How to organize your new kitchen:

Moving is a long and arduous process. You spend weeks, sometimes months, planning and obsessing over the minutest details of your move so that there are no surprises (or shocks!) on moving day. However, the process does not end there. Once you move into your new house, you have to again spend at least a few days unpacking and organizing your stuff before it finally starts feeling like “home”!

With the kitchen undoubtedly being the heart of any home, it does not come as a surprise that most people decide to unpack and organize this space first. But actually, there are a few things you can do even before the move to make sure that you have your new kitchen up and running in no time at all.

Before the move: Sort and purge

Though it may seem easier to dump all your belongings in the packing boxes without going through them first, carting along unnecessary stuff to your new home is only going to add to your stress when the time comes for unpacking and putting them away.

So before you begin packing, take all the stuff out of your kitchen cupboards and place them in the center of the room. Take a deep breath and discard all extra and unnecessary items that you haven’t used for years.

Are you still holding on to those cute, plastic sippy cups that your kids used when they were toddlers? It’s okay to keep one or two for sentimental reasons, but toss away the rest, and save on some valuable storage space in your new kitchen. And seriously, does anyone really need three garlic peelers and two melon scoopers?

Make sure that all pots with missing handles, broken dishes and chipped glasses go into the “toss” pile. Items that are in good condition can be donated to charity. The onion chopper that someone gifted you five years ago, the popcorn maker that you never use, the pasta maker that has never seen the light of the day in your home are all good candidates for the “donate”or “sell” pile.

After the move: Get organized

A new kitchen is like a blank slate and offers you a fresh chance to completely change the way you cook and eat food. Unpacking and dumping your stuff in the closest cupboards may get the job done faster, but it is going to cause you a whole lot of trouble in the long run. On the other hand, a well-organized kitchen makes cooking easy and fun for years to come. What’s more, it’s easier to keep track of your kitchen supplies when everything is stored in their rightful place.

As a first step to organizing your new kitchen, demarcate specific zones for preparation, cleaning, baking, cooking, storage and so on. Make a note of how you want to arrange your stuff and what goes where.

Dishwasher and sink areas

The counter should be kept clean and as free of objects as possible, except for, of course, your prized coffeemaker. Your daily glasses, plates, coffee mugs, dishes and dish towels should be stored in cabinets closest to the dishwasher and sink. This makes it easier to put them away after washing. If your cutlery drawer is across the kitchen and away from the dishwasher, chances are that you’ll end up putting off the unloading task for later. Your cleaning supplies and dishwashing products can go in a basket under the sink.

Cooking utensils

Cooking utensils, pans and spatulas are best stored in cabinets next to the store and oven. The spices, oils, and seasonings that you need on a daily basis should also be stored somewhere nearby and easily accessible. If you are storing your spices in a drawer, remember to label the tops of your cans so that you can easily locate the one you need.

Paraphernalia

As a rule, keep most often used items in a place that is easy to reach. Dishes that are used only on special occasions can be stored in higher cabinets or above the refrigerator.

Tupperware that you use for storing leftovers can be stored in a separate drawer or plastic bin, along with their lids. Use an old tissue box for storing your plastic grocery bags.

Baking supplies

Knives and chopping boards should be stored near your prep area. If you do a lot of baking, store flour, sugar, baking powder, measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, and rolling pins near the baking area. Keep separate shelves for snacks, canned goods, cooking supplies and so on so that you can easily tell when you are about to run out of something.

For the first few days after moving, you can choose to label all your drawers and cabinets with sticky notes so that everyone in your family gets used to where things are stored in your new kitchen. You can always take them down once everyone is familiar with the new space.

What Can Be Expected With International Moving?

Whether you’re leaving the country for a job, for retirement or just because, there will probably be at least some things you want to bring from home. Even if you know a lot about the moving process within the U.S., things change considerably when moving out of the country.

1. Don’t even think about packing for yourself – By law, movers have to pack every item being moved and they have to inventory them for customs.

2. You are charged in a completely different way – When moving internationally, you are charged by container. Shipping containers come in either 20 foot or 40 foot lengths. A 20 foot container will hold about the contents of a two bedroom apartment or a small two bedroom house. A family of four will typically need a 40 foot container.

Even if a container is partially empty, you will still be charged for the entire container. Talk to the moving company. If you are hesitating about taking some items, ask if those items will actually make a difference – they may not. Besides, the price difference between a 20 foot container and a 40 foot container is not usually double.

3. The process – You always, without exception, want an estimator come to your home to survey the move so there are no surprises on move day. On move day, movers will come to pack and load their truck. Occasionally they will load your shipment directly onto the container, but that is not typical.

The mover you will be dealing with is an agent. While it might be the same company that ships and delivers your goods (that’s rare), all three legs are under separate management. However, your initial contact should be your point person throughout.

Naturally, overseas shipping takes considerably more time. Not only are ships slower than planes, there is always a chance things can get held up in customs. Be prepared.

Your moving company contact will fill you in on all the necessary paperwork you will need to take care of. They will be an excellent ally in the moving process.

4. Pets – most countries no longer require pets to be quarantined, but ask. If you have a pet that’s more exotic than a dog or cat, be sure to ask. Make sure your pets’ shots are up to date and keep those papers with you at all times. If you have a small pet, you might be able to stow its crate under the seat in front of you or you might be able to purchase a seat for its crate.

Most planes are equipped with pet hauling capabilities, but there have been a lot of horror stories surrounding that method of transport, so if you have a bigger pet, there are companies that specialize in hauling pets. Check those companies out well. Get references.

Moving with Kids at:

Each year one in five families move to a new home, according to the United States Census Bureau. 

Leaving the familiar can be tough on the psyche for anyone, but for a child it can be a traumatic experience. The only bedroom they’ve ever known might be what they are letting go, so identifying ways to ensure your child’s experience is a positive one is easier than you might expect.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® movers are encouraged to meet the child at his or her level. Once the child feels comfortable with the people who are hired to move the entire contents of their life, the anxiety is diffused and the child is more apt to join in the adventure. Here are five key thoughts to consider when moving with small ones:

1) Harness the good in change, and frame the move as a grand adventure. Plan a fun event after the move is complete. Make a favorite meal or buy a new piece of furniture you know they’ll love, like a bean bag, canopy netting for the bed, an inexpensive tent for the new room or a wall decal of their favorite cartoon character.

2) Remove the unknown by planning ahead. Keep the move a daily topic, especially as the move nears. You’ll pick up on anxiety triggers allowing you to head off potential issues.

3) Pack special toys and lovies in a carry-on that never leaves the child’s side. Keeping their favorite things close is a sure-fire way to curry comfort and reduce anxiety.

4) Make introductions to strangers on move day. Our movers care about pets and kids, and there are countless stories of our teams going above and beyond for our clients’ loved ones. While moving can be stress-filled, professional movers know they are hired to minimize this to any degree they’re able.

5) Take advantage of opportunities to be inclusive with your children. Many kids just want to have a place in the process. There are opportunities abound that give them a role while keeping them out of the fray. Ensure their special tasks are safe but rewarding.

If you and your chosen movers handle your children’s experience with TLC, your move will be memorable for all the right reasons.

Click here for a checklist to help move your family.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® wants to help make this process easier for families. We have two items just for kids: Truckie’s Treasure Chestand the “Traveling with Truckie” journal.

Truckie’s Treasure Chest is a unique box designed for kids to pack their own items. The box is easy to carry and can be personalized.

The “Traveling with Truckie” journal strives to help children become more comfortable with moving. It is filled with games, space to write and draw, and coloring pages. It helps kids feel more involved through activities such as writing their feelings about moving and drawing their new home.

Local Moving Services - Tips for Selecting Your Mover:

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When you are planning a regional shift you want to discover a shifting company that is well recognized among your group. That is one of the key benefits to take advantage of when going through ten or twenty yards shift. You will discover many recommendations from individuals that live near you that have employed the organization you are looking for selecting. A regional moving service will also present to you a more personal feel while you are shifting instead of dealing with you as if you are just another client.

Customer service is usually one of the biggest aspects when considering shifting companies. You want to select a organization that determines a great connection with you so that you have the satisfaction that they will take proper your valuables. The first step during your shift is to routine an calculate with the shifting companies. During this placing in a bid stage you will be able to select one of the many different solutions that can be offered to you during your shift.

These solutions can range from the shifting companies packaging all of your valuables to having your shifting companies assist you with finding a storage space service for any items that don't have a place in the new home. Local moving companies have well recognized connections with reliable storage space features so that they have the capability to help individuals with placing things into storage space. Your regional shifting companies will also have reliable, devoted workers that work for them that will make sure nothing is broken during the packaging and unpacking process of your shift.

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The History of the American Moving & Storage Association:

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Many professions have a trade association set up to look after their interests and the moving industry in the USA is no different. The American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) has been carrying out this job for many years now and the history of this organization dates back almost 100 years.

In the Beginning:

The roots of the AMSA can be traced back to a number of organizations that were formed in the early part of the 20th century. These included the oldest known trade association for movers, The National Furniture Warehousemen’s Association (NFWA). This was founded during 1920 on Mackinac Island in Michigan although later moved its headquarters to Chicago, Illinois. The Household Goods Movers’ Group was established in 1935 with the aim of enhancing the business conditions for its original 150 members, while the The Household Goods Carriers’ Bureau was founded in 1936 primarily to help movers understand and comply with regulations covering the new interstates being built.

Growth:

Each of these three organizations evolved separately during the middle part of the 20th century and went through a number of changes. The Household Goods Movers’ Group used a few different names before finally settling on the American Movers Conference (AMC) in 1962. It grew to become the lead trade association for moving companies, with its aim being to contribute to the growth and prosperity of the industry. It was 1982 when The National Furniture Warehousemen’s Association changed its name and became the National Moving & Storage Association (NMSA) and by this time it took on responsibility for sponsoring education, instigating training and certification for moving workers, and providing assistance to smaller moving companies in the industry. The Household Goods Carriers’ Bureau stuck with its original name although its remit changed over the years and this led to it becoming the moving industries leading organization for setting work rates, publishing tariffs, and collecting data.

Consolidation:

The three organizations continued to work independently of each other until the early 1990s, when a series of consolidations took place that led to a single trade association being formed to represent the moving industry. This started in 1991, when the AMC and The Household Goods Carriers’ Bureau Conference agreed to work together as a way of better utilizing office space, reducing running costs, and becoming more efficient. This was a success and led to an official merger between the two in 1994. They moved forward with the American Movers Conference name and combined the work of the two organizations for the benefits of its members. Further consolidation took place in 1998 when the AMC merged with the NMSA and it was at this point that The American Moving & Storage Association came into being.

Present Day:

• Today the AMSA acts as the sole trade association representing the workers in the moving industry. It has a membership of more than 4,000 companies and this encompasses all sizes of businesses, from the smallest local movers to the largest countrywide moving corporations. It also represents international movers working in America, supply companies servicing the moving industry, and state moving organizations. Through its work it aims to be the leading electrifier of workers in the industry, inform the public of the benefits of using professional moving companies, and effectively lobby the government when it comes to legislation and policies that could affect the industry.

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Region Moving Companies Know That the Secret of Success Is Relocation:

Region moving organizations are encountering a surge in clients because of the current financial subsidence. While using the cash on discovering another home or flat may appear unrestrained when such a variety of individuals are unemployed, it may be the initial move towards achievement and monetary security. In case you're stuck without a vocation, low pay, or just eager and finding that your current home is making you glad, it may be time to roll out a huge improvement and gather your packs.

Presumably the best motivation to pack your life up is an absence of choices in your current city. Maybe the business you spend significant time in is encountering a downturn or there are an excess of excessively qualified experts vying for the same set number of occupations. For some individuals, it isn't discovering a vocation that is the issue. It's being stuck in a deadlock position with low wages and few profits. In case you're found going no place in an organization and feel like you have more to offer, you may discover better open doors somewhere else. When you've settled on the choice, do a bit of exploration before you begin moving. Nearby organizations in a neighboring state or town may not be improving much. Take a couple of days to investigate, search for vocation notices, and get a feel for the environment. You would prefer not to abandon everything just to wind up in a more terrible position.

On the off chance that you simply need to spare a bit of money, downsizing houses or flat rentals can roll out a noteworthy improvement in the well-being of your wallet. Region moving organizations are seeing more individuals making little hops. As opposed to going clear crosswise over town they might simply look at the marginally more modest loft over the street or a couple of avenues over. Thumping a couple of hundred dollars off your rent every month in return for some square crawls is an incredible approach to spare without trading off excessively. It's a pattern that is expanding itself past private property too. Entrepreneurs are finding that another, littler space can help the business of their organizations. local moving has never been so engaging.

 

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The Top 10 Places To Live In America:

Are you looking for greener pastures? You’re not alone. According to the United States Census Bureau, an estimated 12,767,000 people moved to a new county, state or country between 2012 and 2013.

The destinations of the nearly 13 million on the move varied, often determined by factors such as family needs and employment opportunities. But no doubt, there were many like you, looking for the best places to call home.

We’ve got you covered. Here are the top 10 places to live in America. (Note: These rankings are grouped by metro area, with data coming from Forbes and Livability).

Affordable housing and a variety of cuisine and entertainment options put the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex at the top of our list.
(Image courtesy: fcn80 via Wikimedia Commons)

1. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

Garrett’s Moving and Storage is based in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, but we’re not just being biased to our home base with this top ranking. We promise.

Forbes listed Fort Worth and Dallas as the top two places to invest in housing in 2014, with median home prices for the area sitting at $174,514 and a 27 percent growth in the market expected in the next three years. (Forbes lists Fort Worth and Dallas as separate housing markets, but we’ve combined them in this guide.) Two northern suburbs — Denton and Plano — are featured on Livability’s Top 100 Best Places to Live list for 2014.

The Metroplex is also full of entertainment options and events. There’s a vibrant bar scene, great facilities for the arts, a wide range of top-notch cuisine and everything from concerts to football games to rodeos to take in. And since Texas has no state income tax, you’ll have more cash in your pocket to spend out on the town.

Charlotte features upscale restaurants, entertainment and housing in its Uptown district.
(Image courtesy: Darrito7117 via Wikimedia Commons)

2. Charlotte, North Carolina

This city in the lush, rolling Piedmont region of the Carolinas has been overshadowed by Atlanta for years. But it’s time to stop overlooking Charlotte.

“The Queen City” came in just behind the Metroplex cities in Forbes’ rankings, with median home prices for the region sitting at $201,855 and a 24 percent market growth anticipated over the next three years.

As a major American banking capital, many young professionals call Charlotte home. The city’s beautiful Uptown district reflects this pattern — with plenty of nice restaurants and upscale apartments in the city center (a rarity in southeastern cities). But Charlotte is more than just a ritzy banking town — the NASCAR Hall of Fame is located in Uptown and thousands of Southerners flock to annual stock car races at the 146,000 seat Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Live music and entertainment options abound in Nashville.
(Image courtesy: Kaldari via Wikimedia Commons)

3. Nashville, Tennessee

While Charlotte is somewhat of a hidden jewel of the South, Nashville announces its presence on a daily basis. The home base for country music, Music City scores high marks for both livability and entertainment.

Forbes ranks the Nashville metro area’s housing market as fourth in the country, with a median home price of $199,506 and market growth anticipated at 23 percent over the next three years.

But we’re guessing you won’t be spending all your free time in your Nashville-area home. Tennessee’s capital has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and restaurants serenaded by live musical performances. If you’re a big fan of country music, you’ll want to check out the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. And the city’s riverfront is sure to be a huge hit as well.

Houston is home to the world’s largest medical center.
(Image courtesy: eflon via Wikimedia Commons)

4. Houston, Texas

The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex isn’t the only Texas metro area to make this list. Another desirable destination sits about three hours down Interstate 45 from Big D.

Forbes ranks Greater Houston’s housing market as the fifth most desirable in the country, citing the median home price of $191,279 and anticipated three year growth rate of 24 percent.

Houston has a little bit of everything. Southeast Texas is full of jobs in the energy, shipping, technology and space industries. The Bayou City also has large museum and theater districts, along with the world’s largest medical center.

The Bayou City is also a hub for big events. Each March, Houston is also home to the world’s largest rodeo. And nearby Galveston is both a draw for beachgoers and a departure point for Caribbean cruises.

Many of Atlanta’s attractions are located next to the downtown Olympic Park.
(Image courtesy: Chuck Koehler via Wikimedia Commons)

5. Atlanta, Georgia

Home to the world’s busiest airport, Atlanta is the crossroads of the South. But it’s also a great place to put down roots.

Forbes lists the Atlanta area as the sixth best housing market to invest in. “Hotlanta” features average home prices of $170,701 and an anticipated three-year growth rate of 26 percent.

The Peach City is a major business hub in the South. It also features plenty of attractions for the whole family, such as the renowned Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola Museum and the CNN Center — all of which are located around downtown Atlanta’s picturesque Olympic Park.

Atlanta is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Located in the lush and hilly Piedmont region, The Peach City is only an hour’s drive from the Appalachian Mountains — making hiking excursions and other scenic getaways easy.

Orlando has easy access to world-renowned family entertainment, including Walt Disney World.
(Image courtesy: Bill Dickinson via Wikimedia Commons)

6. Orlando, Florida

Mickey and Minnie call the Orlando area home. And it might be worthwhile for you to do the same.

The Greater Orlando area comes in eighth on Forbes’ list, and Livability includes “O-Town” in its Top 100 Best Places to Live list for 2014. A the combination of a robust housing market and affordable home prices certainly helps; median home prices in the Orlando area sit at $172,609 with a whopping 35 percent market growth anticipated in the next three years.

Orlando is a hotbed for family entertainment, as Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and Sea World Orlando are all located in the area. Although the Orlando area is landlocked, the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean are an hour’s drive away, while the shores of the Gulf of Mexico are about 90 minutes to two hours away by car.

The Tampa Bay area is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in America.
(Image courtesy: AndrewAvitus via Wikimedia Commons)

7. Tampa Bay, Florida

Florida also has two metro areas on this Top 10 list, for good reason. If warm weather, abundant sunshine, white sand beaches and picturesque sunsets over turquoise waters are your thing, the Tampa Bay area is the place for you.

Tampa Bay came in 12^th on Forbes’ list of desirable housing markets, and both “anchor cities” of the region — Tampa and St. Petersburg — appeared on Livability’s Top 100 Best Places to Live list for 2014. Despite its coastal location, the average home prices in the region sit at $165,052. The housing market is expected to grow by 32 percent over the next three years as well.

The Tampa Bay region is famous for its warm weather, beautiful beaches and large bay for boating. The recently redeveloped Ybor City district near downtown Tampa is a hotspot for nightlife, and Busch Gardens doubles as a zoo and a theme park. Finally, the Orlando-area theme parks are only about an hour’s drive away.

With the Wasatch Mountains nearby, Salt Lake City has close access to world-renowned skiing.
(Image courtesy: Garrett via Wikimedia Commons)

8. Salt Lake City, Utah

The capital of Utah might not be the first place you think of when you’re looking for a new city to call home. But putting “Utah” on your home address could be a great idea.

Forbes ranks the Salt Lake City area as the 14^th best housing market to invest in, and the city comes in eighth on Livability’s Top 100 Best Places to Live list for 2014, with nearby Murray also making the rankings. The median housing prices here are high — sitting at $236,279 — but the market is expected to grow a robust 31 percent over the next three years.

The Salt Lake City area is a great place to raise a family. The picturesque scenery and drier climate are also conducive for outdoor activities for much of the year. In the wintertime, world-renowned ski resorts in the Wasatch Mountains are just a short drive away.

Boston offers a unique mix of nightlife and history.
(Image courtesy: 2nified via Wikimedia Commons)

9. Boston, Massachusetts

The oldest major city in the United States just might be the right place to start anew. Offering a large waterfront, four distinct seasons and plenty of nightlife, the Boston area is a great place to call home.

Forbes ranks Greater Boston as the 15^th best housing market to invest in, and two cities in the region — Cambridge and Newton — made Livability’s Top 100 Best Places to Live list for 2014. The median housing price is $323,245 with an anticipated three-year growth rate of 19 percent.

Boston features a diverse economy, and the abundance of prestigious colleges and universities in the area makes it an appealing location for businesses to call home. The Boston area’s bar and restaurant scene are famously extensive, the city’s waterfront is picturesque, and the region is ripe with historical sites and museums.

Although the winter can be harsh, Boston experiences four distinct seasons, and the ecological diversity of the region makes it easy to go hiking, boating or sunbathing when the weather is warm enough.

A moderate climate and access to nearby waterways, forests and mountains make Seattle an ideal home for those who love the outdoors.
(Image courtesy: Joshulove via Wikimedia Commons)

10. Seattle, Washington

This Pacific Northwest city is getting a lot of acclaim these days, and for good reason. It’s a wonderful place to call home.

The Seattle area is 16^th on Forbes’ list of desirable housing markets to invest in, with nearby Bellevue, Redmond, Tacoma and Everett all making Livability’s Top 100 Best Places to Live list for 2014. Housing prices average $319,544, with 33 percent market growth expected in the next three years.

Seattle is a hotbed for the technology and eCommerce industries, and the area is brimming with young professionals. The area’s restaurant and nightlife scene are renowned, and nearby mountains, forests, bays and lakes make a variety of outdoor activities easy to access year-round.