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There’s something about moving that makes staying organized seem like a superhuman task. No matter how carefully things are packed, somehow it can still be difficult to locate essentials once all of the boxes have been placed into a new residence. But, don’t despair. It doesn’t have to be that way!

If you know how to stay organized and follow simple tips for moving, the process can be much less stressful–and you may even be able to find a toothbrush to use on your first night in your new home. Here are 6 helpful tips to simplify your move:

Have a plan: Work out a plan regarding packing. This should include what to pack, when to pack these items, the items that will be kept, sold, or donated, and planning out the space in your new home.By structuring and planning as much as you can, you will leave little room for unexpected difficulties and confusion when you arrive at your new home.
Compile a moving binder: Purchase a binder at the office supplies store, and fill it with information from your moving company, to-do lists, your master packing list and a zip-top bag with memory sticks or other computer data backup. Closer to your move date, tuck in a folder with current bills, stamps, and your checkbook. Make sure you keep this binder accessible during the move.
Use an easy labeling system: Try color-coding box labels depending on which room the box will go in, and then number each box. Keep a separate record with a list of the contents of each numbered box. Then when you are unpacking, you can simply check your master list to see which box you need. If you do use a sharpie to mark boxes, avoid putting family members’ names on the boxes. Rather, associate each box with the room where it will go to avoid confusion.
Keep like items together: While packing your neatly labeled boxes, try not to put random items together. As much as it might seem like a good idea to put the extra phone charger in your bathroom box, because there’s that little bit of room left, you may regret it later when you need to charge your phone and it means unpacking the entire bathroom box to find the charger.
Designate Areas for Boxes: It is wise to designate an area for boxes in your current home. In doing so, be sure to set up a packing zone and have empty boxes, tape, and markers in a specific area and then a zone for packed boxes as you complete them. You can use this area to stack the packed boxes. You will also want to designate an area as a holding zone for items that are in transition. A good place for a holding zone is in the garage, carport, or basement. You can make different piles for items that you’re selling, donating, or throwing away.
Don’t wait: Don’t wait to label or inventory your boxes. As soon as you pack the box, label it so that you don’t have to go back later and try to remember what was in each box. If you choose to use recycled boxes, tape your new labels or blank pieces of paper over the previous labels to prevent confusion. If you are moving in 3-6 months or even in a year, there is no reason not to start packing ahead of time, rather than waiting until the last minute!

Trust the Professionals at Regal Moving Services

Moving can be a very stressful event when you don’t plan ahead or get organized, so it’s wise to get started with planning your move. Call (703) 782-9030 today to speak with a relocation expert at Regal Moving Services right now! You can also request a Free Moving Estimateonline.

Nobody really looks forward to moving. While starting a new chapter in life can be an exciting endeavor, the planning, packing, and hauling required to move your belongings from one location to the next can be an overwhelming experience. Hiring reliable movers is a great way to make the process easier, but finding a trustworthy moving company can feel just as overwhelming as moving itself.

If you’re looking for movers in Sterling, Virginia, your first reaction may be to grab your smartphone or computer search “local movers” in your favorite search engine. While this is a good start, chances are you’ll be bombarded with a never-ending list of moving companies to choose from. So how do you know which movers are the best? Continue reading to discover essential tips for hiring reputable, trusted movers for the job.

Consider Your Needs

Not all moving companies are equal, so it’s important to look for those that are able to meet your moving needs. Almost every moving company offers local moving services, so if you’re moving across town it shouldn’t take too long to find movers that can provide you with the service you need. If you’re moving to another state, depending on the distance from your existing home, you may need to look for companies that specialize in long-distance moving services.

Ask for Recommendations

If you’re like most people and get overwhelmed by the number of moving companies available to help you with your move, asking friends, family members, coworkers, and other acquaintances within your community for recommendations can help you with making a decision. Chances are that you know someone who has worked with a moving company recently. Ask them about the quality of service, cost, and their overall experience with the movers. If you want multiple recommendations from different people, ask for suggestions on a social platform such as Facebook and reliable recommendations will start to flow in!

Verify Credentials

It’s important to hire licensed and insured movers. Having the proper licensing and insurance not only means that a moving company is legitimate, but it also protects you and your belongings in the rare event that something goes wrong during the move. When performing your search, look for companies that are licensed by the United States Department of Transportation. You often can verify this by going to a movers website and looking for their USDOT number. Movers should also have information about their insurance on their website. If moving companies don’t have a website for you to find this information, consider it as a red flag.

Get Estimates

A reputable moving company will provide you with free estimates for your move. Most movers will be able to provide you with an accurate estimate based on your location, the belongings that you need moved, and any other additional services you may be interested in such as moving packing services. An online quote or an over-the-phone estimate is a good starting point, but the best movers will offer a more accurate quote through a video or in-home estimate. If the estimate you receive is unusually low, be wary. It could reflect a lower quality service or indicate that the company may try charging you more after the move.

Choose a Sterling Moving Company You Feel Good About

Finding the best moving company in Sterling may require a little bit of research, but following the tips above can help ensure that you hire the right team to help you with your move.

f you’re looking for moving companies in Sterling or the surrounding area, save yourself time by starting your search with Regal Mover. Our movers are experienced, licensed, and insured and can provide you with the solutions you need for a hassle-free move. We also offer free estimates, so you can feel confident about your move. Ready to get started? Contact us today!

Packing is the most time-consuming part of the moving process and one that many people tend to put off until the last minute. Trying to gather and pack all of your belongings so that they are ready for moving day can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming. That is why it’s so important to start packing early.

Diving into the packing process early on is easier said than done, however. If you find yourself procrastinating, it’s probably because you can’t decide where to start with packing. Luckily, the Sterling movers at Regal Mover are here to help. Below, we put together a guide to help you get a head start on packing for your move.

Packing for a Move: What to Pack First

There’s no such thing as packing too early for a move. To be safe, you should start your packing at least six weeks in advance to avoid any overwhelming situations. Before you start, though, you’ll need to have moving supplies readily available. High-quality moving boxes or totes, tape, bubble wrap, scissors, and markers are a good start. Once you have all of your supplies ready, you’ll need to come up with a plan to help you tackle packing in an efficient and sensible way. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to start with packing things that you won’t be using or need before the move. Examples of these items include:

Items In Storage

Chances are you won’t be needing the belongings that you have put away in storage any time soon, so this is a great place to start your packing endeavors. Whether you have items stored in your garage, basement, closet, or in an actual storage unit, it’s a good idea to start gathering the items and ensuring it all gets packed. Most of the items you have in storage are already in boxes or totes, so it’s the perfect way to ease into packing. Just make sure to look through the items and donate or get rid of things you don’t want to bring along with you to your new home.

Out of Season Clothing

Packing your clothes takes a significant amount of time, especially if you have a big family. Get a head start by packing all out-of-season clothes. You likely won’t need any out-of-season clothing before your move if your moving date is within two or three months, so these can also be included amongst the items and belongings you pack first. If you are very organized, you probably have your out-of-season clothes folded neatly, making them quick and easy to pack into boxes. If they aren’t folded, make sure to do so before packing them or they may be at risk of getting ruined.

China and Other Rarely Used Fragile Items

If you’re planning a move, chances are you won’t be hosting any fancy dinner parties until you’re settled into your new home, so there is no harm in packing fine china and other fancy glassware that won’t be of use in the coming weeks. Glassware takes a considerable amount of extra time to pack, so starting early on with these fragile items that are rarely used will help make packing the rest a little easier. Make sure that you properly pack these items as they are at a higher risk of breaking during your move. China and other fragile items should be wrapped in bubble wrap or another cushioned material and packed neatly in boxes. The boxes with these items should be labeled with “FRAGILE” in big bold letters.

Artwork And Wall Hangings

Artwork, picture frames, and other wall-hanging decor can be tricky to pack, so it’s nice to take care of the task sooner rather than later. Unless artwork and picture frames serve purposes other than decoration, make these among the first items you pack. Depending on the size of these items, you may have to get creative with packing — just make sure that they are properly protected and secure so that they won’t be damaged during the move.

Extra Towels and Linens

Additional towels, bedding, or other linens stored away in your closet are the perfect belongings to pack first when moving. When getting ready for a big move, all you need is a set or two of bedsheets and a few towels to get by, everything else can be packed early on in the process. Just plan to wash the towels and linens you are keeping around more frequently until you are settled into your new home. It can be very helpful to make sure these items are cleaned before packing them up. That way you’ll have clean towels and bedding readily available for your first night in your new house.

Books

If you’re a bookworm, you probably have a lot of books that you are planning to bring along with you to your new home. Packing books is harder than you may initially think. You have to be careful not to damage the binding and the boxes of packed books are very heavy. Therefore, it can be helpful to get a head start on packing your books. Of course, you can select a few books that you want to have easily accessible until your move, but the rest should be packed away. Once your books are packed, don’t forget to properly label the boxes to give those who will be moving them a heads up as to the heavy contents inside.

There are so many things to think about when you’re planning a move that deciding what to pack first can seem intimidating. However, with a little help, you’ll find that it’s not too difficult once you know where to begin.

If you’re starting to prepare for a move and don’t yet have a moving company booked to help you with your relocation, make sure you do so soon. Moving companies book up quickly and chances are you don’t want to be left without professional and reliable help. At Regal Mover, we can provide you with the local and long-distance moving services you need. Working without Sterling movers makes the moving process easier — contact us today to experience the Regal difference.

Moving can be an overwhelming experience in general, but even more so when you are planning a long-distance move. Whether you are moving a few states over or across the country, there is a lot of planning, preparation, and logistics involved to ensure that your belongings arrive safely and on time from one location to the next.

At Regal Mover, we specialize in long-distance moving services in Northern Virginia and the surrounding areas. We know just how strenuous the planning and preparation involved with long-distance moving can be. That’s why we go the extra mile for our clients and provide them with the solutions they need for a seamless and hassle-free move. If you’re planning for an upcoming long-distance move, this blog will help you prepare. Continue reading for helpful tips that will help make your long-distance move an easy transition from start to finish.

Plan in Advance

Most people who have moved before know the importance of planning in advance. When you are moving local, planning a move is something that can be done on a weekend if you put your mind to it. However, moving interstate or across long distances involves a more sophisticated range of logistics and details and therefore requires careful and timely planning. Make sure you give yourself enough time to make your way through the moving checklist essentials, such as calling utility companies, changing address, and notifying other necessary parties and entities of your upcoming move. Additionally, you should also plan for a time to begin your packing as well as a goal date to have it all finished.

Select Moving Dates

Choosing the dates for your move is an important part of the preparation process. If you are moving long-distance for a job or another reason that is time-sensitive, you may be limited in terms of the dates on which the move can take place. Nevertheless, you need to nail down a date range to complete your move. While your final destination and timeline will determine how long the move will take, the average time range for most long-distance moves can be anywhere from five days to more than two weeks. If possible, find a few different moving dates that would work for you. This will make it easier to find a long-distance moving company that can accommodate your timeline.

Start Taking Inventory

Unlike local movers who typically price their services at an hourly rate, price quotes with long-distance movers are almost always based on the items you are moving plus the distance traveled. For that reason, you should get an idea of the items you will be taking with you to your new home. While looking for belongings and items you will be bringing with you, be on the lookout for those items that you don’t want to bring and make a plan to sell, donate, or get rid of them in some way. Having an inventory list of the items you plan to bring will help you receive a more accurate estimate — see next step — from long-distance movers.

Hire Long Distance Movers

Trying to pull off a long-distance move without the help of professional movers is a significant challenge to take on. If you want your experience to be less stressful, hiring a moving company is the way to go. Before you hire movers, though, it’s good practice to receive estimates from multiple companies. Reliable moving companies, such as Regal Mover, will offer free moving estimates for long-distance moves. To give you an accurate estimate, movers will need an idea of what is being moved and to where — this is where an item inventory list comes in handy. Once you have estimates, you should be able to decide which moving company is the best fit for you. Just make sure that they are properly licensed and insured to move interstate.

Start Packing Early

Just like with normal moving, you need to give yourself plenty of time to pack before moving day for your long-distance move arrives. However, because your items and belongings will be traveling a much further distance, investing in quality packing materials could be the difference between items making it to your new home undamaged. Packing should begin at least three weeks prior to your anticipated move date, but getting a head start is never a bad idea. If you don’t like packing (we don’t blame you), some moving companies offer professional packing services that will handle that task for you. These services will ensure that all items are properly packed and ready to go in sturdy moving boxes that are clearly labeled and secured with moving tape.

Make Sure You’re Ready for Moving Pickup & Delivery

Just as it is important to make sure you have everything ready to go come moving day, you need to make sure you are ready for your items to be delivered to your new home. For long-distance moves, your items will typically be set to arrive within a delivery window rather than a specific day. Delivery windows generally won’t be longer than a week and most moving companies will provide notice before your items are set to arrive at your new home. Whatever your delivery window is, make sure you have a plan to be at your new home when the items are set to arrive. Map out the route to your destination in advance, planning for any detours, overnight stops, and other factors that may extend the time it takes for you to arrive at your new home.

We’re confident that there is no such thing as over preparing when it comes to long-distance moving. Following these suggestions sooner rather than later will help make your long-distance move more manageable and less overwhelming. While it seems like a daunting task, working with a professional long-distance moving company makes the process much easier.

If you are looking for long-distance movers in Sterling, VA, or the surrounding areas to help with your upcoming move, turn to Regal Mover. We are licensed, insured, and have years of experience providing reliable and competitively-priced moving services. Contact us today to request a free moving estimate.

Moving can be a very stressful process. The best thing to do is to start preparing as soon as possible. Even then, it’s hard to stay organized once you start living in a sea of boxes. Whether you manage to get an early start on your packing or not, your local movers at Regal Moving Company have some tips for you to keep in mind that will make the entire moving process easier.

Keep Your Clothes How They Are

Drawer after drawer, hanger after hanger, there’s just so many clothes to pack! Packing your clothes not only takes a very long time, but it creates a lot more luggage for you to move on the big day. Save yourself some time and energy by not removing your clothes from where they are.

Use plastic wrap on your drawers to keep the doors secure during the move. You can tape the sides as an alternative, but this isn’t always as secure, and plastic wrap doubles as protection for your furniture. When it comes to the closet, keep everything on hangers. You can bundle them together with rubber bands, or pull large garbage bags over the bottom of your clothes in groups for easier transportation.

Create a Color Code Key

Once half of your house is packed, it’s hard to keep track of what’s inside each box, or where each one will belong once you officially move. Yes, as a rule of thumb you should always label your boxes. A simple “Kitchen” or “Bedroom” label is a good place to start, and don’t forget to clearly identify fragile boxes. Go one step further and create a legend key for all of your box labels. This can be color-coordinated, so you can simply use a marker or tape to designate boxes, but it will also serve as a visual map to make sure you have everything where you need it, and unpacking will be as efficient as possible.

Find Extra Uses for Any and Every Thing

A great way to pack more with fewer boxes is to find another use for your household items. You can use towels and blankets to wrap awkward things like lamps, or use dish towels around knives to safely store them temporarily. Large blankets are great for padding electronics and anything fragile. Another trick is to nest smaller items inside of larger ones. This is especially helpful in the kitchen when packing dishes. You can pack pots inside of one another, or load bowls and glasses into them instead. Pack your suitcases with heavier items like books to make them easier to move. You’ll be surprised how functional other items can become once you start looking for ways to save on boxes.

Take Pictures

If visuals will help you stay organized and less stressed, feel free to take pictures during your entire process. Want an extra copy of your label legend? Snap a picture. Want to save some time hooking those wires back into the TV? Picture time! Want to see what’s inside of a box before you unpack it? Take pictures before you seal it up to make your life that much easier down the road. Pictures are a wonderful organizational tool, and don’t take up any additional physical space.

Make a Moving Day Bag

One of the most helpful things you could do for yourself is pack a small bag or suitcase with items you’ll need access to the day you move. These could be logistic items like important documents and your color coding key, unpacking items like scissors or cleaning products, or things you’ll most likely need to use like chargers, toiletries, or a change of clothes. You’ll love having essential items that are easily accessible in one place.

All of these tips and more will help keep you organized as you begin and continue packing. If you’re looking for ways to make your move easier overall, consider hiring a moving company as soon as possible. At Regal Mover, we offer packing and storage services to make this a stressless and smooth process for you. If you’d prefer to pack on your own, we can at least supply you with the essentials to get you started. We are available for residential and commercial moves, no matter if they are local or long distance. We want your move to be as regal as possible –contact your Sterling local movers today for a free quote!

Everyone wants to move in the summer, and why wouldn’t they? The kids are out of school, the weather is better, you can get more time off from work — it just makes sense. Despite all of the benefits, there are some dos and don’ts of summertime moving. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind as you begin the moving process.

Do – Hire a Moving Company

We all know how stressful moving can be. Hiring a local moving company can help relieve some of the weight off your shoulders. Whether you’re moving down the block, across state lines, or to a new business office, Regal Mover makes moving easy by handling your needs from start to finish. We offer packing services or supplies if you’d prefer to pack on your own, safe storage while you’re between locations, and of course all transportation requirements. We are local movers dedicated to making your move easy and efficient, while ensuring your valuables are protected at all times. View more of our services and find movers you can trust.

Don’t Underestimate Prep Time

It’s easy to assume that moving won’t take that much time to execute. Unfortunately, moving is one of those things that can’t be perfectly planned out. It takes extra time to actually load those packed boxes, you’ll naturally double and triple check the house for anything that got overlooked, not to mention the travel time from one location to another.

Moving in the summer can be particularly tricky because of higher traffic volumes (both pedestrian and automotive), and those hot, humid Virginia summers are sure to make you take more breaks. Don’t forget that the heat will play a factor in the entire process. When packing, keep your electronics together and try to keep them in air conditioned areas as much as possible. Also, consider packing and hauling your perishable food items in coolers!

Do – Start Early in the Day

Like they say, the early bird gets the worm! That rings true to moving day, too. Beat the heat by getting an early start to moving. Starting earlier in the morning not only gives you less time in the humidity, but it also gives you the opportunity to move in less traffic. If you’ve hired a moving company, consult with them to see the earliest you’d be able to start.

If mornings aren’t available to you or you’re simply not a morning person, consider waiting until later in the afternoon or early evening when the temperature starts to cool down again.

Don’t Forget Lots of Water

Hydration is key! That summer heat mixed with the rigorous activity of packing, lifting boxes, loading and unloading is quite the workout. Bring enough water to last the entire day for you and everyone helping. It’s recommended to keep plenty of water bottles in both locations. Remember to take breaks whenever necessary and possible. Dehydration or overheating can cause serious medical problems. Stay safe and stay healthy by drinking plenty of water throughout the entire moving day.

Do – Turn On Utilities

The only thing worse than moving all day in the heat is settling down in a hot home. Don’t forget to turn on the AC as soon as you can. If you live nearby or are moving around a local area, go ahead and have the air turned on the night before. You won’t regret it! If you’re moving to a new state, turn the air on as soon as you get to your new address. A cool and refreshing space will be much more comfortable for you and a pleasant break during your hot, summertime move.

Regal Makes Moving Easy

To make moving day that much easier for you, prepare as soon as you can. Start packing at least a month ahead of time. Hire and meet your movers ahead of time, too. At Regal Mover, we like to get a detailed plan set with you. We provide moving coordinators to oversee that everything goes smoothly on the big day. Contact us months ahead of your move date so we can get those details ironed out quickly and easily for you. We’re available in the Metro D.C. area, Delaware, Virginia, and Maryland. Make your move regal with our expert moving services!

Packing for long-distance moves shouldn’t be a rushed process. Even though the entire experience can be overwhelming, and it’s natural to procrastinate in some areas, packing correctly is key to making sure all your items arrive in one piece. If anything, it’s far more important to pay close attention to your most fragile belongings — dishes, vases, ceramics, and other breakable knickknacks. Regal Mover is sharing a few essential tips for making sure these expensive items are protected during long-distance or interstate moves.

Stock Up On Padding

If you’re only traveling a short distance, you may be able to get away with less serious packing methods. But if you’re moving interstate, or even across the country, it’s critical to ensure everything is safe from damage. The first step is to wrap each individual piece in protective material, whether it be bubble wrap or towels; take apart items with multiple parts — such as removable lids — and wrap them two or three times, taping up the edges so everything is fully protected. This is your first line of defense against scratches and cracks. Next, you need something to fill the empty spaces in your packing boxes, such as packing peanuts, styrofoam, or even more bubble wrap and towels. This prevents your fragile or breakable items from shifting in the box itself and risking possible damage.

Don’t Skimp On The Boxes

Speaking of packing boxes, this is an area you need to pay very close attention to. Certain household items you can get away with packing in less-quality boxes, but not fragile items. All your breakable belongings need heavy-duty, thick and sturdy boxes to survive a long distance or interstate move — this is for both protection and security. Large accumulations of kitchen plates and glass pieces of appliances tend to be heavy, and using a low-quality box increases your risk of having everything fall out of the bottom. Once you do have packing boxes that can fully serve your needs, you need to pack in an efficient way. This means putting all your heavy, stable items in first, and then nestling the light, more fragile ones on top. Don’t increase your risk of breakage by putting your most sensitive glasses or plates on the bottom where they can be crushed; it’s for the same reason that these boxes should never be stacked.

Store In The Cab, Not The Trunk

Once everything is wrapped up, fully packed, and ready to go, don’t make the mistake of immediately putting it all in the back of your moving vehicle. Your fragile items could be vulnerable if they’re stored in the same space as everything else; bumps on the road could cause something larger to slide, fall over, or shift. If possible, always store these items in the front seat or cab of your moving vehicle — it’s a much easier way to keep an eye on fragile boxes and it tends to be much safer as well.

Let Regal Mover Help You Pack

If you’re at all worried about the safety of your belongings, our expert packers at Regal Mover can put you at ease and take care of everything for you. Our goal is to make the long-distance moving process as simple and stress-free as possible; this is why we provide all the necessary boxes, bubble wrap and other supplies needed to protect your most valuable items. Get a free packing estimate today!

As in-depth and thorough as you strive to be while packing or moving, odds are there are important steps you forget about until the last minute. It’s to your benefit to take care of as many things as possible before the final week in your old home; that way you can focus solely on move-out day. Regal Mover is helping new Northern Virginia residents make their long-distance or interstate move easier with a few important reminders.

Change All Your Government Agency Information

Now is the time to practice writing or typing your new address! In order for you to be set up for success in your new location, contact information needs to be updated for a variety of government agencies. Submit a change of address request for the United State Postal Service so your mail can be forwarded without skipping a beat. You also need to update your voter registration for the new area you’ll be living in, and contact the DMV to update your license and vehicle information. Other similar and equally important agencies to think about include the IRS (for tax information) and social security (if applicable). Giving all these organizations your new address and contact information helps to prevent future hiccups — you don’t want to be called for jury duty in a place you don’t live anymore!

Update Your Subscriptions, Accounts & Memberships

If you follow the trend of monthly subscription boxes, or even regular publication subscriptions, you need to make sure the next one will be sent to your new home. Make a list of all the items you tend to get in the mail, and then log into each of your online accounts to change your personal information. This also encompasses online platforms you order from on a regular basis, such as Amazon. The stock of what you tend to buy online and take care of your address change right now — this prevents you from having to take care of it later, and it eliminates the risk of your items being mailed to the wrong place. You should also take a moment to change your credit card information, so it isn’t declined when you need it most.

Cancel Your Current Bills & Set Up New Ones

If you’re moving to a new city, region or state, chances are high you will need to get your electricity, water, internet and other utilities from different companies. This means you need to call every single service provider you use at your old/current location, and let them know you’ll be canceling the service. Take a look at which bills you pay every month, and use that as a guide to ensure you aren’t overcharged for services you don’t use anymore. Do this as soon as possible, to ensure you’re giving the providers appropriate notice, and schedule everything to be shut off either the day before or day of your move. If you know your new, final address, it may even be possible to set up your new utilities ahead of time, which saves you from more move-in stress.

Regal Mover Can Help Lift Some Burdens

Long-distance or interstate moving is stressful enough, and taking care of these important paperwork items can be the tipping point to make it totally overwhelming. Prioritize taking care of these steps and let Regal Mover help you with the actual packing and shipping. Our expert staff will help lighten your load by taking care of more prevalent aspects of moving so you can focus more on the nitty-gritty. Learn more about our services online and contact us for a free estimate anytime!