METCALF MOVING BLOG

How to Prepare a Kitchen Essentials Kit

Packing your life in boxes and moving to a new location can be stressful. One of the easiest ways to relax and start feeling at home in your new house is to get back into the routine of making dinner. With a prepared kitchen essentials kit, you’ll be able to quickly find the necessary kitchen utensils and cookware so you can start cooking and relaxing with your family. 

Here are some ideas for preparing your kitchen essentials.

Food

While you’ll likely order some pizza for dinner the first night in your new house, you can’t make a diet of pizza for a week. Store away some easy-to-prepare food in your kitchen essentials box for meal options when entering your new house. Some great food choices include items that don’t need refrigeration, like peanut butter and bread, canned soups or veggies, rice, or pasta. Pack some drinks and simple spices like salt and pepper or olive oil.

Coffee or Morning Beverage

A good cup of coffee or tea can make all the difference on the first morning in a new place. If you are traveling and planning on making coffee or tea, bring a small coffee maker or French press instead of your elaborate espresso machine. Remember to bring along the ground coffee or tea, and if you have space, bring along your favorite mug.

Dishes and Silverware

Even with easy takeout options, you’ll need dishes and silverware. You can choose whether you use traditional plates and bowls that you can wash and use again or paper plates that offer easy cleanup. You’ll want to pack enough in your kitchen essentials box to ensure everyone in your family (and any helpers) has enough to get through a few days: pack cups, plates, bowls, and plenty of forks, knives, and spoons.

Cookware

You certainly don’t need your full kitchen arsenal the first few days in your new home, but you need a few items to get through some basic cooking. You should include a large pot, saucepan, and frying pan in your kitchen essentials kit. Pack some cooking utensils like tongs, knives, and a spatula. Adding a crockpot to your kit is a good idea for some healthy, hearty, and low-effort dinners.

Essentials

Pack a few essential items to help prepare and store your food. You’ll want some aluminum foil and some plastic wrap. Remember to pack plenty of plastic bags and Tupperware containers to store leftovers. Throw in a few oven mitts or heat-resistant mats to help cook and prepare meals. For cleanup, add some dish soap or dishwasher detergent, towels, paper towels, napkins, and a sponge to wash dishes and pots.

If your meal plans don’t work as expected, meal delivery services are helpful in a pinch, or order from a local deli.

Comforts of Home Made Easy

Getting into your home and back into your routine can help you settle into your new house quickly. Make your move quick and stress-free by hiring professional movers. Our dedicated, caring, and experienced staff are happy to help do the heavy lifting so you can relax. Contact us today for a quote on your next move.

How to Sell Your Home While Living in It

Trying to sell your home can be stressful enough—but for many, the most challenging part of selling is keeping the space looking “show-ready” at all times. Potential buyers may schedule showings at the drop of a hat, so you want to keep your home looking its best while on the market.

But how can you keep your home looking its best while still, you know, living in it? It’s not easy, but there are some helpful tips and tricks worth remembering.

Declutter and Depersonalize

Start with a deep cleaning and decluttering before you even put your house up for sale. Not only will this make packing more manageable when the time comes to move, but having less clutter will also make your home appear larger and more spacious. Clear out overflowing closet shelves, pantries, and anywhere else a potential buyer might look.

In addition to decluttering, now is a good time to depersonalize your space. You want potential buyers to be able to envision themselves living in your home—and that might be hard for them to do if there are photos of your family hung on every wall. Neutralizing your space may help your home sell faster and will also help with cutting down on that problematic clutter.

Stick With a Cleaning Routine

People want to avoid scrambling to clear off countertops and vacuum when the realtor calls about a last-minute showing. You can prevent this unwanted stress by implementing a cleaning routine that will keep your home looking more or less ready for showings at all times.

Yes, this will mean a little more work, but a daily cleaning routine will save you time, stress, and hassle as you try to sell your home.

Work With a Staging Company

If you are okay with the up-front investment, working with a staging company to stage your home can be a great way to get it looking its absolute best and appealing to more buyers. The best part? A staging company can usually work with your existing furniture to optimize the flow and interior design of your home. Consider, too, that a professionally staged home sells up to 30 times faster than a home where the owners didn’t stage it.

Have a Plan for Pets

Another issue that sellers frequently face is dealing with pets during scheduled showings. Ideally, you’ll want to remove your pets from the house entirely during a showing. Most prospective buyers will not want to be greeted by a barking dog—and others may even have pet allergies.

This is why it’s so important to have a plan to remove pets from your home whenever possible during a showing. If you have a trusted neighbor, see if you can bring your pet(s) by to stay at their place during showings. Consider loading and taking them in your vehicle until the showing is over.

Ready For Your Next Move?

Continuing to live in and enjoy your home while you have it up for sale will take some adjustment, but with these tips, you’ll be ready to sell in no time. When it comes time to move, contact us for a free quote.

Household Move? Know What Movers Won’t Move

While it may seem like movers are magical helpers who can make light work of even the most challenging move, they have limitations. There are certain prohibited items that movers cannot move and other items that are restricted, requiring careful planning, paperwork, or preparation. Before tackling your next household move, it’s best to understand what the movers can help with and what you may have to make separate plans for.

Prohibited Items

As much as professional movers are here to help you, unfortunately, there are some items they are not allowed to move. Usually, movers are not allowed to transport hazardous materials, which could include things like flammable gasses or toxic chemicals. Some of the most common prohibited items include:

• Chemicals for lawn treatment
• Gunpowder or other firearm ammunition
• Toxic poisons or chemicals
• Automobile batteries
• Caustic cleaning products
• Live animals

If you have these toxic items in your house, it is best to dispose of them using proper environmental regulations. The homeowner must move their household pets and live animals.

Proceed with Caution

Movers are allowed to move certain items in your home, pending you give your moving company proper notice ahead of time. Moving companies can move these items if they have written notice but are not liable for any damage during the moving process. These items are best categorized as “move at your own risk,” acknowledging the inherent risks in asking a moving company to help. Some common items to proceed with caution include:

• Alcoholic bottles and beverages
• Fuel storage containers
• Scuba Tanks
• Power Tools
• Batteries used for personal mobility devices

Remember that the average temperature could also impact how well these items survive transport. Check the weather before your move and remove any batteries or gas tanks that could sustain damage with unusually high or low temperatures.

Better to Move Yourself

While a moving company is more than happy to move your belongings, the personal nature of some items often makes them a better candidate for the homeowner to move. The homeowner should always move sentimental or non-replaceable items. Some items that are best to hold onto during the move include:

• Photo Albums or Wedding mementos
• Heirloom Furniture or Decor
• Jewelry

Due to their sensitivity, certain personal items are better to keep on hand during the move. Keep personal identification and banking information in a private box, kept on hand throughout the relocation. Personal items to consider including are:

• Checkbooks and Account Information
• Passports and Identifying Documentation
• Personal Files
• School Records
• Medical Records
• Title Documents

In the case of an accident or loss, these items could be difficult and time-consuming to replace. Having the homeowner move these items is a safe bet and can prevent unwanted headaches to replace lost or damaged items.

Moving Simplified

Knowing ahead of time what your movers can help with and what you need to move yourself can save time and energy. Contact us for assistance with your move. Get a free quote and simplify your move with a professional moving team on your side.

How to Find the Best New School When Moving to a New State

Are you relocating to another state? There can be so many decisions to make during the process, including which city you will eventually call home. However, if you have children, one of the most significant determinants about which city you settle in will be the quality of the schools in the area. As you work to find your next community to call home, look at a few key tips to check out the school districts and what they offer.

How do the school’s rankings compare to others in the area?

Research school rankings to gauge the educational quality of different districts in the state where you intend to move. School rankings vary drastically from city to city, and many factors can influence those numbers.

The Great Schools website is an excellent resource to see the rankings of different schools. You can explore information about test scores, academic progress, and equity. A higher ranking may indicate a more robust educational environment.

How big is the student body of the prospective school?

Consider the size of the student body to your child’s preferences and needs. Larger schools may offer a broader range of extracurricular activities and course options, while smaller schools often provide a more personalized learning experience.

Both school sizes can have their advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, your child may feel more comfortable with a particular school size. Before picking a specific district, consider if a school’s overall size aligns with your child’s learning style and ability to make friends.

What is the student-to-teacher ratio of different schools?

A lower student-to-teacher ratio often translates to more individualized attention and a better learning environment. Schools with smaller classes may allow teachers to focus on each student’s needs and provide tailored support.

Several experts have recommended that the best student-to-teacher ratio is roughly 18 students to one teacher. Inquire about the student-to-teacher balance at various schools to ensure your child receives the attention necessary for academic success.

Which schools offer activities that will interest your child?

Extracurricular activities significantly affect a child’s development and social engagement at school. Investigate the range of clubs, sports teams, arts programs, and other activities different schools offer. A school that provides options aligned with your child’s interests can contribute to their educational experience.

For example, if your child is on the track team, they will likely be happier at a school with a track team in the new state. Therefore, it can be well worth considering moving into a particular school district if the area school has activities that interest your child.

What do other parents and students have to say about various schools?

Seek insights from parents and students already in the school community. Online forums and school social media groups can be valuable sources of information. Learning from those who have firsthand experience with the school can provide valuable insights into the overall atmosphere, teaching quality, and student experiences.

Ready to Plan Your Out-of-State Move?

As you plan your upcoming move, Metcalf is here to provide seamless relocation services. Contact us today to learn how we can support you in relocating to your new community and school district.

7 Steps to Take Before You Rent Your First Apartment

It can be thrilling to move into your first apartment as a renter. You can do many things to prepare to rent your first apartment, from deciding whether to live with roommates to getting a cosigner, if needed. Before signing your first apartment lease and relocating, here are seven things to consider.

1. Decide: Roommates or No Roommates?

A roommate can help alleviate the financial burden of renting your apartment and even provide a little company. If you need to find a roommate, many websites can help with this.

Knowing what’s important to you (including your budget, where you want to live, and what you’re looking for most in a roommate) can help you find success when you start the search. First, you must decide whether a roommate is suitable for you. Consider the pros and cons, and research where you want to live to determine if you can afford to live without a roommate. Once you’ve done this assessment, you may know better whether you need a roommate and which steps to take next.

2. Get A Cosigner If You Need One

You may need a cosigner for your lease if you have a short work or credit history. The cosigner has good credit and can personally attest that they will pay the lease if you can’t pay it yourself. Often, people turn to their parents to cosign, although friends and other family members can also step up for this.

3. Gather a List of References

You’ll need a list of references for apartment applications. It’s best to turn in your application quickly after identifying the apartment you like, so have your list of references prepared in advance. If you give out their numbers, ensure your references are prepared to receive phone calls.

4. Have Money to Put Down

Many landlords require a security deposit, first month’s rent, last month’s rent, or any combination of these three things. Know what’s typical where you’d like to rent and have an amount saved in advance.

5. Know Your Budget

Prepare a budget in advance of looking for apartments. Knowing how much you can afford to spend will give you a starting point. Once you know how much you can afford, you’ll know which apartments would be a waste of time to consider.

6. Look at Apartments Online and In Person

Get an idea of what’s typical for apartments in the area by looking at apartments in online listings. It’s also a good idea to look at apartments in person to see how big they are and how nice they are for the price you would pay.

7. Check Your Credit

Potential landlords will check your credit when you apply for an apartment. Knowing what the landlords will see when they check your credit can help you avoid problems before they begin.

Contact Movers

Make life easier by hiring movers to help you move into your apartment. Hire a company with a reputation you can trust. Contact us today for a free quote and to schedule your relocation.

What to Expect From a Home Inspection as a Seller

Congratulations! You’ve recently accepted an offer on your home, and you’re moving on to the following stages of the selling process. More than likely, your buyer will want to schedule a home inspection before proceeding with the transaction—but what exactly does a home inspection entail, and what should you expect?

Specifically, a home inspection is a service many buyers use to assess a home by a professional. Inspectors look for signs of underlying issues in a house that the buyer would want to know before finalizing the purchase.

Read on to learn about your role in the home inspection process as you prepare to sell your home and relocate.

You Don’t Have to Pay for an Inspection

First, understand that a home inspection is almost always the buyer’s responsibility. With this in mind, you should only be asked to pay for a home inspection if you want to have one done for your own information and peace of mind). Typically, a home inspection costs somewhere in the ballpark of $340—so knowing that you’re not on the hook for this expense should be welcome news!

Expect to Leave During the Inspection

It’s not uncommon for a professional home inspector to ask that you vacate the home for the inspection itself. This will allow them to closely examine all aspects of the property without interruption or intrusion.

If you wish to remain on the property during an inspection, speak with your buyer’s real estate agent. They may be able to make an exception. However, home inspections generally only take a couple of hours—so if you can find something to do nearby while the inspector works, that would be ideal.

You Might Not Get a Copy of the Report

Remember, your buyer is the one who paid for the service. As a result, you may not get a copy of the inspector’s report. While you can request one, your buyer is not obligated to provide this information to you.

For this reason, many sellers have their own inspections done before they even list their homes. This way, they can have an opportunity to address potential maintenance issues before getting too involved in the process.

Findings Might Lead to Negotiations

If the inspection reveals some previously undetected or undisclosed issues with your home (such as a leaky roof or a malfunctioning furnace), don’t be surprised if your buyers ask to lower the asking price or request a credit to tackle the repairs. Sometimes, the buyers might ask you to remedy the issues before closing.

Of course, you can always negotiate. Your buyer cannot expect to move into a perfect home with no issues, so it’s up to you what you’ll agree to repair. If you have a real estate agent representing you, they can help you negotiate after the home inspection report comes back.

Feeling Stressed About Your Move?

Home inspections can be stressful for buyers and sellers alike, but they’re essential to the transaction and help keep everybody informed.

Looking to cut down on stress as you plan your upcoming move? Budget for professional movers to help you get your belongings from point A to point B without a hitch. Contact us today to start your free moving quote!

5 Ways to Integrate with the Local Community After Moving to a New City

Moving to an unfamiliar community often means breaking social ties with the people you know. Check out these five ideas to help you integrate with the new community and make a few new friends after a move.

1. Attend community events and activities.

Attending community events is a great way to meet new people and learn about the community after a household move. Look for events that interest you, such as festivals, concerts, or sporting events. Likewise, look for fun activities hosted by local organizations, such as local knitting groups or book clubs hosted by the local library. These activities can be smaller and more intimate but are a great way to mingle with like-minded people and meet new friends.

2. Volunteer your time.

Volunteering is an excellent way to give back to the community and meet new people. Find a cause that you’re passionate about and volunteer your time. Local organizations that often need help from community volunteers include:

• Public libraries – Public libraries often need volunteers to help with groundskeeping, general operations, and hosting free events.
• Local homeless shelters or soup kitchens – Those who serve people in need often need willing volunteers to help with cleaning and daily activities.
• Area animal rescues – Animal rescue organizations and shelters often need help socializing animals, cleaning kennels, and keeping pets fed.
• Public parks – Public parks often ask for volunteers to help with park cleanup and maintenance.
• Local non-profit agencies – Local non-profits often need volunteers to help during events or to handle everyday operations.

3. Join a club or take a class.

If you want to befriend locals who share your interests, signing up for a class or joining a club is a great place to start. Groups and courses can vary by region. However, you can commonly track down groups focusing on particular interests, such as the arts, golfing, or music. You may also find community groups that work together to organize and carry out events, such as festivals or annual luncheons. Other clubs or classes that are often centered around social hobbies include:

• Language-learning groups
• Yoga clubs
• Dance classes
• Writers workshops
• Woodworking groups or classes

4. Get involved in your neighborhood.

Find out if your neighborhood has upcoming hosted events, such as a community garage sale or neighborhood picnic. Make an effort to get involved or at least visit these neighborhood happenings to meet the people who live in your immediate area. You can also get to know your neighbors by organizing an event on your own. For instance, you could organize a cookie swap or backyard barbecue and pass out flyers to invite your neighbors.

5. Visit a city council meeting.

Monthly city council meetings are common and typically held at a local community building. These meetings can be an excellent way to get to know what the locals are concerned about, but they can also be a perfect way to meet other people who live in the community. Sometimes, city council meetings can be a good way to learn about upcoming events you may want to visit.

Let Us Help You Get Settled In

When you are eager to settle into a new community, having professional movers on your side can make a difference. Reach out to get a free moving quote to get started.

How to Plan for Your Flight Before Your Long-Distance Move

There is often a lot of enthusiasm surrounding a fresh start in a region entirely different from what you are used to. However, long-distance moves can also bring stress. After all, you’ll need to figure out how to get from point A to B. Many people choose to fly.

To plan a flight for your long-distance move, set time aside to plan carefully. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth long-distance move if you decide to forego driving.

1. Make Sure Flying is the Best Option

You might initially think flying is your best choice, but make sure it’s right. Questions to ask yourself include:

• What is the distance of the move?
• How much do I need to bring on the plane?
• Is the airport near my new home?
• Will I be shipping my car? How much will it cost?

Another important consideration is whether you have children, pets, or family members needing special accommodations. In some cases, having a car to rely on might be better.

2. Give Yourself Ample Planning Time

Without the control of having a car to get you to where you need to go, you’ll be completely reliant upon airlines, private car services, rideshare, or public transportation. Early planning will help you find the best prices and have a backup plan if things go awry.

3. Research Airline Baggage Policies

Most airlines permit individuals to have a carry-on and a personal item (but may charge you for the carry-on). You also may have options to check luggage for a fee, as few airlines permit free checked baggage.

Check with your airline to learn its policies, luggage size, weight, and how many pieces each traveler can bring onto the plane. Next, find out the charges for oversized luggage so you can also plan for that.

4. Downsize Your Load

Get as many non-essential belongings as you can on the truck. This way, you aren’t stuck paying incredible last-minute charges if it turns out your luggage is too heavy. Once you know any potential luggage restrictions, weigh your bags before you get to the airport.

If suitcases are too heavy, you’ll run into problems or be required to pay more. Also, to double-check in the weeks leading up to your flight, re-measure your suitcases to ensure they match the size criteria for the airline you’re flying.

5. Get Creative With Packing

To fit more in your carry-on and checked luggage, it helps to get creative so you can fit more in with less space.

• Be sure to follow TSA guidelines with liquids and the 3-1-1- rule
• Use compression bags to double the amount of clothing you can pack
• Use cube packing strategies for efficiency

If you have a pet, ask the airline what its policies are so you can ensure you abide by its rules while keeping Fido or Fluffy’s welfare a priority. You want to ensure they have a safe flight and that the airline you choose can accommodate them.

Ready to Plan Your Long-Distance Move?

Moving long distances has some extra logistical factors to consider. As you plan your relocation, our professional movers will work closely with you to make sure your move flows timely.

Contact us today for a free quote. Metcalf Moving & Storage is a long-distance moving company you can trust whether you are moving across Minnesota or the country. 

Answers to 7 Top Commercial Moving Questions

Business owners typically have several questions when planning a relocation. Here are answers to seven of the most common commercial moving questions.

How Much Will a Move Cost?

Every move is different. The cost depends on the move’s complexity, the office’s size, the weight of packed items, the distance, timing, and other factors. To ensure the best value, contact two or three registered, professional commercial movers and ask each to provide an estimate.

In addition to the costs of the movers, you will also have other charges, including:

• Cost of advertising and the production of new collateral materials
• Deposits
• Building renovation costs
• Relocation costs for employees if the move is a long-distance
• Costs associated with any lost business while the move is in progress

What Documents Will My Mover Provide Me?

A reputable moving company will provide you with a written estimate. Once you decide on a mover, they’ll write your schedule. They’ll also provide you with a bill of lading, setting forth the conditions of the move.

How Involved Do I Need to Be?

Often, you can be as involved or uninvolved as you want. Talk with moving companies to determine what services they offer and the cost.

Most moving companies can pack up your office, saving you and your employees from this task. The best movers can also help set up your IT. Many movers also can offer moving coordination services that save considerable time. Your involvement is up to you.

How Much Will the Move Disrupt My Business?

The answer also varies depending on the business and the moving company you choose. The best movers will understand the need for business continuity throughout the move. They can adjust their schedules to accomplish the relocation at slow times for you, such as weekends. They’ll also be able to advise you on ways to eliminate or reduce disruption.

What Happens If I Need Short-term Storage?

Sometimes, businesses need to store items temporarily during their move. If you expect to need short-term or long-term storage, ask about it when interviewing potential movers. The best movers will offer a convenient, climate-controlled warehouse. They also will provide secure storage options.

How Do You Handle High-Value, IT, and Electronic Items?

Sensitive and high-value equipment needs special care, and you want to ensure your movers have the resources and expertise to handle any situation. 

Confirm they take special care in packing every piece and can handle truckload, dock-to-dock, inside pickup and delivery, and crated shipments. Confirm their trucks are air-ride equipped and have climate control and lift gate trailers.

How Do I Protect Sensitive Documents During the Move?

The first step in protecting sensitive documents is to choose a trustworthy moving company. Ask each company you interview about how they protect personal and sensitive information. Scan their reviews online and ask other offices that have moved.

Another way is to assign an administrative person to be in charge of the sensitive documents. Give each box of sensitive documents a number corresponding to a spreadsheet number. Also, list the contents of each box on the spreadsheet. Then, track the box’s progress on the spreadsheet.

We are registered commercial movers with considerable experience. Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive services.

How to Prepare for the Trip for Your Long-Distance Move

Planning a move involves many moving pieces; if you’re moving a long distance, you’ll have additional details to consider. When scheduling your long-distance move, it’s essential to note down key details and double-check your itinerary to ensure you don’t overlook any critical details.

Moving By Road Trip

Many people opt to drive their vehicle to their new home, whether across state lines or the country.

Plan Accordingly for Your Road Trip

When juggling your moving plans, it can be challenging to plan your road trip. Be sure to map out your route, vet out potential places to stay (better yet, make reservations to ensure availability and get the best prices), and identify places to fill up on gas or stop for meals.

Pro tip: Schedule an appointment to have your car serviced before your trip to increase safety, avoid delays, and keep repair expenses down when traveling to your new home.

Pack Enough for Your Trip

How you approach the packing aspect of your planning depends on whether you’re driving or flying. If you’re driving, pack enough clothing for each household member to cover the number of days you travel. You’ll also want to include snacks, drinks, meals (if you don’t plan to stop often), travel pillows, and blankets (if needed).

Leave Room for Boxes

There are some items reputable moving companies won’t move. Read up on non-allowable items you should plan to dispose of or plan to take yourself before you go on the road.

You’ll likely want to keep irreplaceable or valuable belongings with you. Leave enough room in your vehicle to fit these belongings in your cargo space.

Flying to Your New Home

In cases of longer-distance moves, many people often choose to fly to their new location.

Make a Game Plan

Plan ahead and purchase your airfare to get the best prices and availability. When looking for flights, try to fly nonstop (if possible) to simplify your travel and reduce the chances of delays or cancellations mid-trip.

Know Luggage Sizes

Know how much luggage and suitcase size your ticket allows to avoid extra fees. Some airlines don’t allow baggage unless you purchase the more expensive ticket; others allow a carry-on bag, while others include a checked bag or two. If you need to bring more, purchase checked bags ahead of time to get the best prices. If you do so at the airport, it’ll cost more.

Confirm Your Air Travel

If you’re flying, confirm your plane tickets and download the app affiliated with your airline. Many airlines are promoting electronic boarding passes, and if not using paper, it makes for one less item to keep track of when traveling through busy airports.

Pro tip #1: To avoid frustrations, note your airline account’s password in a safe place in case your app logs you out at any point during your trip.

Pro tip #2: Take a screenshot of everyone’s boarding pass once the airline issues them in case service is bad, Wi-Fi isn’t reliable, or the airline’s app crashes.

Ready to Get Planning?

Professional movers can help you do the job, whether flying or driving. We offer free quotes and outstanding service. Contact us a call today!