You have just completed your residential move and you are ready to settle into your new home. But, it may feel a little difficult to see your new place as home just yet. That is why our movers wanted to provide you with some of our favorite tips about how to make a new house feel like home.

This new home is now where you will live and spend every day. You will want to take your time unpacking and deciding where everything should go. If you unpack suddenly and with no direction, you might end up with a headache instead. Prioritize which rooms in the house should be unpacked and set up first. This will give you a more organized approach and can rely on what you need right away. For example, would you like to set up your bedroom first, so you have that comfort in the new location, or do you want to set up the kitchen, so it is functional and ready to go? Even if it is just one room that is done at first, that room will be your homey retreat as you work to figure out the rest of the house.

Moving into a new home is a big step. Because this is a moment of celebration your friends, family, and whoever your first house guests will be are there to celebrate it with you. Make sure you have a space in your home to receive and entertain guests as you show them around. Inviting the friends and family you left into your home will bring life and energy into the walls, making your new house feel like a home to you.

If you are looking to move or have finished your residential move, these tips will help you settle into your new home in no time. Your move and home are all meant for you, so make it a home you will continue to enjoy.

Contact Lewis Abbeywood Moving & Storage

Contact our team at Lewis Abbeywood for all your moving and storage needs.

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Planning a moving sale can be a great way to go through your items and sort out things you no longer need. For a successful sale, consider the following.

First, you need to pick a date for the sale to take place. Garage sales do better over the weekend, so it is best to choose a Friday and Saturday. Consider coordinating with your neighbors or asking family and friends if they would like to sell anything at your sale. The larger the sale, the more likely it will attract customers. Settle on a date that works for everyone that plans to host on that day, and schedule it to run from morning through the afternoon: around 9 or 10 to 4.

Next, you will need to advertise your sale. It is common practice to place yard signs around your community announcing the sale, address, date, and time. For extra traction, post about your moving sale on social media and ask your friends and family to share it to boost engagement. The more people that know about your sale, the better. There are even garage sale finder apps that direct people to sales around their neighborhood, so consider adding a pin for your location to boost traffic. Local newspapers often report garage sales as well, so you can reach out to your local paper to alert them to your upcoming sale.

Once you have settled on a date and begun to advertise, gather the items that you wish to sell. Sort the items into categories such as clothes, kitchenware, tools, jewelry, etc. This will make it easier to space out your setup and make it easier for your customers to navigate. To differentiate between your items and any that friends or family are selling, use distinct color stickers to display the prices of each item.

Garage salegoers expect a deal, so price your items accordingly. It can be a good idea to stop by a few garage sales in the weeks before your sale to get a more accurate gauge for prices in your area. Generally, expect a ballpark price of $2 for clothes, $1 for books, and fair prices for electronics and more. Be prepared for haggling over more expensive items, and if you cannot budge on a price, make that clear by noting “firm” on the sticker after the listed price.

Prepare for the weather on the days of the sale. Have tarps ready to cover your items if rain is in the forecast and have beverages for sale on hot, sunny days. If possible, have two people running the sale so you can each take a break for lunch. Bring a pleasant attitude and you will have a successful sale.

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Whether or not it was your preferred choice, you have a move in the winter. You almost certainly have some concerns about slippery conditions, your heating bill, and keeping your pets safe. The best course of action is to get professional help from a reputable moving company, who know how to deal with the weather conditions.

One of the biggest precautions to take is for slippery sidewalks. The risk of an accident and liability can be swept from your mind with professional movers on hand. To prevent any accidents, do your part by clearing all walkways of any snow and sprinkling salt if there is any likelihood of ice. Moving companies are licensed, bonded, and insured, so you can rest easy knowing that while avoiding the heavy lifting yourself you are being a responsible homeowner.

While most moves happen during warmer months, winter moves take a few extra measures. With people and boxes moving in and out of the house all day, your thermostat could get very stressed. We recommend turning your home’s temperature down while items are being packed up and loaded, in order to save on your heating bill.

Any pet owner would happily leave their creatures outside in warmer weather. Unfortunately, winter moves bring some added difficulty with pet care. To avoid any fleeing from the house or freezing out in the cold, we recommend boarding your pets with a friend, family member, or pet hotel for the day. This is the surest way to keep them warm, cared for, and safe.

The same should be done with small children, who run the risk of being underfoot while heavy objects are moved. Keep them safe with a friend or family member. This is an added chance to make the move fun and keep their spirits up.

To protect your home, you should also cover your flooring with plastic or tarps. This will prevent any wetness or mud from tracking in with all the foot traffic, especially around main entrances.

Lastly, call to confirm your moving plan with your company representative about one week out from the moving date. Your coordinator will be able to make any necessary adjustments based on the weather forecast and prepare the team for a successful move.

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When getting ready to move, it can be easy to find yourself overwhelmed by the amount of things you own. Even if you know space will be tight, the urge to hang onto your possessions makes every item seem like a tie to your old space. Save yourself space and hassle by decluttering and bringing with you your favorite items instead.

To get ready for your new home and the transition, declutter and organize. Especially when downsizing, this is a great opportunity to reconnect with things you love and find new homes for items you no longer need.

Make it easier by going room by room or category by category, sorting through for things you love, use often, or find valuable to treasure. Categories can be things like clothes, books, papers, kitchenware, electronics, and more.

Set aside any items that you want to pass on to other family members, and consider gifting them. Cherished heirlooms hold special meaning and sharing them with the next generation gives them the chance to feel the same joy and family connection they brought you.

People often find that they can do without clothes that inevitably end up tucked back in the closet. If you have not worn something in over a year, it no longer fits anymore, or reminds you of painful events, place the item in the giving away pile.

The rewarding part of decluttering is finding new life for your things by donating them. You can donate gently used items from home goods to clothing and furniture. Doing so is a great way to reduce the community’s carbon footprint and help others to furnish their homes and wardrobes more affordably.

There are a number of organizations that give back to the community through proceeds from donations. Some larger chains help to provide work for people with learning disabilities or support women who have suffered from domestic violence. Others donate to U.S. veterans or those who are homebound.

Local churches may host rummage sales or neighborhood garage sales. Donating to homeless shelters, halfway houses, and other nonprofit organizations greatly benefits the community and the lives of those less fortunate.

Finding places to donate is as simple as a web search for your location. For any items you may not be certain about a place accepting, give them a call before you make the trip.

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As we approach the busiest time of year, you might be anxious about settling into your new home. Although moves can be stressful, the best part comes afterward, when you can make the space yours. Some of the best ways to feel more comfortable after a move are to jump into the season. We put together a few tips to help you celebrate the holidays in your new home!

1. Unpack Your Decorations

Start by unpacking your holiday decorations (as soon as you can locate them!). Decorating your home can be a fun family activity, and the more festive your home feels, the easier it will be to get into the holiday spirit.

2. Make Memories

Make memories by starting new traditions. Some people can feel disconnected from the holidays if they have cherished memories tied to their old location. Try modifying past traditions or making new ones to celebrate the season.

3. Host a housewarming party

Loved ones can help you enjoy the festivities even more, and take part in new traditions. This is a great time for them to see your home too, when it’s freshly decorated! Take pictures, send videos, or make video calls to share your new decorations!

4. Unpack Your Main Rooms

Unpack the main rooms in your home, like the kitchen and living room. With the decorations up, you can leave a few knick-knacks in their boxes to unpack after the holidays. It will be easier to feel settled in when you can comfortably live in the most used rooms.

5. Relax, If You Can

Find ways to relax, like with gift shopping or baking. Take some time for yourself to de-stress now that you have your new home.

If you’re having trouble living up to these tips, call the professional movers at Lewis Abbeywood Moving & Storage to help you manage your new transition more effectively.

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While any move can be stressful, you might have a particular concern about your fine art and precious antiques. Handling items like these can be risky. Professional moving companies have the experience and materials to get your treasures from one home to another. Packing services from the professionals can protect your belongings from harm during the move, adding to your peace of mind.

Estimates and Insurance Options

To prepare for your move, make a list and take pictures of your valuable items. The moving company will have a representative to assess your fine art and antiques, with most offering insurance plans. A full value replacement insurance plan through the moving company will safeguard you from damages and guarantee maximum protection. It would be smart to get a policy from your insurance provider as an additional measure for high-dollar items.

Antiques

Antiques can require special attention, so moving companies come prepared with specialized handling materials. Each item is wrapped separately with highly durable bubble wrap, packing paper, crates, and moving blankets. They aim to fully cover the items to protect them from scratches, dents, and other damage.

Rather than facing the possibility of dropping an item, the movers will use dollies to transport all items to the loading area and onto the truck. Inside the truck is an added layer of coverage with straps to secure the items, along with additional moving blankets. For any items in crates, light items may be placed on top to be efficient with space.

Fine Art

If you have the original box, the movers will place your fine art in the box. Otherwise, the item will be wrapped with packing material secured with heavy-duty tape, or it may be placed inside a picture box. Telescope boxes are often used for larger pieces. The largest are recommended to be stored in a wooden crate.

Moving experts place corner protectors on all items to prevent nicks and scratches. Pieces are then wrapped in a type of smooth paper that lets the piece breathe. Finally, the experts wrap each piece securely in layers of bubble wrap and heavy-duty tape, then padded blankets.

Fine art is placed face-to-face in the truck to prevent damage to the hanging hardware. These are then secured during the move to keep them from moving or falling over.

Do you need help packing and moving your fine art or antiques? The moving experts at Lewis Abbeywood Moving & Storage are here to answer any questions and prepare you for any move.

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Discover the Benefits of Moving in the Fall in Toronto, ON & Surrounding Areas

With fall just around the corner, our professional movers are sharing their reasons why fall is one of the best times to plan and execute your move during the year. There are many benefits to waiting until fall to complete your move. Keep on reading to discover the many benefits for moving in the fall.

Time

It’s a common fact that spring and summertime are popular times to move. Whether the idea fits in with spring cleaning or you want to complete your move before the kids go back to school, it might be hard to find a professional moving company that is available to take on your move. When planning a move, you will want to select a company that is ready to complete your move while adhering to your needs, budget, and schedule. If you wait to move in the fall, you will have time to pick a moving company that fits your needs instead of choosing one of the few available in the other busier seasons.

Cost

Fall time is a slower season for both real estate companies and moving and storage companies as mentioned above. Because of this, the cost of your move might cost a lot less. This is because during the busy seasons, companies’ prices are higher to accommodate for the increase in demand for their services. Take advantage of the discounts and savings moving companies offer in the fall to keep their movers’ schedules full.

Comfort

While moving, would you prefer sunny ninety-degrees Fahrenheit or a cool shady fall day? Moving in the fall has the advantage of cooler weather. While there are chances of rain, your movers will be more comfortable in the cool temperatures, perfect for completing a move efficiently. Enjoy the fall-sights as you drive to your new home and remember that winter might be around the corner, depending on where you are moving, so be prepared for that as well.

Moving in fall boasts calmer schedules and cooler weather. If you are able to wait after September to begin your move, the benefits will make this the perfect opportunity and time for you to move.

Contact Lewis Abbeywood Moving & Storage

Contact us at Lewis Abbeywood Moving & Storage today to schedule a free moving and storage estimate.

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Discover What to Expect in Your Moving Estimate in Toronto, ON & Surrounding Areas

The moving estimate is the first and most crucial step to your move. If you are getting ready to plan for your upcoming move, take your time when picking a moving company. Here are some of the questions to ask and information to look out for as you prepare to schedule a moving estimate with one of the moving and storage companies you are interested in.

When moving, don’t forget the details. Your house includes everything in your home including your attic, shed, basement, what you have in storage, and more. Communicate with the moving company what specific services you need and what they can do to make your move easier, so the quote reflects every task to be completed on your moving day.

Moving Cost Variables

• Distance
• Weight
• Amount of belongings
• Equipment
• Movers and drivers
• Trucks and vehicles
• Materials
• Packing services
• Arranging/floor planning services
• Storage services
• And more

Every move comes with many details and moving parts. Estimates look at many different variables. How many belongings you have, how much they weigh, the materials to pack them, the equipment, trucks, and vehicles needed to complete the move, the number of movers and drivers needed to complete the move while providing packing services, storage services, and more is all included in the estimate of your move. Also, all services completed are billed on serviceable time.

Moving companies also offer protection for lost or damaged items. If you are moving a valuable item, this is important but remember this will add to your overall cost. Deciding between services such as accepting full service movers to pack all your belongings for you instead of doing it yourself will save you time and the hassle, but this service will cost more and you run the risk of damaging your items if you do not pack them properly.

There are many items and moving pieces to think about when discussing moving and storage. Accurate quotes are the most important step for you and your mover, so make sure they are aware of every service you require.

Contact Lewis Abbeywood Moving & Storage

Contact us at Lewis Abbeywood Moving & Storage today.

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Packing up items that you don’t use everyday or items like clothing that can be stored for a long period of time should be done early when you’re planning a move, but there are lots of other items that you shouldn’t pack at all until the day that you’re going to move. When you are moving always pack these items last:

Plants

Your new home will need plants, and if you have plants that you’ve carefully cultivated over the years you should bring them with you to your new home. But packing them and leaving them in a cardboard box can kill them. Wait until the very last minute when everything else is out of the house to pack your plants. You can put them in a wide, shallow packing box for transport but don’t close the lid of the box so that they can continue to get the sun they need. Put the box somewhere safe like the backseat floor of the car for transport.

Food

It’s ok to pack some kinds of food like canned food or supplies that are in unopened bags like flour or sugar. Spices can also be packed, but be careful how you package them and make sure that their lids are all screwed on tightly. But perishable foods or refrigerated foods shouldn’t be packed until the last minute if you are taking them with you. Most people throw out perishable food and buy new food when they get to their new home. But if you have food that you don’t want to throw away pack it in a cooler and keep it fresh during your journey. In order to start using up your perishable food before the move create a menu based on the foods that you have in the freezer and cook meals from the food that you have so that you’re not buying groceries and adding to your stuff before the move.

Firearms

If you’re moving and you have legal firearms never pack them or have the movers take them. Most movers won’t take any kind of weaponry. Pack your firearms in portable gun safes and observe all the recommended guidelines for moving firearms. Leave the boxes in the trunk of your car if you must leave them unattended.

Jewelry And Cash

You should also pack your jewelry, cash, and other valuables last. Put them in a portable safe or lock box that won’t be easily broken into. Never give them to the movers. Keep them with you at all times. You can hide the box in your trunk or under the seat of your car to keep it out of sight. If you’re traveling for the move and you have to stay in a hotel put the entire lockbox into the hotel safe or the safe in your room.

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When it’s time to move to a new office you may get overwhelmed at the thought of trying to pack up an entire office full of equipment and supplies to move to a new office, but the move is only as stressful as you make it. With the right planning, a little organization, and some help from professionals your office move can run smoothly and easily. Your business can be unpacked, settled into the new space, and doing business again within a day if you are on top of the moving process. Use these tips for a successful office move:

Pick A Planner

Moving a business will go much more smoothly if you pick a move planner who will end up being in charge of the move. When just one person is organizing the move it will prevent confusion and chaos, especially on the day of the move. The move planner will be able to coordinate with the moving company to make sure that the entire move process goes smoothly and that everything that is supposed to get moved gets moved. It’s a big job for one person but it will streamline the process and keep the move on track.

Use Professionals

Have you ever tried to move an industrial copier? Or pieces of cubicles? When it comes to moving office furniture and equipment you should always hire professional movers that specialize in commercial moves to do the loading and unloading for you. Professional movers know how to move almost anything, including copiers. And cubicles. And other office furniture and equipment. They will have the tools necessary to move furniture items safely and get them set up in your new space. It’s worth the cost to hire professionals for an office move.

Have Everyone Pack Up Their Own Desk

A good way to make sure that everything that needs to get moved gets moved is to put each person in charge of packing up their own desk and their part of the supply chain. No one knows the files and equipment better than the person working on them or with them, so it just makes sense for each person to pack up their own cube, computer, and files that they use everyday. It will also make the unpacking process easier because each person will be responsible for unpacking and setting up their own workspace.

Schedule The Move For Off Hours

Commercial movers will often work with you to find a time to move your business that is more accommodating for the business so that you don’t have to be shut down during the day. It’s very common for office movers to build in some availability that falls outside of normal work outs so that a business can be moved with as little delay as possible. Moving after hours might make a long day for your employees, but it will be worth it when you don’t have to lose business being closed for a day just to move.

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