Resources to help keep your world moving

With its sprawling suburbs and unique traffic patterns, the Houston area presents specific challenges for a long-distance move. Whether you're starting a new job opportunity, chasing warmer weather, or simply looking for a better environment for your family, the moving process can quickly become stressful if it means a cross-country road trip. Understanding your options, from cost-effective solutions like rental trucks to long-distance moving services, will provide you with the best chance of preventing setbacks and hiccups. In this article we aim to give you tips and tools for a successful and carefree long-distance move to Houston. Why Hire Specialist Long Distance Movers? While you might call a friend for help shifting furniture across town, a long-distance move requires a different approach. Generally, anything exceeding 100 miles or crossing from state to state is considered a long-distance move, and naturally involves greater logistics and planning than an afternoon jaunt with...

Moving to Huntsville, AL is both exciting and overwhelming. Your moving to-do list involves packing boxes and saying goodbyes. But don't overlook the crucial cleaning tasks!  Whether you need to leave your old home sparkling clean or prepping your new house, a move-in/move-out cleaning checklist is your secret weapon. The following guide tackles the unique cleaning considerations of Huntsville. The house cleaning checklist ensures a smooth transition and peace of mind. What Does "Moving Clean" Mean in Huntsville? A "moving clean" in Huntsville goes beyond regular house cleaning. It's a deep cleaning process that leaves sparkling surfaces, sanitized appliances, and dust-free nooks and crannies. All cleaning services are tailored to Huntsville's specific pollen and humidity challenges.  The meticulous approach ensures your old place meets the condition of your lease agreement and you can get your security deposit returned. Moving clean also applies to your new digs and creates a fresh...

People who are buying or selling a home are making an incredibly important decision with many stressful aspects. From purchasing or selling their first home to requiring a larger home for their newly expanded family, people rely on real estate agents or realtors to advise them during significant milestones in people’s lives. Realtors and real estate agents are not only trusted resources, but also, they become true partners. From sourcing and showing the houses that meet all necessary criteria to representing their buyers’ or sellers’ best interests by negotiating prices, agents are the go-to for a one-stop shop for buying and selling your home. All good agents can take a buyer’s must haves and non-negotiables to suggest the right neighborhoods and identify the buyer’s next dream house. Great agents will provide recommended mortgage lenders, home inspectors or title companies when needed. Once the sale is complete and closed, generally the...

The senior living industry is gearing up for explosive growth. In the fourth quarter of 2021, continuing care retirement communities reached 85.7 percent occupancy, according to Ziegler Investment Banking. As the United States population ages, the sector has the potential to reach even higher occupancy rates in the next decade. The NAIOP projected that the 75-and-older age group in the U.S. will increase by 76 percent from 2020 to 2035, creating new demand for senior living. For some senior living communities, renovating or rehabilitating the facilities is critical to preparing for this growth. Roughly 58 percent of senior living communities are more than 20 years old, according to the National Investment Center. Renovations allow property managers to upgrade their facilities, provide better support for current residents, attract new members and signal a change in ownership or services. Here are seven ways to prepare for a successful renovation. Gather feedback from...

Over the past decade, Katy has quietly been moving up the list of Texas’ best places to live.  ABC13 reported that Katy’s population jumped more than 50 percent from 2010 to 2013,  making it one of the Lone Star State’s fastest-growing suburbs. Families have a lot to love about Katy: the ample housing options, high-achieving public schools, accessible entertainment and beautiful weather. Here are seven reasons why relocating to Katy might be the right choice for your family: Hottest Housing Market Katy has some of the most sought-after communities in the state and the country. Recent data from Opendoor found that the 77494 zip code in Katy is currently the third most popular neighborhood in the United States. Though the local market is no doubt competitive, buyers will quickly fall in love with Katy’s lovely homes, picturesque communities and friendly residents. Sunny Skies Year-Round According to Stacker, Florida may have...

With a low cost of living, close communities and sunny skies in every season, Houston is one of the country’s top relocation destinations. Not to mention its impressive presence in the aerospace, technology and medical industries, which consistently draws graduates from some of the country’s most esteemed universities. If you’re considering a move to Houston, here are three neighborhoods in the Downtown vicinity you should consider for the area’s best amenities and sophisticated living. River Oaks Commonly considered Houston’s most “regal” neighborhood, River Oaks is the definition of luxury. River Oaks was the first master-planned community in the Houston area and sits at an ideal location within the 610 Loop. If you want to “see and be seen,” River Oaks is the place to be. It offers many first-class dining experiences and nightlife throughout a vast collection of hot and new restaurants and several prominent social clubs, including the Briar...

When you’re getting ready to pack up and move, some of your belongings will require extra attention. These may be the jewelry that have been in your family for generations, the artwork lining the walls, or the piano on which you learned how to play. These items may qualify as “high-value,” and both you and your movers can take additional steps to protect them during the move. Here are eight things you should know about moving high-value items: High-value items have extraordinary or unusual value. Though “extraordinary value” may mean different things to different people, movers most frequently define high-value items as those that are valued at more than $100 per pound. If you’re not sure of an item’s value, get an appraisal or contact your move coordinator for help. These items can include anything from family heirlooms to designer shoes. Any of the following may qualify as high-value items:...

If you have recently decided to downsize, figuring out what will come with you to your new home might seem daunting. You can’t bring all of your current possessions with you, so you’ll have to make some tough decisions especially for long-distance moves. We at The Armstrong Company – Houston have helped many families in the downsizing process and we are here to help with eight tips to make your moving process stress-free. Start now. It’s never too early to start decluttering. Organizing and parting with long-held items can be hard, so you should give yourself plenty of time and space to decide what will come with you to your new home. When you’re preparing to downsize, experts recommend starting to declutter at least three months in advance of moving day. Forgo the extra furniture. Begin the decluttering process by examining the big items in your house, such as furniture...

There comes a time to discuss living arrangements for the elders of our family. Family members of those moving have asked, “What can I do to alleviate moving complications?” This time can be challenging and stressful. Moving symbolizes a new chapter in life. A welcome or unwelcome transition, it is important to understand the journey ahead for both you and your family and make the right preparations in advance. If you've recently visited relatives or have growing concerns over a senior in your family, we have identified common challenges and tips to make the seamless transition to the senior living community. The age of adults moving into these facilities is becoming younger. For most assisted living facilities, ages 62+ can move in. This continuing trend of younger individuals might suggest it is time to further consider when the move is right. In the United States alone, approximately 1.4 million people...

As the fourth largest city in the United States, Houston, TX offers a variety of great food, entertainment and diverse neighborhood options across its massive land area. Pair these qualities with a great job market, warm weather year-round, and a lower cost of living than neighboring metro areas, and it’s no surprise that the population has increased and will continue to increase over the next decade. While downtown Houston is where you’ll find the majority of sporting events, new restaurants and other social attractions, the metro area has so many attractive suburbs with amenities that will make the occasional commute more than worth the move into a high-value, family-friendly home. From the relaxed, lush environment of The Woodlands to affluent Sugar Land, the convenience of Katy, and the top notch education of Pearland, there is no shortage of amazing options when moving to Houston’s suburbs. Still on the fence about...