How to Move Optimally with Pets

Moving is generally classified as one of the most stressful life events — and if it is a stressful life event for humans, imagine how stressful it can be for your pets.  Your pet’s entire world is your home and your immediate surroundings and when it’s time to move, spending some time thinking about making the transition a smooth one for your pet is important.

Tips for Making a Move Easier for your Pets

1. Keep to your schedule:  Pets are creatures of habit, so anything that you can do to keep the same schedule for them is helpful as you move from one home to the next. For example, try to keep the time you feed and walk them consistent as much as possible. This will also minimize accidents in your new home.
2. Keep them contained:  When you move, it is critically important that you keep your pet safe in their new surroundings. If you have a dog, you should only let it outside on a leash and if you have outdoor cats, do not let them wander too soon. You want them to have time to adjust to the sights and smells of their new environment before they venture away.  Some pets have been known to travel miles to get back to their original home.
3. Move your pet last:  As you take boxes and furniture to your new home, plan to leave your pet at your old home for as long as possible with a few favorite items (blanket, toy, etc.). They are safer there unattended and will be comfortable knowing their surroundings if left alone. Move your pets when you are ready for it to be permanent.
4. Play:  Playing with your pet in your new surroundings can quickly calm your four legged friend and reassure him/her that you are still their favorite human.
5. Safe Space:  When you get to your new home, create a safe place for your pet so that the new space will not seem so overwhelming. It is often wise to confine a pet to one area of the home as they get used to the new surroundings a few square feet at a time.

Free Moving Quote, Hampton Roads, VA

Brooks Transfer & Storage is a professional moving company based in Virginia Beach, VA, serving those in the Hampton Roads area for more than a century. We can help you with every detail of your move so that you can focus on making sure that the transition for your family and your pets is smooth and easy. We are a reliable, efficient and dependable team that you can trust. Call us at 800-544-1265 for a free quote!

 

 

Why Downsizing Your Home Might Be a Good Idea

There are many compelling reasons why downsizing your home may be a good idea.  Brooks Transfer & Storage, Inc. is available to help you if and when you decide that the time has come to downsize your current home and move into a new, smaller one.

Benefits of a Smaller Home

As of 2015, the average size of a home in the United States was more than a thousand square feet bigger than the average size home in 1973.  Despite this trend of building and living in larger homes, downsizing has many benefits including the following:

• Smaller houses are less expensive, requiring a smaller amount of debt and financial stress
• Property taxes and insurance payments will be less with a smaller house
• A smaller house costs less to heat and cool and overall maintenance is going to be less
• Less square feet to clean, giving you more free time
• Smaller homes generally have smaller yards which are also easier to maintain
• Can encourage you and your family to spend quality time together
• Encourages you to be organized and only keep items that you need and have space for
• Can free up funds to travel, pay for a kids college or put in the bank

In addition to these benefits, it should be noted that the population of the United States is also getting older.  As homeowners move closer to retirement age, the large homes they built or bought years ago may no longer fit their lifestyle.  Newer and smaller homes have become more appealing to people who have come to recognize that they no longer need the large houses they once desired.  If you built your current home for your family, you may have reached the point when your children have become independent and moved out.  In such cases, large homes end up having a great deal of space that goes unused.

Moving Made Easy with Brooks Moving & Storage

As people get older, they may also develop health issues that prevent them from using all of the space in their homes.  If you come to realize that you are paying for a lot of space that you are not using, downsizing may be an excellent option for you.  When you make the decision to downsize to a smaller home, we hope we can help you with the moving process.  Call Brooks Transfer & Storage, Inc. at 800-544-1265 or 757-427-9500 and we’ll be happy to help make your move as easy as possible!

 

 

Tips for Making Your Move More Fun for Everyone

Moving can be overwhelming and stressful for all involved and is rarely considered fun. After all, it is a lot of work and is disruptive to your family’s daily routine. Moving can also evoke emotions of sadness about leaving your current home and anticipation about building a new life in a new one.  Rather than dreading your upcoming move, there are ways to make your move more fun for everyone involved. Here are a few tips to make moving more fun and less stressful for your family:

1. Reward yourself:  Find something that your entire family can look forward to once the work is done.  This could be a weekend getaway, a day at a waterpark, or just dinner out to your favorite restaurant (or a massage or pedicure for yourself!).  Work toward this reward together and this will allow you to focus less on the difficulties of the move and look forward to the reward instead.
2. Make packing (and unpacking) a game:  Plan to pack each of your rooms separately. Use a color-coded system for each room and make packing a game.  Enlist the help of your little ones by having them pack things in small boxes. Use charts, colors and symbols to illustrate what boxes go in what rooms in the new house.
3. Use technology:  There are new apps for moving where you can log things that can help you indicate what’s in each box in each room of your home.  You can also take pictures of any items you are concerned about remembering so that you will have an easier time unpacking!
4. Party:  When you have downtime, play music, have a dance party, eat junk food, do something fun to pass the time.  You can even make a “moving playlist” and listen to your favorite songs while you pack.
5. Make moving as easy as possible for you:  Hiring help can take some of the burden of moving off of your shoulders, decrease your stress level and give you more time to spend with your family.

Dependable and Efficient Moving Services in Hampton Roads, VA

Brooks Transfer & Storage can help take the work out of your next move, so that you can focus on your family, your new home and finding some fun for your family during this difficult transition. We have been in the moving business in the Hampton Roads, VA for more than a century and have a strong reputation for putting our customers’ needs first. Give us a call today toll free at 800-544-1265 or 757-427-9500 if you are local.

How to Stay More Organized During Your Next Move

Whether you and your family are excited, nervous or sad about an upcoming move, the act of moving can be difficult for all involved.  Moving disrupts your normal daily routine, and there is often much anticipation of a new job, new school, new friends and a new normal.  Staying organized and focused during a move can go a long way toward helping you and your family make this a smooth move for all involved. Here are some simple steps for staying organized during your next move:

Tips to Stay Organized When Moving to a New Home

1. Plan Ahead:  There are many things (in addition to packing) that you can do before moving day arrives.  For example, if you plan to hire help for your move, you should go ahead and book a moving company and/or truck as well as a storage facility if that is needed.  Settle on your moving day or moving week as soon as you can and put all relevant dates related to your move on a calendar.
2. Purge:  Do not waste time and energy moving things that you no longer need from your current home to your new one.  Spend time ahead of your moving date going through closets and drawers and getting rid things that you are not using. You can separate these items into categories: sell, donate, trash to help you sort.
3. Pack efficiently:  Packing can be overwhelming for anyone, so it is sometimes helpful to think of packing one room or area at a time.  You can also save time by keeping all packing materials in one spot (think about a bucket) so that you are not constantly trying to locate tape, scissors, and markers.
4. Hire Help:  You can get all the help that you could ever want (or need) if you are willing to pay for it, so decide early on how much you want to do yourself and how much help you want from a reputable moving company.

Residential Moving Services in VA

Brooks Transfer & Storage offers friendly and professional moving services to those in the Hampton Road, VA area.  Our team can provide the exact moving services you are looking for, from a full service move to a more basic, do-it-yourself move. We are customer focused and highly experienced, so you can count on our staff to be knowledgeable, professional and we will take great care with all of your belongings.  For more information or to speak to a member of our team for a moving quote, call us at toll free at 800-544-1265 or locally 757-427-9500.

 

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.

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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. 

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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!

 

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!

 

3 Tips to Make Moving Cheaper in the Virginia Beach Area

The Virginia Beach area is a wonderful place to live. With beautiful beaches, historic sites, and endless outdoor activity possibilities, there’s plenty of things to do. Moving in the Virginia Beach area doesn’t have to be expensive either. With proper planning, you can save money and not have to do all the moving yourself.

3 Ways to Cut Costs Moving

• Choose an Advantageous Moving Date and Book It Early

Certain times are more beneficial than others when it comes to cost-effectiveness when hiring a professional moving company. This includes:

• Colder times of the year
• The second half of the month
• On a week day

When you figure out a date that best works for you, contact your affordable moving company right away. The sooner you schedule things, the more likely you are to receive the best possible deal. Contacting professional movers the last minute could result in some additional expenses in order for them to change around their schedules and hurry to accommodate you.

• Sell or Donate the Things You No Longer Need

Weight is one the factors movers consider when charging you for their services. The less boxes you have and the less they weigh, the lower your moving costs. Over time, you’ve likely accumulated things in your old home that you no longer use or like. Additionally, you need to take into consideration what pieces of furniture or appliances won’t be able to fit through doors transferring them to your new place. Plan for this ahead of time. Donating these items will save you in tax deductions. Selling them online or to a consignment shop could help generate some extra income for you. The less items you bring into your new space, the less there will be to unpack – making it easier for you to settle in quickly.

• Pack Smarter

Maximize space in your moving boxes so that items are more tightly packed together. This means fewer containers for you to buy and less time for movers to relocate your things – resulting in positive cash savings. Additionally, the more tightly packed your boxes are, the less likely you face the risk of damage to your items transporting them. Less empty space, less shifting around of items within the containers is a win win for you as well as the affordable movers that you hire.

Additionally, it is smart to label where each box goes so your unloading crew can move your things in more quickly.

Hire Professionals to Optimize Your Move

Working with experienced, highly-qualified professional movers many times ends up being cheaper than a DIY move. There are many hidden costs and increased risks involved when moving yourself. Hiring a professional moving company like Brooks Transfer is a smart idea. Our team is highly trained and offers top-notch customer service that can’t be beat. Contact us today for a free quote.