Resources to help keep your world moving

Moving Tips and Checklists
July 15, 2024

Ask the Armstrong Experts: Top 5 Self-Packing Mistakes

Our experienced Boston movers and packers see self-packing mistakes every day out on our jobs. In the industry, self-packed boxes are often referred to as “PBO” or packed by the owner. (If your moving company is packing for you, you may hear the term “CP” or carrier packed.) When you choose to pack yourself, you assume a major portion of the responsibility for your move’s success. We asked Armstrong Experts : What are the top 5 self-packing mistakes? Mistake #5 = Not packing an overnight / 1st day box The last thing you want to do on the first night or first day in your new home is be searching for your necessities. Pack an overnight bag with all your medications and personal care items including makeup, toiletries, pajamas, and a change of clothing. Pack an additional box or clear tote with toilet paper, shower gear including towels, cell phone...

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Blog
July 15, 2024

Moving Out of Your Parent’s House? 7 Things You NEED to Know.

How much should you save before moving out of your parent’s house? All of that newfound freedom comes at a cost. We compiled the 7 most important tips to prepare and budget to live on your own. Rent and Security Deposit Before you begin your new home search, determine the max rent you can afford. Typically, you should divide your monthly income (average out your last 6 months of paystubs) by 3 and use that as your max rent budget. For example, if you make $3,000 monthly you should be looking to spend no more than $1,000 per month on rent. Once you have settled on an apartment, you will most likely need to make a down payment of 1st month’s rent, last month’s rent, and a security deposit. In most cases, this will total 3 months of rent. If we are using our max budget rent example above, you...

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Blog
July 15, 2024

Why Making Major Life Changes Is So Difficult

Change seems like a relatively simple concept, but humans generally try to resist it as much as possible and find plenty of reasons why staying put and playing it safe is the best option. Making a major life change is a very stressful situation, and much of that anxiety is generated by a natural fear of making the wrong decision. It’s almost always easier not to make a big change and stick with what you know, but this doesn’t always work out for the best in the long run. There are a variety of reasons why we are more likely to resist change than embrace it. Breaking it down to the simplest of terms, doing something is more difficult than doing nothing. Some of the reasons people choose not to make a change include not having enough information, lacking courage and the fear of failure. Not Having Enough Information Having...

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Moving Tips and Checklists
July 12, 2024

How to Pack Dishes for Moving: A Comprehensive Guide to Safe Transport

Moving is a complex process, and the thought of packing fragile dishes can often add to the stress. After all, dishes are notoriously prone to breakage during a move, making their safe transport a top priority for homeowners. However, packing dishes doesn't need to be an overwhelming task. With a bit of planning and the right packing techniques, your dishes can be easily protected and transported to your new home without incident. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps of packing dishes effectively, ensuring your cherished dishware arrives safely at your new destination. Essential Supplies for Safe Dish Packing Before diving into the packing process, make sure you have the right tools for the job. Protecting your dishware starts with having the proper packing materials, as these will make all the difference in ensuring your items arrive intact. One key aspect of packing fragile items is filling any...

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Local Insights
July 10, 2024

Bay Area Reshuffle: Why Sacramento is First Choice for a New Start

The once-unthinkable trend of people leaving the Bay Area for Sacramento is gaining significant momentum. While the Bay Area remains a major economic and cultural hub, a confluence of factors is prompting residents, particularly from San Francisco, to seek a new life in the California capital. Why Are So Many People Leaving the Bay Area? Several compelling reasons are driving this migration: High Housing Costs: San Francisco and other Bay Area counties have witnessed astronomical housing prices for more than a decade, making homeownership a distant dream for many. Sacramento offers significantly more affordable housing options, and is a viable path for those seeking property ownership. Remote Work: The rise of remote work opportunities has loosened the tie between physical location and employment. This empowers individuals to prioritize affordability and a better quality of life, leading many to choose Sacramento over the Bay Area's high cost of living. More Space:...

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Moving Tips and Checklists
June 27, 2024

How to Pack a House Quickly

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need. Our Moving Supplies Estimator gives you an accurate supply list in minutes. Moving is often ranked as one of life's most stressful events. The chaos of sorting, packing, and coordinating the logistics of relocating can be overwhelming. But what if you could simplify the packing process and make it surprisingly efficient? Whether you're facing a tight deadline or simply want to minimize the hassle, this guide on how to pack a house quickly is the key to a smoother moving experience. Preparation: Setting the Stage for Packing Success Before you even think about grabbing a single box, take the time to lay the groundwork for a successful packing experience. Here's how: Declutter and Purge Packing is the perfect opportunity to assess your belongings and decide what truly deserves a place in your new home. Go through each room and be...

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Moving Tips and Checklists
June 17, 2024

How to Reserve A Parking Spot For Your Moving Truck in Boston

Moving in Boston? Finding parking for your moving truck can be a stressful experience. But fear not! This guide will walk you through the process of reserving a spot, whether you prefer to apply online or in person. Before You Apply A standard Boston moving permit reserves two parking spaces for one day from 7 a.m.- 5 p.m. You can only apply online if your moving date is at least two weeks away, and no more than a month away. Otherwise, you must come in person at least three days before your move. You may also want to check if your desired spot requires a separate Boston parking permit in addition to the moving permit. Parking Permit Costs & How to Apply Online Parking Permit Costs: Non-metered spaces: $69 for a one-day permit that includes two signs. Metered spaces: Add $40 to the non-metered price for a total of $109....

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Local Insights
June 10, 2024

Your 2024 Guide to Furniture Moving & Furniture Removal Costs in Raleigh

Whether you're tackling a local shuffle in the Raleigh area or moving to North Carolina as part of a long-distance adventure, furniture transportation presents a unique set of challenges and, of course, costs. This comprehensive guide dives into the world of furniture moving costs for this location in 2024. We'll explore average rates, unpack the factors that influence the final price tag, and even peek into additional furniture removal considerations. How much do moving companies charge in Raleigh, NC? There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but Raleigh residents can expect local moving companies to charge around $90-$120 per hour for two movers and a truck. This price can fluctuate depending on the specific company, distance traveled within Raleigh, and the overall size of your move. How does this compare to the rest of the country? Nationally, expect professional movers to charge between $60 and $200 per hour, with the final cost depending...

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Local Insights
June 6, 2024

Huntsville’s Housing Boom: Assessing the Apartment Construction Frenzy

Huntsville, Alabama, has become a darling of the Southeast. This dynamic metropolis, affectionately known as "Rocket City," is experiencing a renaissance that has captured the attention of the entire Southeast region. This rising city, named one of the best places to live in the country, is deeply rooted in its aerospace heritage and has been undergoing phenomenal growth across various sectors. Luckily, its housing market is keeping pace with the frenetic pace of development, even as new restaurants, public spaces, and fun activities are emerging in the area. As the population swells and more jobs become available, a wave of apartment construction is sweeping across Huntsville, AL, leaving renters, investors, and industry experts pondering the implications of this boom. Huntsville's Population Explosion Fuels Demand for Apartments At the heart of Huntsville's housing surge lies its rapidly growing population. According to US Census data, the city's populace grew by a staggering...

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Local Insights
May 30, 2024

Unveiling Clift Farms: A Rural Oasis on Huntsville’s Doorstep

In the heart of Madison County, Alabama, a captivating development is taking shape – Clift Farms. Envisioned by the Clift family, this unique project transcends the realm of traditional residential living, offering a lifestyle that seamlessly blends rural charm with modern conveniences. Clift Farms is a unique and intriguing development, as it seeks to create a vibrant and sustainable community on the outskirts of the bustling Rocket City, Huntsville, Alabama. The Perfect Location: Embracing Rural Peace - With Access While technically located in Madison County, Clift Farms enjoys the best of both worlds – a tranquil, farm-inspired setting with convenient access to the amenities and opportunities of downtown Huntsville. This strategic positioning allows residents to experience the serenity of a rural lifestyle, with its nature trails, country air, and slow pace, while remaining connected to the city's thriving job market, workplaces, cultural attractions, and world-class healthcare facilities. A Diverse Residential...

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