Resources to help keep your world moving

Sometimes, the elation of finding the perfect job is quickly followed by a moment of dread — you may have to relocate. Despite the pandemic, 2020 was a big year for relocations, and experts predict that 2021 will host even more moves. According to data from the Pew Research Center, roughly 1 in 5 adults say they moved because of the pandemic or know someone who did. Whether this is your first move or your fifth, it can be hard to know where to begin. Relocating can be an undoubtedly daunting task, and without the dedicated help of a moving partner, your to-do list can become too long for you to manage. Here are 10 tips for how to tackle your relocation like a seasoned professional: 1. Don’t be shy about negotiating. Read through the fine print of your relocation package and find out what benefits it offers. How does...

If you’re looking at a map, you can draw three lines connecting Chapel Hill, Durham and Raleigh. This is called the Research Triangle, and it’s one of the hottest places to live in the nation. Every year, more and more people are hustling to join the area’s long-term residents. In fact, more than 70 people move to the Research Triangle every day, according to a report by the Research Triangle Regional Partnership. If you’re looking to relocate, the Research Triangle may be the perfect place. Here are 10 reasons why you should make the Triangle your new home: 1. Robust job market At the center of the Triangle sits the Research Triangle Park, a 7,000-acre epicenter for more than 200 companies and 50,000 employees. It’s the largest research park in the country and has driven substantial economic growth to the Triangle. Some refer to the park as a “mini Silicon...

Congratulations! You’ve found a new home and are getting ready to pack up and move. There is a science to packing efficiently, so here are nine things you should consider when beginning the packing process. Decide whether you’ll be doing the packing yourself. Packing can be a stressful process, so hiring a moving service to do the packing for you can save you significant time and energy. There’s a reason that so many people choose to leave packing to the professionals — movers know how to pack your belongings in the safest, most efficient ways. While they pack, you can focus on other tasks. Regardless of whether you are going solo or leaving it to the pros, you should plan ahead and start early. Gather the right supplies. If you’re going to handle your packing, you’ll need to identify the quantity and sizes of boxes you’ll need. Small boxes are...

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...

Even if you’re just starting the moving process, it’s not too early to prepare for life in your new home. Actually, there are tasks we recommend tackling months in advance in order to ensure a smooth post-move transition. We at The Armstrong Company – Huntsville are committed to making your move as stress-free as possible. Here is a checklist of what you should complete before, during, and after the move to make sure you’re ready for your new home.  Before the Move:  Set up your utilities, Internet, and cable. The last thing you want is to start settling in on moving day, then realize you have no light or running water. Call your power, gas and water companies to make sure your utilities will be connected by the time you move. If the utilities are already connected, you will simply need to transfer them into your name and update your...

Whether you are just considering a move or in the thick of things, moving can leave you with a lot of questions at every step. We at The Armstrong Company are here to walk you through the relocation process, starting by answering a few of your most frequently-asked questions. When should I call a moving company? Book a mover 6-8 weeks in advance when possible. Planning ahead and booking early are key to a successful move, especially if you are moving between May and July. Around 80% of all moves in the United States take place during these summer months, so booking early is critical if you are joining the millions of families moving at that time. Planning a long-distance move also may take more coordination, so call a moving company as early as possible to prepare. We highly recommend booking early, but if your moving date is quickly approaching...

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...

When you are pulling out of your driveway on moving day, you don’t want to suddenly remember that you left food in the fridge or packed away your medications in the moving truck. It can be hard to keep track of what you need to do to prepare for the big day, so we are here to help. Here is a list of seven things you should do to be prepared on moving day. Set aside your essentials. When you arrive at your new home, you probably will not be eager to start digging through boxes for your essential items. Mark and set aside the boxes that hold items you will need right away, and keep an overnight bag with you that includes items like your toiletries, medications, chargers, pajamas, and a change of clothes. If you are moving long-distance, this is a particularly important step, so make sure you...

Moving can be a headache. Some people wait until the very last minute to pack, then live out of boxes long after they make the move, struggling to remember where they packed everything. Others prepare so far in advance that their to-do lists keep getting longer and longer, making the relocation process even more intimidating than it was initially. Luckily for both kinds of people, there is a way to move without having to lift a finger. It is commonly called “white-glove moving service,” and many businesses offer it in relocation packages to ensure their employees’ transitions are as seamless as possible. So, what does “white-glove service” mean? In its most literal definition, white-glove service means a superior level of service marked by extra special care. In the moving industry, white-glove service commonly refers to a premium process in which a relocation company takes care of all of the little...