Resources to help keep your world moving

Armstrong Relocation & Companies ("Armstrong"), an industry-leading provider of moving, relocation and supply chain solutions and United Van Lines' largest U.S. hauler, has acquired MacDonald Moving Services, Inc., a Boston-based, United Van Lines agency. This addition enhances Armstrong's service capacity in the New England region. "We have been interested in the Boston market for many years and have been patiently awaiting the right business opportunity," said Todd Watson, Armstrong Relocation & Companies CEO. Watson added, "When Bruce MacDonald inquired about our interest in acquiring his business upon his retirement from the industry, the organizational synergies were apparent. This expansion will enable us to better serve our current and future customers throughout New England." Bruce MacDonald, third-generation MacDonald owner said, "The important thing for MacDonald Moving Services is that the group of employees—who have been a magnificent family for many years—continue to serve the moving of American families." Armstrong has hired New England native and industry leader Mark McEwen to serve as...

It’s never too late to make your New Year’s resolutions! As many have shifted to spending more time at home — and even working from home — resolutions to be more organized and reduce clutter in living and workspaces are more common than ever. According to Psychology Today, A cluttered living space can lead to unnecessary additional stress, and a cluttered workspace can reduce productivity, interrupt creativity and lead to poor work performance. Clutter also makes it more difficult to relax and let the mind focus, and an unnecessary constant mess can signal to the brain that work is never done, leading to anxiety and feelings of guilt. While most focus on reorganizing at the apparent times — before a move, at the beginning of a new year or new season – if you notice yourself feeling regularly stressed, clearing your space and decluttering your house or office can clear your...

Everything is bigger in Texas — including the population. The Texas Tribune estimates 5.9 million people moved to Texas from 2005 to 2013. In that timeframe, Texas grew by an average of 345 people per day. And that’s accounting for people who left the state in the same period. In 2016, Texas was home to five of the 10 fastest-growing cities in the United States, according to The Texas Comptroller’s office. Then the pandemic hit, and migration to Texas started accelerating. The growth shows no signs of stopping in the near future. So why are so many people settling in the Lone Star State? Here are six reasons. Diverse Communities Texas is one of the most diverse states in the country, only trailing behind California, according to WalletHub. In Texas, you’ll find socioeconomic, cultural, economic, household, religious, and political diversity — all of which are valuable in painting the picture of...

Urban downtowns have long revolved around office space. Soon, that may change. Before COVID-19 hit the United States, American cities were seemingly defined by the crowds of workers commuting downtown for work and by the high-rise office buildings with their seas of cubicles. Then, the pandemic came, forcing companies to abandon their offices — and leaving eerily empty downtowns in its wake. While some employers have already begun their return-to-office plans, others are closing their offices for good, instead embracing remote and hybrid working arrangements. But what does that do to the once office-heavy downtowns scattered in cities across the country? Here’s what you need to know. The Downtown ‘Stress Test’ of COVID-19 Offices account for 71% of real estate across downtowns in the 30 largest U.S. metros, according to Brookings. In some downtown neighborhoods, offices made up as much as 90% of real estate. Brookings calls COVID-19 “a profound...

There’s no place like a new home for the holidays. Families in the middle of scheduling moves may find the weeks of winter celebrations to be the perfect timeframe. After celebrating the years in your house, you can ring in the new year from a new home and start fresh. Though moving over the holidays can be stressful for some, others may find it an ideal time for such a transition. If you’re considering moving during the holidays, factor these benefits and costs into your decision.  The Benefits of Moving During the Holidays 1. Off-Season Savings Peak moving season falls between April and September. If you’re willing to move outside the peak season, you may benefit from lower rates and holiday discounts on moving services. You can also save money on packing supplies such as boxes and tape, as most office-supply stores run holiday deals. 2. Holiday Generosity  As your...

Low cost of living, mild climate and quality of life factors such as arts, culture, entertainment and transportation make the Raleigh area highly attractive to retiring seniors.  The recent boom in new and renovated senior living communities is evidence that investment in this economic sector is strong. The Raleigh-Durham area is now home to over 100 senior living communities, ranging from active, independent living to more specialized care like skilled nursing or memory care facilities. Opening a new senior living facility in Raleigh may be more complex and challenging than bringing a standard residential community online. Even if you’re just renovating an existing facility or converting a traditional apartment complex into a senior living community, there are several factors to consider: Regulations Bringing a new senior living facility online comes with a host of red tape. Stay on top of the requirements for your area of specialty. Maximize your access...

Sometimes it happens — a house can sustain major damage with almost no warning, and no way for a homeowner to prevent it. Whether it’s a storm, flooding or burst pipe, these are unlucky and unfortunate circumstances, but you can be prepared for what to do next if it happens to you. If your home has sustained major damage from water, it will likely need some significant repairs. Often water damage will require replacing floors, furniture and even walls. It’s important to know the right steps to take to minimize hassles after damage and to restore your property to its original state as quickly as possible. Immediate Steps to Take After a Pipe Burst 1. Contact Your Insurance Agent Right Away Start the claims process immediately. Your agent should be working alongside you to get you the help you need and to ensure you receive reimbursements for qualified expenses. 2....

Key Takeaways: Texas, Arizona, Florida, and Tennessee dominate the list of places people are moving to. Affordability, job growth, and quality of life are the biggest relocation drivers. Suburban cities near major metros continue to attract families and remote workers. Professional moving support helps reduce complexity when relocating long-distance. Texas, Florida and Arizona are the indisputable winners of the United States pandemic migration. The U.S. Census Bureau recently released its list of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and the three states have claimed every spot but one in the top 10. As remote-work flexibility opens new possibilities for corporate employees, more people are moving to areas with strong communities, low costs of living, high-ranked school systems and ample green spaces. The cities on this year’s top 10 list have all that and more, positioning them for continued growth What Are the Top Cities People Are Moving To The top...

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...

At the height of the pandemic, white-collar workers left their city offices at rapid rates. Some say they may never return, leading developers to get creative with the now-vacant commercial office spaces. According to Quartz, downtown vacancies in the United States’ top 10 metro areas are four percent higher than before COVID-19 hit. The Business Journals reported that the downtown office vacancy rate reached 16.3 percent in the third quarter of 2021 — the highest rate in nearly four decades. Some experts are sounding the alarm that these office vacancies could persist as employees occupy less and less office space because of work-from-home schedules. Gallup predicts that office buildings in big cities could see as much as 37 percent fewer occupied desks than in 2019. Faced with increasingly empty offices, city developers are considering new applications for the vacant spaces, such as converting commercial buildings into residential housing. Adaptive Reuse...