Monday, December 28, 2009

How to Move Your Plants


Moving your house plants is a tricky task especially if you are moving long distance. The best solution is to move them on your own in your car: you can fix the pots inside so that they remain stable, regulate the temperature, and water the plants during the trip. None of this will be available on a moving van: they are not ventilated, the pots will be squeezed among big pieces of furniture which can easily shift and destroy them, no plant watering provided. Another issue is that long distance movers will not lock any perishables inside the truck – which means they may simply refuse to load your plants on their moving vehicle.

So to prepare your plants you should water them a day prior to the move. Wrap each pot with paper and bubble wrap to prevent its breakage. Adjust the bubble wrap so that it covers the soil as well –just leaving a small amount of space open around the plant. You may choose to leave the plant unwrapped, or cover it with one layer of paper, securing it with tape. The former is optimal since it will allow for the air access to the leaves. It’s important to place the pots firmly inside a vehicle, to minimize the rough movements. If the trip will take several days, come up with some sort of reminder to water the plants – you may simply forget because of all the stress associated with moving. If a plant is too big to be transported – consider trimming the branches or moving a cutting to grow it anew once you reach you destination.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Moving in Any Weather?


Well, not exactly. Movers indeed work when most people would prefer to stay inside – in 100 degrees heat with equally intolerable humidity or when it’s pouring non-stop. But there are occasions when you might expect your move to get delayed or canceled due to the weather conditions. A severe snow storm is a good example. First of all some roads might get closed and movers simply won’t be able to get to your destination. Or your driveway will be covered with 20 inches of snow, which will make it impossible for the truck to park closer to the entrance. Don’t forget that it might be too slippery for the movers to carry heavy items: if they slip and fall, they can be seriously injured. Which is why a dispatch wouldn’t risk to send his men to do the risky work that day.

The good news is that nasty weather never last too long. The sun will come out eventually creating favorable conditions for a smooth umbrella-free move.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Unpacking Tips



So there you are – in your new home. Movers are gone, now you are all by yourself … against your stuff. It took you days to pack, now you are afraid to even imagine how long it is going to take you to unpack. You have to find a new place for every single item that you have, moreover – you have to remember where that place is. But don’t panic: start with necessities, work it up to less frequently-used items – and with a systematic approach you will complete unpacking to turn your new home into a neat and cozy place.

It is a good idea to start off with the kitchen. Put whatever food you took with you into the fridge right away (make sure it’s plugged in). Stack your plates and pots in the kitchen cabinets, silverware goes to the draws. Now if you get tired from the overall mess in your house you can always take a break, go to the kitchen, make yourself some tea and sandwiches.

The bathroom is where you should turn your attention to next. Hang a couple of clean towels, unpack toiletries and put them in place. Once the bathroom is operational, shift the unpacking process to the bedroom. Make the beds, unpack your sleepwear as well as some clothes that you will put on first thing in the morning.
So mission is accomplished for the day. The kitchen is usable if you need a snack, you can now take a shower and brush your teeth, change into your pajamas and go to bed. Of course you don’t have to stop right there – if you wish you can keep unpacking all night long. But chances are at that point you will want to call it a day and get a good night rest. All the necessities are out, tomorrow is a new day and unpacking will no longer seem like a daunting task to you.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

How Some People Manage to Have a Stress-Free Move


This isn’t really a brain surgery – the secret is thorough planning and step by step implementation (no matter how corporate it sounds). Here is what some smart people do to avoid stress associated with moving.

1. They start shopping around for moving estimates at least 2 months prior to the move.

2. They compare the moving quotes, inquire about the extra charges, check the references, read BBB records.

3. They reserve a moving date a month in advance and confirm it a few days prior to the move.

4. They discard the unnecessary stuff rather than paying for transporting it.

5. They start packing early (they never underestimate the amount of stuff that needs to be packed – there are tons of it hidden in closets)

6. They pack as much as they can especially if they know they will be paying for the moving services on the hourly basis.

7. They label and color-code their boxes.

8. They clean out the fridge the day before the move.

9. They make their traveling arrangements (instead of asking to drive in the moving truck with their belongings).

10. They understand that moving is a delicate job and don’t rush the movers to finish faster. They just sit back and let the movers do the job.