Moving Tips from LaPorte Moving – Part 3

On April 6, 2023   /   Blog, Moving Tips, moving tips series  

Moving Tips from LaPorte Moving – A 3-part Series

Part 3 – Details and Moving Day

Moving Tips from LaPorte MovingDon’t forget The Little Big Details

Once your things are packed, you’ve hired your movers, and you’ve set a moving date, you can relax. Or can you? It’s easy to forget about essential tasks while caught up in the process of planning your move.

If you have children, school is an important part of the moving process. A new place usually means a new school for your children. Enrolling your children at a new school may not sound like a daunting task, but if you leave it to the last minute, your unpreparedness can cost you a lot of extra time.

So here’s what you need in order to enroll your children at school, if you haven’t figured it out already:

–          Birth certificate and Carecard information

–          Purchase Agreement or Rental Agreement of new home (these must be signed)

–          Emergency contact information for at least two people

Moving Day!

Your moving truck has arrived and the movers are ready to load your belongings in the truck.

One piece of advice I can offer is to TRUST your movers. LaPorte’s professional movers have been working together for years; they have strong work ethics and work as a team. You hired our movers for a reason – because you trust them to move your belongings to your new home.

Here are a few tips for moving day!

Tip 1. Let the Movers Do Their Job.

It is okay to hang around and watch the movers do their job, but professional movers have a system that works. If you start to micro-manage on moving day it would just slow down the moving process. So don’t be afraid to go grab a cup of coffee or read a magazine.

Tip 2. Don’t Invite People Over.

I know it’s exciting to show off your new place, but having people around professional movers will distract the movers and slow down the process

Tip 4. Unpack the Essentials First.

Once the truck is unloaded it’s time to unpack. Where do you start? Unpack the essentials first – now is the time to open up your ‘open first’ box! As you set up your new home, you will need to be able to use the washroom and you are bound to get hungry, so unpack the bathroom and kitchen first.It doesn’t matter where anything else is at that point, a functioning kitchen will make the house more welcoming because you need to feed your family.

We at LaPorte Moving hope that your moving day goes as smoothly as possible and that you and your family settle into your homes quickly. Take a look at our other moving tips blog posts for more information to help you move.

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Moving Tips from LaPorte Moving – Part 2

On April 3, 2023   /   Blog, Moving Tips, Packing Tips  

Moving Tips from LaPorte Moving – A 3-part Series

Part 2 – Hire Professional Packers

LaPorte Moving Professional Packers

You have your lists and binder ready and organized, so it’s finally time to pack. If packing isn’t your forte or you’re simply too busy to pack there is always the option of hiring professional packers. LaPorte’s movers believe that packing is an art. We know it takes precision and delicate hands to pack your belongings with the care they deserve. If you don’t want to (or can’t) do the work yourself, LaPorte Moving is your one stop shop for any moving related services

Tip 1. Find Movers You Can Trust.

I recommend doing your research on prospective moving companies to see if they offer all of the services you require. Always check first with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), this organization will help you decide which company is reliable.  Getting to know a bit about the people who will be entering your home and handling your possession is always a great idea. Family owned company, LaPorte Moving and Storage, understand the connection between you, your old home and your belongings. You can trust to LaPorte to move your belongings safely to your new home.

Tip 2. Use Post-It Notes.

During the packing process, Post–It notes are indispensable. Leave Post–It notes around the house letting your packers know what not to pack or what to pack. If you won’t be around, leave your cell number behind just in case the professional packers have any questions. With proper direction, LaPorte’s packers will exceed your expectations.

Tip 3. Give Yourself Time to Pack.

I suggest having 3 weeks to start packing. You can have LaPorte’s packers come in to pack up all of your seasonal items, artwork and any items you don’t need for day to day living. You can even have us deliver materials if you wish to do your own packing. You can customize our packing services to meet your needs.

In Between Time

Sometimes packing goes faster than planned and you have a few days free before the move-in date. Hopefully in this instance, you will have left your essential items un-packed so you have things to use around the house.

Tip 4. Have an ‘Open First’ Box.

It’s a good idea to pack an “Open Box First” for the house.  It should have all of the urgent essentials:

  • Toilet paper
  • Hand towel
  • Garbage bag
  • Paper towels
  • Tape measure
  • Post-It notes and marker
  • Take-out menus
  • Coffee maker and supplies

It’s also a good idea to have the ‘bedding’ boxes highlighted so you can given them priority when unpacking. You’ll need both the kitchen and your beds more than you’ll need anything else.

Tip 5. Have Meals Planned.

If all your cooking utensils are packed here are some tips to keep your family fed:

Pre – Planned Meals By pre-making meals and storing the food in the freezer, you can save money.

Eat out If you have room in your budget, why not splurge a little bit and eat out with your family? This gives you quality time with your family to talk about what they expect in the new house, new school and new neighbourhood. It’s fun and it’s time with your family away from all the moving commotion.

Part 3 – Details and Moving Day is next.

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Moving Tips from LaPorte Moving – Part 1

On April 2, 2023   /   Blog, Moving Tips, moving tips series, Packing Tips  
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Moving Tips from LaPorte Moving – A 3-part Series

Part 1 – Be Organized

Moving Tips from LaPorte MovingSo you have decided that it is time to move. You realized that you have outgrown your home and decided you want to start a fresh, new life in a new home.

Tip 1. Be Organized.

One thing to keep in mind is that June is the busiest time for moving. Many families and individuals are moving into new homes. Before you jump the gun, think to yourself ‘when is the right time for me to move?’ Determining the right time for you to move is the essential first step to ensuring an easy move.

Tip 2.  Always Keep Your Budget In Mind.

Your budget and the duration of your move go hand in hand. For example, I bridged our financing so that we could have an overlap of 10 days with both homes. This gave me time to look over my budget and settle any further tasks. You never know when may pop up.  

Tip 3. Make Lists

I strongly suggest that everyone who is moving should become an avid list maker. I love lists, and if you didn’t know, the simple act of crossing something out gives you a feeling of accomplishment (it’s a psychological thing). If you want to go even further, create a binder just for moving. The binder will save your life. It is a good way to keep calendars, lists, and contact information all in one place.

It is never too early to start preparing for your move – the earlier, the better! I suggest taking around 6 – 8 weeks to…

Tip 4. Start Sorting

Don’t rush the sorting process. It is a good time to involve kids as you can get them thinking about what they want to take to the new home and what they don’t. I find setting up two laundry baskets, one for clothes being kept the other for clothes being donated (which I later sort through to see what isn’t in good enough shape to donate), is a great and easy way to get the family to do some sorting. If your kids are anything like my daughter, they like the idea of donating things better than throwing them away. It definitely makes the process a little easier.

Tip 5. Sort the Pantry

At LaPorte Moving, we collect on behalf of the Food Bank. Please bear this in mind as you sort through any non-perishable food items that the Food Bank could use. Set your Food Bank donations to the side for the movers on moving day, and we will deliver them to the Food Bank.

Part 2 – Check out our second part on Packing

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Vancouver Piano Movers

On July 24, 2012   /   Blog, Moving Tips, Piano Movers  
Tags: , , ,

Vancouver Piano Movers

Vancouver Piano Movers‘Piano moving’ is a phrase that can strike fear into the hearts of the bravest movers. It can make one’s knees weak just to hear it. However, LaPorte Moving understands just how delicate these large, heavy, and awkward instruments can be.

We also know that your piano represents a significant financial investment and that it might have great sentimental value.

The thought of piano moving will undoubtedly cause some anxiety. The fact is, for inexperienced movers, piano moving can be a dangerous endeavour that results in hundreds of dollars of damage and possibly personal injury. If you are inexperienced with piano moving and do not have access to the proper equipment, please do not attempt to move your piano by yourself. Hire professional piano movers from LaPorte instead of putting your piano and yourself at risk.

Our piano movers know that pianos need special care and precautions for each stage of the move, including packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking. Laporte Moving knows how easy it is for careless piano movers to scratch or gouge your piano’s finish, break off legs or pedals, and lose pieces of the piano that were removed to transport it more safely. Bearing the common mistakes of less conscientious movers in mind, we are more aware of how to avoid making them.

Our experienced piano movers have the right equipment, the right skills, and the utmost respect for the safety of your belongings. So, if you need Vancouver piano movers or piano movers across Canada, you can count on LaPorte to move your piano safely. We take great pride in delivering the best piano moving experience you could hope for. Contact LaPorte today to inquire about having our piano movers transport your piano.

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Vancouver Movers Reviews

On July 19, 2012   /   Blog, Moving Tips  

Find the Right Vancouver Movers

Vancouver Movers ReviewsFinding the right Vancouver movers can be a difficult and daunting task. However, with the power of the internet, you can do a background check on any Vancouver moving company. 

A background check involves searching for a moving company and reading their testimonials or reviews.

Reading testimonials is a good way to gauge a Vancouver moving company’s professionalism. Also, by reading testimonials you can get a better idea whether or not you can trust the moving company.

Where to Find Testimonials

Testimonials are normally found on the Vancouver moving company’s website or on other review websites like homestars.com. Another place to look for reviews is through business associations, for example, ‘Better Business Bureau (BBB).’ Associations like ‘BBB’ provide a business review that gives you a clear idea of the quality of the moving company.

The importance of Testimonials and Reviews:

  1. It’s about customer experience – Reading about the customers’ experiences will give you a better idea about the Vancouver moving company than just reading the ‘about page’ on a moving company’s website.
  2. Knowing the employees – reviews also provide insight into the quality of the moving company’s employees, their work ethics and customer service.
  3. Reassurance – knowing that the customer wrote that the move was ‘easy’, ‘efficient,’ and ‘professional’, etc., gives you the reassurance that you will have the same experience.
  4. It’s Convincing – Word of mouth is powerful. You will usually listen to someone who is or already has been in your situation. 

So, before you hire a Vancouver mover make sure you have done a thorough background check on the Vancouver moving company. Read many testimonials and reviews so you have the utmost confidence that you have decided on the right Vancouver moving company for you.

You can find LaPorte Moving & Storage’s reviews on homestars.com, and you can read testimonials for Laporte Moving on our own site.

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Moving to a New City

On June 26, 2012   /   Blog, Long Distance Moving, Moving Tips  
Tags: , ,

Moving To a New City

Atlas Van Lines Affiliate

Whether it’s 1 hour away or 12 hours away, moving to a new city can be a difficult transition. There can be numerous sources of stress, including the process of selling your home, planning and organizing for your move, and not least of all the effects on you and your family of moving to a new city.

Here are a few tips from the movers at LaPorte Moving that we hope will help you and/or your family to transition easily into your new life, in a new city, in a new home.

Research Your New City Learn about the city and neighbourhood you’re moving to. Figuring out where you will do your shopping and the best routes to work or school are examples of a couple of things you can learn from doing research about your new city that will help you to transition more smoothly. Your new city should have a municipal website with information about the neighborhoods, school districts, shopping districts, and more.

Don’t Be Hasty It’s not wise to be impulsive about purchasing property and moving long-distance to a new city. If you have a family, it’s important to take your children’s feelings into account. Another thing to consider is that it often takes less time to buy property than it does to sell your own. Taking your time to look for a new home will allow you to address your family’s concerns beforehand and helps you to avoid an unprepared move.

Get Your Kids Involved Children are more sensitive to major changes like moving to a new city than adults are. Involving them in the moving process can provide them with a sense of control that they might find comforting during an otherwise unstable time. As they pack their favourite toys or books, remind them of all of the familiar things they will still have in their new home.

Pay Attention to Details There are small but significant details that are often overlooked in the commotion of moving. These details can include the status of selling your home, the status of buying your new home, notifying your employer of your move date, notifying your children’s school about the move, enrolling your children at a new school, changing your address for all your bills and bank accounts, etc. Be sure to double-check that you have fulfilled these obligations. If you are moving to a new country, there are more details to be mindful of, such as immunizations.

If you feel overwhelmed, we strongly advise enlisting the help of a professional moving company. LaPorte has the tools and experience to prevent damage to your belongings and your old or new home. Hiring a professional moving company like LaPorte Moving can ensure that your long-distance move is stress-free. As a family-owned company, we are sensitive to the concerns you and your family might have. The main services our movers provide are packing and loading.

Packing While you can probably count on friends and family to help you pack, there is a good chance that they won’t pack with sufficient care. When you hire LaPorte, it is our movers’ profession and pride to pack your belongings with care. As amusing as it might sound, to LaPorte’s movers packing is an art. Packing correctly will help you avoid damaging things and save space by packing more efficiently.

Loading Loading furniture and lifting heavy items is not most people’s favourite activity, and for some it can be dangerous. LaPorte’s professional movers have years of experience in efficiently loading and unloading all manner of large and awkward items. Our skill and experience can save you from back-ache or injury and frees up your time to look after more important details.

Unloading One of the most nerve-wracking parts of moving is unloading. There’s nothing worse than moving into a brand new home and putting a large, ugly mark on the wall. Our movers are careful and considerate; they make it their first priority to protect all of your property in the moving process.

Moving the Distance When moving long distance, you know if a moving company is affiliated with Atlas Van Lines, it can transport you and your belongings safely. Atlas Van Lines has been serving the moving industry for almost 50 years and LaPorte Moving is proud to be an affiliate.

There is much to take into account when moving to a new city. No detail is too small to overlook! With proper organization and the right professional moving company to assist you, however, you are sure to have a smooth transition.

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Downsizing Moving Tips

On June 21, 2012   /   Blog, Downsizing, Moving Tips, Packing Tips  
Tags: ,

Moving to a smaller home

Downsizing Move - Apartment BuildingsA downsizing move is most common later in life, usually for seniors and retirees, and it happens for many different reasons. Often, older adults find themselves in large, empty homes after their children have grown up and moved out on their own. It is difficult to move on from the family home, but for practical reasons it is often a good idea to move to a smaller home.

For instance, the upkeep of a large home can be a tiring, time-consuming chore. This is especially true for seniors dealing with back problems, arthritis, or other age-related debilitation. At Laporte Moving, we believe your well-being should always be your priority.

New retirees are also likely to downsize in order to maximize their freedom from obligations to make the most of their hard-earned retirement. A smaller space is much easier to maintain and organize. Less clutter can help you simplify your life and reduce stress.

Regardless of the reason for your downsizing move, it can be physically and emotionally taxing. Perhaps the greatest difficulty lies in parting with the family home. Most people need time to get used to the idea of leaving behind the place they raised their families. Our team of compassionate movers are always mindful of the emotional turmoil in these situations.

Separating yourself from your possessions can also be especially difficult. Belongings that you have accumulated through many years will not be easy to pack up for storage or discard. Be kind to yourself and make time to go through your things thoroughly and at a pace you can handle. It’s best to decide what you’ll keep, store, or discard before you move, not after you move.

Downsizing Tips

Increase the sorting area. It’s best to begin sorting in the rooms that have been used least frequently. The laundry room, basement, attic, and spare or guest rooms are some examples. This method avoids adding clutter to the rest of the house, which you will still be making use of.

Be organized. Use lists, stickers, and labels or whatever else helps you to keep track of where things are going. Even basic sorting using piles or keeping things in separate rooms can be greatly beneficial. You can avoid confusion with proper organization, especially if your moving help was not around to help with sorting. Of course, LaPorte’s movers would be glad to help with this!

Start sorting early. Sorting through your possessions and deciding what to keep is going to take time. Working at a pace you’re comfortable with is the best way to avoid being overwhelmed by the difficult emotions that come with downsizing.

Know your new space. Having the measurements and layout of the rooms of your new home will make it a bit easier to decide what to take into your new home. Keep the measurements of your furniture and large items in mind when deciding what you’re taking with you.

Be practical. Think about what things you really make use of on a regular basis and what things you keep around solely out of habit. You might find it surprising what you’ve been keeping around that you have barely even used.

What should you do with your possessions?

The best way to minimize the feelings of loss when you downsize is to keep the items most important to you in your family or with close friends. It can even feel good to see further generations of your family enjoying things you have treasured, knowing that they will pass down the line.

If you have any items with high sentimental value that you don’t have room for and that you can’t find a family member or friend to give to, consider if storing them is in your budget. You might also be able to keep some of your things in a friend or relative’s attic or basement.

There are several options for what remains. Garage sales are a great idea to help you downsize while recouping some of the costs of the move. Any high value items might be worth auctioning for the same reason. If you don’t have the time or desire to go through these processes, consider donating some things to a charity. You can often arrange free pickups of items for local charities. Whichever solution you choose, our senior sensitive movers are happy to help with shipping items to other locations, donating items to charities in need, or disposing of  unwanted items.

There is an up side

It is tough to move on from a home with so many memories attached to it, or to give up possessions you’ve had around you for many years. There is no doubt about the emotional toll downsizing can take. However, once you have completed your downsizing move, you will come to see the advantages of having downsized.

Your new living space will be free of many useless things that previously only added to clutter in your home. With less clutter, your new home might actually feel bigger. It is also much easier to organize and maintain a smaller space with fewer things. You won’t have to waste time and effort on the upkeep of a large home. Downsizing allows you to simplify your life and live a more stress-free existence.

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