guide to Moving out of State in Just 6 Steps

About 40 million Americans move to a new state each year. This may be as simple as crossing over one state line or making a leap across the entire country.

Whether it’s a new career opportunity or to be closer to family, you may find yourself picking up your entire life and putting it down in a brand new place with minimal notice. Fortunately, with the right approach, this can be seamless.

Moving to a new state is exciting, but can sometimes be overwhelming. Keep reading for six essential steps to moving out of state for making your experience hassle-free.

1. Take Care of Loose Ends

Before you begin your exciting journey, you’ll need to take care of housekeeping in your soon to be former home state. Create an inventory list broken down by common areas such as your closet and kitchen.

Make a calendar leading up to your departure date and prepare your former home for any move out inspections. You’ll also need to forward mail to your new address.

2. Locate Housing

Finding a place to live is stressful enough when you’re searching locally. The modern convenience of the Internet provides many resources. Most living communities will gladly provide further photos beyond their website if you call and inquire.

A short-term or month-to-month lease is a good starting point to allow yourself a proper search once arriving. Don’t be shy about finding roommates if you’re moving alone or won’t know anyone else. Exchange social media profiles and ask to video message to ensure your safety and peace of mind.

3. Purge Unneeded Items

Look around your home and start decluttering. There is no sense taking items with you on a long-distance move that you will never use again.

Tackle one room at a time. Divide up the items you no longer need into three categories: sell, donate, and discard. If you have time built-into your moving schedule, take photos of your purged items and post them on sites like CraigsList, Freecycle, OfferUp, or Facebook’s Marketplace. 

Or, if time is short, donate your things to services like Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity.

4. Pack Properly

Invest in plenty of boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrap to keep your valuables safe. Label them and create a legend to locate everything so that you don’t have to tear through box after box to find a misplaced item.

Naturally, you’ll want to pick up and take everything with you, but space constraints and costs make this difficult. Every day disposal items like toiletries and food can be left behind and replaced upon arrival.

5. Update Necessary Information

Once you arrive to your new state you’ll have 30 days to establish yourself as an official resident. This grace period may vary depending on your state’s law, but don’t put this responsibility off.

Specifically, update your car information including driver’s license, auto insurance, and vehicle registration. This is also an opportune time to register to vote and notify your bank of your move.

6. Explore and Have Fun!

Once you arrive at your new home you’ll naturally feel a little worn out and exhausted. After you’re settled and comfortable, get out and enjoy yourself. Join a gym, visit a museum, or take a walk around your new neighborhood.

Resources like the Nextdoor app are a great way to become integrated and meet nearby residents through social activities. You’ll likely discover other transplants such as yourself in your new state.

Taking the Proper Steps to Moving Out of State

The best strategy for a successful move is time and planning. The excitement of journeying to a new state can bring eagerness, but you must properly plan. 

Whether it’s going across town or to a brand new state, moving doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Brooks Transfer & Storage Company Inc. serves the greater Virginia Beach area and beyond. Contact us today to receive a free quote.

What to Expect from Good Movers

Moving can be tedious, back-breaking physical labor! But, the best movers can make moving day easy for homeowners.

Whether you’re moving to a new city or across the country, you want a moving company that understands your specific needs. In fact, the best movers go above and beyond to exceed your expectations.

If you are new to hiring a moving company, here are some qualities of good movers to keep in mind when you are selecting one for your relocation.

What to Expect from Good Movers

Not all moving companies and movers are created equal. They vary in professionalism, efficiency, and care in handling your possessions. Take a look at what you should expect if you hire professional movers.

Outstanding Customer Service

As soon as you make contact with your potential moving company, they should go above and beyond in providing exceptional customer service.

In addition to thoroughly answering your questions, they should also have some questions for you about your move. The moving company should have a clear understanding of the scope of your move and your moving needs when providing a quote.

Arrival Details

An excellent professional moving company will let you know well in advance when the crew will arrive at your home. They will also be on time. If there is a delay – they’ll let you know right away.

When the movers arrive, they will have a crew supervisor for you to direct your questions and concerns.

Inventory List

The movers will prepare a written inventory of your things. They’ll determine each item’s condition and assign everything an inventory number.

Then you’ll review and sign off on the assessment making sure nothing is missing or listed incorrectly.

Loading

After the inventory list is complete, your movers will load the moving truck. They’ll take special care in loading the truck in a prioritized order.

Make sure that you set aside items that you don’t want to be loaded like your essentials box or other personal and valuable items.

The best movers have proven techniques for loading and protecting your furniture and other belongings.

Every piece not packed in a box should be pad-wrapped and placed from your home to the truck. 

The movers will take care to load the truck from floor to ceiling — like a puzzle to keep things safe and maximize available space.

Delivery

Once the movers arrive at your new home, they will unload the truck and place your belongings in the designated spaces.

As they unload each item, they will have you check off the inventory list to verify the condition of your items upon arrival.

Storage Facilities

Good movers also have excellent storage facilities available that are modern, clean, and secure. If you need to store any of your belongings during the move, your movers should be able to provide storage service for an additional fee. 

Worry-Free Moving

There’s a lot of work involved in picking up and moving your life to a new location, even if you’re just moving down the road. How nice would it be if it was all handled for you?

If you’re looking for a hassle-free move, consider hiring movers to do it for you!

Give us a call or contact us on our website!

5 Helpful Small Business Relocation Tips for a Smooth Transition

Has your business volume in Virginia Beach outgrown your office space? Do you need more workers in Hampton Roads but have no place to park them? End of your lease in Norfolk?

It’s never been a better time to expand your business in Virginia Beach. Growing businesses need the right location and facilities to thrive.

Whatever your reasons to move, business relocation puts huge stress on small businesses. Ensure a smooth transition process with these helpful small business relocation tips. 

1. Plan Ahead for a Successful Business Relocation

How far ahead? About 3-5 months before your planned date. Most businesses want to minimize any service interruptions. Provide seamless service to your existing customers during your move with a transition plan.

There are many things to take care of in a move. Often as a small business, the number of people who can do the work is limited. 

There are so many things to take care of; negotiate the new lease, arrange for utilities and inspections, communicate with employees and customers, the list goes on and on.

2. Delegate What You Can

With so many little jobs like packing furniture and supplies, IT equipment, phone and internet stacks, running your business and your business relocation can seem overwhelming.

A successful office move is minimally disruptive to your business activities. As soon as you agree to a new space, start the move process. Set your target date and hire the people you need.

3. Find the Right Movers 

First of all, you want a firm dedicated to your area. Call local Virginia Beach specialists directly.

Moving from your home is a very different process than moving an office. Office equipment tends to be heavier and more delicate than any home appliance. The corresponding price tag for a replacement if damaged is also much higher!

Make sure your movers have verified experience in office moves to ensure your business move is run smoothly.

4. Check Local References 

Look for local business move references.  Ask these important questions:

• How long have they been in business?
• How many office relocations have they done?
• Do they have specialized equipment (and people certified to use it) to lift heavy office equipment?
• Do they have partnerships with local installation techs and cleaners to coordinate disconnections and connections?
• What is their insurance coverage?

Ask if the company provides a timeline, checklists, or a coordinator to help make your transition smooth. 

5. Budget Time and Resources

The budget is probably one of your main concerns. Packing time and materials are sometimes a surprise cost for small business relocation. Ask your mover if these things are included in the price.

Before your move, you and your employees should aggressively discard and consolidate materials. Don’t be afraid to ask an employee or two to help you pack. Allocate your time and budget tradeoffs with care.

The Big Day

Your final day in your old location is a flurry of activity. Finish or reschedule any interviews, meetings or deliveries in advance. 

• Delegate
• Hire Right
• Budget Time and Resources

Break your small business relocation into these steps for a successful move. Contact us now for more tips from our specialists.