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Holiday moving tips can ensure your move is uncomplicated.

13 Holiday Moving Tips

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Planning to move during the winter holidays? Given the season, it probably makes sense that holiday moving is almost always more prone to problems than at other times of year, so some moving tips specific to this time of year are not out of line. Unless you like the idea of holiday moving being complicated, follow these holiday moving tips to help make your move successful and maintain your holiday cheer.

Holiday moving tips can ensure your move is uncomplicated.

1. Send holiday cards with your new address. If you are sending holiday cards, use your new address as the return address and mention your move in the card.

2. Verify that your utilities will be on when you arrive at your new home. A white Christmas is magical . . . unless you have no heat.

3. Do not pack winter supplies. Items such as ice scrapers, snow shovels, winter coats, etc. should be packed in a separate bag that will be available if needed.

4. Keep your driveway and sidewalks safe & clear. You will need to keep safe and clear paths to and from your home while moving. Consider salting the areas ahead of time. Remember, this applies to both homes.

5. Regularly monitor the weather reports. If there is any winter weather heading your way, you will want to know so you can adjust your plan accordingly. Remember to monitor your origin, destination, and the route in between if you are leaving the area.

6. Have holiday decorations ready to be packed. If you want to leave decorations up before you move, set some boxes or storage totes aside for them. You can also purchase some inexpensive decorations that are easy to pack.

7. Keep temperature-sensitive items in mind. For example, extreme cold can cause china or crystal to crack.

8. Use the holidays as an excuse to get to know your new neighbors. Say hi while decorating the outside of your home, or bring them a small gift to spark a conversation.

9. Consider moving holiday gifts yourself. Instead of packing them in a moving truck with the rest of your belongings, consider packing them in the family vehicle. This way, you can ensure the protection of your holiday gifts, and they will be among the first things unpacked.

10. Purchase gifts ahead of time. Moving is already stressful enough, there is no need to add on the last-minute stress of finding that special gift. Especially if it is one of the Fingerlings.

11. Have gifts delivered to your new home. Providing the delivery date lines up with your move-in date, consider having holiday gift orders shipped to the new home to help avoid confusion.

12. Find nearby holiday events in the community. If you will be on the road during the holidays, an online search to find holiday events along your route or at your destination that your family can attend helps ensure you do not miss out on the fun and magic of the holiday.

Even holiday moving tips can't fix everything. Save yourself time and energy and dine out with your family. What matters is that you're together.13. Consider dining out. Instead of the big home-cooked family dinner, take a break this year. Go out to a nice restaurant with your family and enjoy the meal.

If you’ve already had to do some holiday moving and wish you had been able to take advantage of these or other moving tips, remember that it’s the season of giving. So please give generously—share your holiday moving tips and experiences with us on social media or in the comments section below.

Holiday moving doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Let these moving tips help your move be stress-free.

Jordon Holton

Moving Consultant’s Business is Relationships

Jordan Holton, Mover Dudes Senior Moving Consultant

In a recent interview with Jordan Holton, Moving Consultant at Mover Dudes, Inc, it was clear from the beginning that this moving consultant’s business is relationships.

Describe Your Role as a Senior Moving Consultant 

“I’ve been part of the Mover Dudes team since 2010.  A big thing I like to do and that I do on a daily basis is not only provide estimates for people but I form relationships with people. Relationships that I love to maintain over the years.”

“When I started, we had just 1 truck. Now we have 12 trucks and 3 semi-trucks. We’ve gone nationally with our moves, moving families coast to coast.”

In talking with Jordan it was clear that he…

  1. Is a real people person
  2. Is an experienced and professional Moving Consultant
  3. Cares about his clients

Before coming to Mover Dudes, Jordan worked in Mortgage sales and before that he worked in the sales department for a fitness center.  

How Has the Company Evolved During Your Time Here?

“As far as moves go, 60% are local and 40% are long distance. Our semi’s are on the road a lot.”

Click Image to Request Information About Long Distant Moves

Mover Dudes now has offices in Winchester and Richmond Virginia. No job is too big or too small for Mover Dudes. In addition to local and long distant moves, storage facilities are now available at the White Post/Winchester location. Another way Mover Dudes is working to serve all your moving needs.

So how does Jordan make it all happen?

“For me, I do a lot of outreach in the community. From attending business networking groups to public speaking presentations at realtors’ offices, I am always looking for ways to connect with people. And outside of normal work hours, our company serves in the community.”

“As a company, we want to give back to the communities we serve and this has been something we’ve grown into over the years.”

From helping to move equipment and supplies for the local Winchester Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast to volunteering at the community Octobeerfest, to helping move supplies for the Winchester Area Temporary Thermal Shelter, Mover Dudes volunteers to make a difference in our community.

What Do You Most Love About What You Do?

“Relationships. I’m a handshaker. I love being in the community. I love answering questions and solving problems for people. When you really listen, you’ll actually hear what the customer really wants then you can really help them.”

“We want to educate our customers, we’re about educating-that’s a core value of our’s. The more the customer knows the better the customer feels and that’s important to us.  We want our customers to know exactly what’s going on and what to expect.”

“We’re gonna make our part fun and smooth, taking away our customers concerns and hopefully putting a smile on their face!”

Why Do People Choose To Do Business With You?

“A lot of people choose to do business with me because of how I make my customers feel. I relate to them then I stay in contact with them. I see them more as family for Mover Dudes than just as clients.”

“I form relationships with many of my clients, I get to know the activities they enjoy outside of the workplace. And because of that commitment I’ve had customers come back and do business with me 4, 5, or even 6 different times.”

 “60% of my business is strictly referral.”  

“I’m convinced that when you do good work, you get good grades. And when people ask about pricing, I tell them, ‘We’re not the cheapest but we’re not the most expensive.’ We offer great service and it shows.”

In addition to Jordan’s great customer service and focus on building relationships with his customers, Mover Dudes offers great service by ensuring that all of their movers are screened and background checked. And their all full time employees of Mover Dudes.

And for Mover Dude’s clients, that’s a big deal. Their clients know that when they hire them for their move they’re getting a team of people dedicated to the moving industry every working day. The movers are trained, equipped, and prepared to make customers’ moves the very best they can be.

 What Has Most Surprised You About Your Business?

“One of the things that surprises me most is that so many clients have used moving companies multiple times in the past but have never been told what to expect on moving day.”  

“Some have used companies in the past only to have the movers show up smelling like alchohol.  I’ve heard about people having their things held hostage by other companies until final payment is made…there’s a lot of things out there that we’re NOT about.”    

“It also surprises me that most people don’t realize they need to check with their insurance company to make sure their things are covered during the move.  If not, they need to know about the Value Protection that we offer for every move, big and small.”

For Jordan, it’s important to him that each of his clients is well informed about the important aspects of their move. Jordan is committed to educating his clients, and he’s willing to answer any and all of their questions.

It’s clear from Jordan’s customers and the example he lives that he values honesty and believes in helping people feel as comfortable as possible about their upcoming move.

What Advice Do You Have for Those Reading This Post?

“Do your homework. Don’t go into your move blind-sided. Know what your rights and responsibilities are. Ask questions, ask questions, ask questions.”

“If you’re getting 3 or 4 estimates, as you should, make sure the people you get the estimates from are both licensed and insured.  If you choose to work with unlicensed movers who take off with your stuff, what are you going to do? Go to ProMover.org to make sure your movers are licensed, bonded and insured.”

“Find your rights and responsibilities online. Know your movers rules and regulations and don’t be afraid to ask questions.There is never a stupid question.”

“With our company, we are going to educate you so you know all of this information up front so you’re able to make an informed decision. We’re going to make your entire move as smooth as possible, from start to finish.”

With this interview, it became obvious that Jordan really care about his work, his customers and the results of the team. 

If you or someone you know is planning a move, do yourself a big favor and give Jordan a call:  540.664.0734 c Or email him anytime:  jholton@moverdudes.com

And if you haven’t connect with Mover Dudes on Facebook yet, please like our page so you can stay up to date with the resources, testimonies, and community service events that the Mover Dudes team is involved in.

The Mover Dudes team looks forward to being a great resource to you.

Do you have questions that Jordan can answer for you?  Send him a text or give him a call:  540.664.0734

 

 

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters Octobeer Fest Pic 2016

The Faces Behind Our Service

Big Brothers Big Sisters Octobeer Fest Pic 2016

 

When it comes to community service, we often forget that there are some incredibly special people waiting to benefit. And for our commuity of Winchester, Virginia, there is an opportunity before us to make a difference in the lives of some truly amazing people who need us to step up to the plate and serve.

Who are the amazing people who will benefit from this weekend’s service and how will our efforts as a community make a difference?

You’ve likely heard that this weekend is Octobeer Fest in Winchester but have you stopped to really consider the difference your service and your participation in this event will have on our community?

A portion of every dollar spent on drinks at Octobeer Fest this Friday and Sat, Oct 14-15, 2016 will go to the work of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of North West Virginia.

And what does that mean?

That means that a portion of every dollar you spend on drinks will go directly to children who benefit daily from the work of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of North West Virginia.

These childre live in our community. These children hope for opportunities that many of us take for grant. These children have faces and names that we’d like to introduce you too today.

The children who come into the programs of Big Brother and Big Sisters are ages 6-12 and most stay with the program through senior high school because the relationships and the hope they get means that much to them.

These are trully special children indeed.

Many of these children are growing up in single parent homes, 30% have parents who are incarcerated, some are unable to read on their grade level and therefore, have very little chance to make it to college or into the workplace without a major struggle.

A part from the great work of Big Brothers and Big Sisters in our community, these children are at risk in every way.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters of North West Virginia provides a safe place for children to connect with volunteers who love them, honor them, and respect them where they are.

Paired with a Big Brother or Big Sister, these precious children find friends, tutors, and role models who get involved in their daily lives. Taking the children on hikes, to community events, and to birthday parties…these children find a way of life that otherwise seemed out of reach.

But these aren’t faceless children in our community. They have names. They have dreams. They long to be loved and at Big Brothes and Big Sisters, they find all of this and so much more.

Meet the children your dollars are going to serve this weekend.

Little Sister Kenya. Glue on her hands and a sparkle in her eye. Kenya enjoys the activities of the BigTime After School Program. Where else can she go and have this much fun being creative? Admit, it does look like fun, doesn’t it?

Big Brothers Big Sisters Student 2

Little Sister Kenya

Meet Big Brother Marty and Little Brother Katravion. In the BigTime After School Program, Katravion takes his game of chess seriously. What a great opportunity for this young to develop his strategic thinking skills. Yet without the support of our community, how different things would be for Katravion. Thanks for being a Big Brother Marty. You’re an inspiration to this young man and to our community…thank you!!

Big Brothers Big Sisters Student 3

  Big Brother Marty and Little Brother Katravion.

And finally, meet Big Brother Chuck and Little Brother Rahmyne. Now that’s a smile that says, “Everything’s gonna be ok!”  Wow!

Big Brothers Big Sisters Students 1

Big Brother Chuck and Little Brother Rahmyne

This Friday and Saturday Oct 14-15, 2016 provides the Mover Dudes Family and our community a unique opportunity to bring more smiles, more hope, and more relationships to the children of our community who need it most.

As you attend Octobeer Fest and put the glass to your mouth, see the faces of these children and in that moment, be grateful.

Be grateful for the resources you have and now you share so that the children of our community benefit.

A drink. A child. A life forever changed.

You are about a make a difference that will last well beyond your years. So go to Octobeer Fest, bring your family and friends. And everytime you make that drink purchase, do so willingly. Knowing that your purchase may forever change the life of a child who needs to know hope this day.

Thank you for joining the Mover Dudes Family and Big Brother and Big Sisters of North West Virginia in making a difference. You and your investment in our community is much appreciated. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

For more information about Big Brothers and Big Sisters of North West Virginia, contact Director Juli Ferrell at:  540-662-1043 (o)   540-533-2572 (c)  julianneferrell@bbbsnwva.org

Or visit their website:  http://bbbsnwva.org/

If you’d like to volunteer with a child or if you want to give a gift beyond the drinks you’ll purchase this weekend, there are children in our community ready to say THANK YOU! 

What will you do to make a difference in the life of a child in our community?

Troy Hendrickson A Pro Home Inspection Services Northern Virginia

Never Skip a Home Inspection Business Spotlight

Troy Hendrickson A Pro Home Inspection Services Northern Virginia

Troy Hendrickson, A Pro Home Inspection Services of Northern Virginia

 

I recently had the privilege of sitting with Troy Hendrickson, owner of A Pro Home Inspection Services of Northern Virginia and I’m glad I did. Listening and learning from Troy it was just minutes until I realized I was sitting with a guy who is very passionate about the work he does. And for good reasons.

I learned from Troy that I should never skip a walk-through home inspection when buying a new home and as a home owner, I should seriously consider having a home inspection every 5-7 years. And here’s why.

Troy brings over 12 years of Home Inspection knowledge and expertise to us and now he brings some of his best knowledge to you.

Troy became owner of A Pro Home Inspection Services of Northern Virginia in 2004 because at the time, “they brought innovations to the industry that far surpassed what I had seen or experienced before.”

To this day, A Pro Home Inspection Services brings great innovations to the industry.

These innovations include…

  • Reporting:  Home Inspection reports that are organized with summaries of items in order of importance. The reports focus on items of safety first, then major issues, followed by issues that need attention now, then items that you should be aware of for future repairs.  
  • Software:  A Pro uses Home Inspection software that allows us the homeowner, to easily read, understand and act on the items found in our home. This puts home owners ahead of potential problems so they can be addressed before they become major and costly issues.

How should we as consumers go about choosing a Home Inspector?  Should we just leave it up to our realtor to choose an inspector for us or is there something more we can do?

Troy offers some practical tips when it comes to choosing the right inspector and he reminded me that we always have a choice regarding who we will work with.

Make sure you do your homework.  This is your home and you want the very best for your home, so don’t leave this part of the buying process to chance.

  • Check out the Home Inspectors ratings
  • Review testimonies about the inspector
  • Talk with people who have worked with this inspector
  • Call and talk with the inspector yourself.  

Ask questions and make sure you feel comfortable with the Home Inspector before you hire them to do work for you. This is your opportunity to really learn about the home you’re buying so take full advantage of this process.

So why should you never skip a walk-through home inspection?

  • The Home Inspection gives you the chance to really learn about your home. Your inspector will be able to answer questions you have about your home while showing you things you’ll need to know in order to keep your home working well over time.
  • “As your home inspector, I will give you tips to keep your home in tip top working condition” -Troy Hendrickson
  •  This is your chance to know where the water shut off is in case there’s ever a water emergency. Your inspector can show you how to winterize your home’s water faucets.
  • During the home inspection, your inspector can show you where your furnace air filters are and explain to you how to change them, when to change them and the benefits of keeping up with this maintenance.

When it comes to your home inspection, do your homework, attend the inspection and learn everything you can about your home.  Ask questions and understand what you can do to maintain your home in ways that will bring you peace of mind and years of enjoyment.

A Pro Home Inspection Services of Northern Virginia welcomes you into the Home Inspection process. Their team of inspectors appreciate the opportunity to help you really know your home so that you feel good about your purchase.

There are a few groups of people who benefit most from a home inspection:

  • Those buying a new home
  • Current home owners
  • Home owners concerned about the effects of Radon or Mold

If you fall into either of these categories, consider a home inspection so that you understand items in your home that are safety issues, issues needing immediate attention, and things that will need your attention in the future. A home inspection is a great way for all homeowners to keep up with preventive maintenance.

Troy says that “While contractors specializing in particular areas of home repair know their work well, home inspectors look at your entire home and can often diagnose the root cause of current or future problems before they become big problems.”

This makes it worth the investment for homeowners to consider home inspections every 5-7 years. To get the peace of mind that the components of your home are in great working condition but also to head off any major problems down the road. 

And if you’re the least bit concerned about the possibility of mold or radon in your home, please contact Troy and allow him to walk you through the process of testing then if necessary, finding safe ways to remediate the problems.

As Troy pointed out, “Radon is the number 2 cause of cancer right behind smoking. And while many of us think radon isn’t an issue in our homes because we have no basement, Troy has found high levels of radon in 3-story townhomes built on concrete slabs with first floor garages”

Radon is both very dangerous gas that should be taken seriously be every home owner. 

A Pro Home Inspection Services of Northern VA is now equipped to install radon remediation systems when high levels of radon are found. Reach out to them to learn more, you’ll be glad you did!

Contact

If you’re like me, this interview with Troy was a learning experience. We hope this post benefits you as a current or future home owner.

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your comment with us and if you have questions, post those so we can get answers for you.

Troy Hendrickson, Owner A Pro Home Inspection Services of Northern Virginia                                             

Website:  AProLoudoun.com     Phone:  703.737.3888

Home Improvement Ideas On A Zero Budget

Ever look around your home and wish you had the money to give your place a face lift?  Tired of looking at the same old home?  

Pier 1 Imports knows that we crave a new look.  They even titled their recent email, “Craving a new look?”

I responded with a resounding YES.  The only problem is, I thought making changes that mattered in my home would be out of my budget and out of my reach.

That was, until I came across these 10 ideas by Libby Baker.  And they worked!

 suggested ideas for decorating a home without spending a dime.  You read that right.  Home improvement ideas, home decorating ideas that can refresh and transform your home with costing you a dime.

Now that’s my kind of home improvements!  Are you interested?

The ideas you’re about to read may not be new or revolutionary, but they will give you a new perspective and may pique your curiosity, giving you what you need to start redecorating and improving your home today!

I jumped right in a gave some of these tips a try and I love the outcome.

Last year I was tired of my living room and wanted a change.  I could see in my minds eye what I wanted it to be but didn’t have the knowledge or the budget to make it happen.

I called in Classic Touch Interiors owner, Deborah Langfitt, and within minutes, my living room was transformed and I didn’t spend a penny of furniture or accessories.

I found the change in my home that I wanted by simply doing what Libby Baker suggests in the tips below…take a fresh look by rearranging, moving items from one room to another, use the things you already have.

Are you ready to give your home the face lift it needs?  Here’s where you can start today.

1. Take a Fresh Look

Before you bemoan your vow not to ditch everything and start from scratch, take a look around your home. Why do you own your furniture and accessories in the first place? What attracted you to them, and what don’t you like now? Would you enjoy the arm chair collecting dust in the corner of your bedroom more if it became part of a reading nook in the living room? Maybe the portrait of a dog painted by Uncle Joe that’s been collecting dust in the closet would be kitschy funny in the guest bathroom. Then try re-arranging to see if your opinions change. The first step is to take stock and see what you love, what you hate, and why.

                                      
                                                               Image courtesy of: Flicker, hillbarbara55

2. Repair

Did you notice a few items were in disrepair during your assessment? It’s hard to like your decor when it feels broken and sloppy. Rather than tossing, investigate ways to repair broken or damaged items. Can you glue the creaky dining room chairs? Tighten the latch on the hutch for easier access and closure? Repaint those tacky gold picture frames? Reupholster or recover the loveseat with the hole in it? What can you fix and what is beyond repair?

3. Repurpose

So maybe the creaky dining room chairs are past the point of no return. Don’t toss them out just yet! Why not use them to create an awesome French Style Bench? How about hanging grandma’s old quilt on the wall behind your bed in lieu of a headboard? Get creative and find ways to repurpose your broken or unwanted home decor items. Got lots of books and not enough shelf space? Try stacking them for use as the legs of a table, as a display for a vase, or toss a cushion on top to make stools that highlight your bibliophile style.

4. Recycle

Before you take out the recycling, see if there is anything you can use to spruce up your decor. Can you turn an old mason jar into a cool hanging lampshade? Why not turn glossy magazines into a beautiful, waterproof vase, a stunning art bowl, or even a unique wall clock? Decoupage a tired old lampshade with newspaper for a great new look!

5. Swap It Out

Gather up everything you simply can’t stand and then invite your friends to do the same at a swap party. New swapping apps like Yerdle or Swapit make exchanging your old for new-to-you a fun, point scoring game!

6. Forage

My first apartment in New York City was almost entirely decorated with furniture I found on the street, and I was often complimented on my eclectic mismatched dining room chairs and unique artwork. Don’t be squeamish about items left on the curb. Most things are able to be cleaned and repaired, and saving them from the landfill gets you big green points!

Aside from furniture left out on the street, a trip to the nearest park or beach can provide a ton of decor inspiration! Gather grapevines for a wreath to hang on your wall or door. Use wooden sticks, driftwood or branches to hang curtains, to hang clothes in a closet, make shelves or shelf brackets, or slice and add to walls for a unique and eye catching wood mosaic. Use seashells to make everything from chandeliers to miniature hanging planters! Hang dried flowers twigs or pinecones on the wall or display them in bowls or vases.

7. Create

Since you’re already feeling creative after your foraging expedition, get inspired to create your own decor with a visit to your nearest home improvement store. Many often give away old wallpaper books, carpet samples, and paint swatches for free.  What can you do with these samples? How about making a hallway runner, a doormat? You can refinish just about anything with wallpaper samples! How about making some great new drink coasters? Use paint swatches to cover walls, make wall art, cut out butterfly specimen art, or make a colorful chandelier. You can find free images and art online to print and hang on your wall. Get inspired and creative!

8. Grow

Nothing improves the look and feel of a room better than a little growing green! Get double bang for your buck by regrowing your kitchen scraps. Not only will they perk up your pad, but you’ll have fresh new produce for free!

9. Look Online

Many websites like Craigslist and Freecycle list local items people are giving away for free. You can find some great treasures for the cost of swinging by to pick up.

10. Display

Don’t leave that bag of brightly colored oranges in the fridge! Display them in a big bowl on your table for a welcome pop of color. Pick a bouquet of wildflowers and display them in your favorite glass or vase. Line a shelf with your pet rocks or your vintage matchbook assortment. It’s amazing how a little glimpse of nature or a much-loved collection can perk up a room!

www.onegreenplanet.org

 Are there any ideas here that you plan to try in your home?  Let us know what you think about these ideas and if they make a difference for you, let us know.  

Consider these five tips to help your move be stress-free.

5 Tips For Stress-Free Moving

Consider these five tips to help your move be stress-free.

Hooray! You’ve settled on a new apartment or home, gotten through all the hair-pulling paperwork, and have the keys in hand. Now all you have to do is actually move from your old place to your new one . . . except that packing for the move is going to be more work and worry to drive you up the wall.

Will your friends help or will you have to do it yourself? Can you do it yourself? Should you try to rent a trailer or truck and move yourself, or would it be better to hire a moving company? How long will all this take?

Don’t panic! Take a deep breath and pace yourself, and start with these five tips that will help you make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. Following these tips will ensure you arrive at your new home more relaxed and ready to make your new place a home that you can truly enjoy.

1. Create a Moving Checklist

For those of you who have an aversion to checklists, call this your moving “must-haves.” This is where you’re going to start writing and tracking every packing idea, item, and reminder that comes to your mind. Take some time out to think through your move.

As things come to your mind, jot them down and keep your list in a place where you can easily add to it. Add things likes medicines, appointments, children, pets, items you want to keep, and items you want to get rid of. Do this as they come to your mind, and it will ensure that you cover as many details of your move as early as possible. With a clearer mind, you’ll reduce your stress and sleep better.

When it comes to your mind . . . write it down!

2. Gather Moving Supplies As Early As Possible

Whether it’s blankets for wrapping pictures and items you want to protect or tape and packing supplies, add these items to your “To Get” checklist and put things in place little by little.

3. Sort Through Your Belongings

Start going through your closets and make decisions about the items you find. Have you worn that piece of clothing or used that item in the last six months? If not, consider whether you really want or need to keep it. Moving provides you a unique opportunity to purge and organize in a way most of us seldom take the time to do. This is your opportunity—go for it!

Also consider where you’re going to put these items once in your new home. Either mark your items or go ahead and start boxing your items with labels to identify where you want the item to go. The nature of the beast means that you’ll be disorganzed enough, so this will save you a lot of time and headaches and ensure that you can find the things you really need.

4. Purge Unused and Unwanted Items

Decide what you’re going to do with the items in your purge pile. Gather three trash bags, label them, and take action with the items you’re going to get rid of.

Label one trash bag “Trash,” then put in this bag the items your going to toss. Label a second bag as your “Donate” bag for any items you plan to donate. The third bag will be your “Sell” bag for the item from which you’re going to earn some extra cash if possible.

5. Earn Some Extra Cash

This may not be what you’re thinking. There are many ways to earn extra cash during your move, so take advantage of any that fit your time schedule and your needs. From yard sale to Craigslist to Amazon to posts in your office or local business, there are opportunities for you to sell items and earn extra cash.

For example, Amazon offers a TextBook Buyback program that will allow you to sell books directly to Amazon for a profit and Amazon will pay the shipping costs. If you have textbooks—or any unwanted book, for that matter—around your home, you’ll want to look into this option. While checking Amazon’s buyback program, notice other items they’ll buy as well. It’s not just Textbooks. Check it out.

That’s Not All!

Stay tuned to our next article as we’ll explore ways to make your planning, sorting, and packing as easy and stress-free as possible. We’ll help keep you from feeling overwhelmed as you pack.

Send us a comment and let us know what most stresses you out about your move. We’ll offer tips and ideas to get things under control.

 

5 Tips For Moving With Children


Image courtesy of Flicker: 55randomclicks

Moving and saying good-bye to a place you’ve called home can be both exciting and scary, especially for children.  Yet when children are involved in the move, you have an opportunity to bond with your child that is like no other.

When thinking about your move, consider your children and carefully prepare them for your move.

To make your move with children as stress-free as possible, consider these tips.

Communicate Early, Communicate Often

Moving into a new home brings questions unique to children.  You may wonder if they will like the new home, enjoy the neighborhood, and find it a place that they feel at home.

The best way to understand what’s going through your child’s mind is to openly communicate with them.  Bring them into the conversation about what the move means for your family, how your family will be better because of the move, and introduce them to their new community.  

Involve your children in the conversation about your move as soon as possible.  The more time your children have to think about your move, the more likely they will be to accept it with easy making your move a better experience for all.

Moving into a new home brings with it a lot of emotions, particularly for families moving with children. Excitement and enthusiasm are coupled with anxiety and apprehension as to whether children will take to the new home and neighborhood. Carefully preparing children for the move, both practically and psychologically, will help ease the transition and make the process smoother and more enjoyable for the entire family.

Listen Carefully

Moving provides families unique opportunities to express themselves around a common cause.  Choosing to listen to your children’s questions, ideas and concerns makes you a safe and approachable parent.  Your children will value your listening ear and through it, they will learn to trust in ways that otherwise might have been missed.

Appreciate and value your children’s thoughts about your upcoming move.  Whether their concerns are real or perceived, they reveal your child’s perspective.  Moving is a great opportunity to strengthen your family ties.  Listen.

Explore Your New Community Together

Once you have a home selected, take your children to visit the community so they have a chance to explore their new surroundings.  Check out the playgrounds, community centers, recreation areas, malls, and any places where your children will feel at home.  Allow them to explore and listen as they share their thoughts and questions about their new community.  This creates an opportunity for you to bond with your child while building trust through open communication.

 Involve Your Children In The Process

Once in your new home, allow your children to share their ideas about how to decorate their rooms.  Ask questions of your children to learn their ideas and their wishes.  And when their wishes are reasonable, go with them.  

The involvement of your children will go along way toward helping your children better understand how to communicate and process change without fear.

Surprise

And if you feel like you next an extra tool in your belt to help your children make the move a good one, consider having a surprise ready for them when they arrive at the new home.  Consider having special games ready for the children to play, think about inviting one of their closest friends over to take them out for ice cream while you’re unpacking.  Or, if you want to go all out, consider having a furry friend waiting at the new home (stuffed or real…you decided).

Communication.  Listen.  Explore.  Involve.  Surprise.  5 Tips to make your move with children a positive family experience.

 

Solenbergers

Move for Hunger 10,000 lb. Community Food Drive

We have teamed up with Move For Hunger and numerous local businesses in Winchester and Frederick County in hopes of collecting 10,000 lbs. of food to be distributed right back into our community through CCAP.

Stuff The Truck

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Please join us this Sunday at Walmart on Route 50 West to Stuff A Truck with non-perishable food items to benefit our local CCAP. Our goal is 10,000lbs and each donation goes right back into our community! Join our Move For Hunger initiative and help us #endhunger locally! Click for More Details Here

WALMART SUPERCENTER 501 Wal-Mart Drive, Winchester, VA 22603

 

 

To make a donation, please visit any of the following locations and look for the collection boxes until October 16th!

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

city nblogo
City National Bank
 (Winchester and Stephens City locations)

 

Suggested items to donate:

  • Canned Vegetables
  • Canned Meats
  • Pasta
  • Rice
  • Pasta Sauce
  • Peanut Butter
  • Crackers
  • Canned Fruit
  • Bottled Water and Fruit Juices
  • Any non-perishable food with an easy open top or package

Win-Win-Win Special

If you are interested in saving money and have items that do not need to be moved immediately, the Mover Dudes “Win-Win-Win” might be right for you.

Sometimes customers do not need all of their belongings immediately, so we store it for them and put their name on the “pending list.” Then we wait, and when we have another load from another customer going to the same area, we take them together, and everyone wins.

You get a discount, the other customer gets a discount, and we get to make both customers happy. It’s a Win-Win-Win.

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