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Metro Wide Movers Blog

Single Parent in Kansas City Who’s Moving?  Helpful Tips

Single Parent in Kansas City Who’s Moving?  Helpful Tips

 Unfortunately, there are lots of single parents today not only in KC, but across the country.  Moving to a new home is difficult enough, without having to corral the children and figure out what to do while you’re in the process.  As trusted Kansas City residential movers, we have a few tips we think single parents will find helpful. 

First, make sure you plan ahead.  Whether you need grandparents or a babysitter to watch the kids while the majority of the moving is done, know ahead of time what’s going on.  Planning your move will be a lot easier when you know how the kids will be taken care of or occupied.

 Depending on their ages, let them be involved in the process.  Letting the kids participate can be helpful in adjusting to the move, and they’ll also feel that they’re needed and important.

 Be familiar with your soon-to-be neighborhood.  Are there parks and activities in the area that are kid-friendly?  You can research on the Internet to find places and activities your children will love.  It’s also a good idea to make a trip to the community prior to your move, so your kids will look forward to your new home before you arrive.

 Don’t be shy about asking for help!  Whether from family members, friends, or neighbors most people you know well will be happy to help out.  This applies not only to watching the kids, but helping with packing or other tasks.  When you’re a single parent, you need all the help you can get! 

At Metrowide Movers, our Kansas City residential movers are dedicated to helping make your move as easy as possible.  Our knowledgeable office staff is eager to help.  Learn more about our moving services by contacting us at 816-350-2000.

 

 

 

Metro Wide Movers Blog

‘Kicking it to the Curb’ Declutter Before You Move in Kansas City

Many people find it the perfect time to declutter their homes before they make a move in Kansas City.  Perhaps you’re tired of the decor, the sofa has seen better days, or your mattress is doing nothing but giving you sleepless nights.  Whatever it is, why take it with you?  Our KC residential movers have a few tips to help make the move easier, while getting rid of the ‘stuff’ that will only clutter up your new residence.
First, kick those items others may need or use to the curb.  Whether it’s a pedestal fan, couch, large area rug, or something else you no longer want but someone else could use, take it to the curb!  You’d be surprised at the things you consider junk or old/worn out that other people will pick up from the side of the road.
If your furniture is still in relatively good condition but you want to buy all new upon moving into your new home, put it up for sale.  Whether on Craigslist, local ads, social media, or the newspaper let everyone know your furniture is for sale. Be sure to include its features and condition, and be honest about any imperfections.  A great way to declutter while making a little extra money!
Don’t forget those in need.  Lots of people could use furnishings, clothing, and other items they don’t have the budget for but would appreciate.  Consider donating things that are in relatively good condition but that you’d prefer not to take with you to Goodwill or the Salvation Army, where those who have financial difficulties could benefit from your unwanted items.  You can help people while you declutter your home.
At Metrowide Movers, we want to make the move in Kansas City as seamless as possible.  Whether you’re moving to or from the Kansas City metro area let us help you.  We offer free moving quotes, so give us a call today at 816-350-2000!
Metro Wide Movers Blog

Why Fall is the Best Time to Make the Move in Kansas City

Of course you can choose to move in Kansas City during any season of the year, but there are a few reasons why the fall season is best.  Many KC homeowners sell their homes during the spring months, when everything is fresh and new.  So, why is fall such a good time to consider moving?
First of all, you can avoid scheduling your move during the busiest time of year.  Many homeowners move during the spring and summer seasons (between May and September), so you can schedule your move when residential movers aren’t so busy, making it less stressful. 
Severe weather season has calmed down.  Those who live in the Midwest know that spring and summer months can bring about severe weather, whether threats of thunderstorms, flash flooding, or even tornadoes.  The fall season is typically calmer, so you can move your household belongings without the worry of severe storms – or even the snow, sleet, and ice Kansas City winters can bring for that matter.
It’s the best time for moving in terms of weather.  Who doesn’t love the crisp, cool, fresh air of autumn?  While your moving company will take care of moving all of the “big stuff,” it’s still likely you’ll be moving those breakable or valuable items in your vehicle.  Moving items that are bulky or heavy is a lot easier during the fall season, rather than during summer months when it takes nothing more than going outdoors to be dripping in sweat.
At Metro Wide Movers, we take care of your property as if it were our own.  No matter what time of year you need to move, count on our experienced professionals to get the job done to your satisfaction! When experience and integrity matter, call Metro Wide Movers.
Call to get a quote for your move in Kansas City today.
816-350-2000.
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Tips to Make the Move Easier for Your Kansas City Moving Company

Tips to Help Make the Move Easier for Your Kansas City Moving Company

 Whether you’re moving to a new home in KC or are a business owner who’s moving your offices across town, there are a few things you can do to make the move less stressful on your Kansas City moving company!  Even professionals can become tired and weary at the end of the day, and injuries aren’t uncommon in an industry where we’re doing a lot of “heavy lifting!”  Here are our tops on things you can do to help make our job easier.

 

First, do you best to make sure boxes are less than 30 lbs. when possible.  In some cases you can’t adhere to this “rule,” but never pack a box that weighs 50 lbs. or more.  This is asking for trouble, not only in terms of possible back or other injuries for you moving team, but to your belongings should box seams or tape burst.  Super-heavy boxes are double trouble.

 

Boxes with no place to grasp them can be a challenge to pick up or carry.  Why not make some handles yourself, and make it easier on your movers? Using a utility knife, simply cut out a “v” shape on each side for carrying, leaving the top flap of the “v” attached so you can fold them in.  Easy-peasy!

 

Make sure everything’s packed up and clearly labeled.  For movers who have a schedule to stick to, time is money.  Make sure all your belongings are packed up and placed in a central area close to walls, as this gives the crew room to move around.  Descriptive labels help the movers know what goes where when they arrive at your new location.

 

If your Kansas City movers did a good job, don’t they deserve a tip?  Imagine if you’d had to climb up and down steps or stairs 40 times in sweltering summer heat or during winter when sidewalks and surfaces are often ice or snow covered.  It’s a tough physical job!  If you appreciate your movers’ efforts, show it.

 

At Metrowide Movers, we’re dedicated to making your move as seamless and easy as possible.  As the Metro Area’s “GoTo’ Kansas City Moving Company for more than 10 years, we care for your belongings as if they were our own.  Call us today!

Metro Wide Movers Blog

Save Money and Time with these Moving Tips

Moving to or From the Kansas City Area?  Save Money & Time with These Tips
It’s exciting when you’re moving to a new home, but it can also be more expensive than you think – and time consuming!  While it’s important to hire a KC residential mover to save money and time, there are some other things you can do to make it all simpler and less costly.
First, if you have small children you may want to reconsider taking the swing set along.  Most likely it will be cheaper to buy a new one than move the old one!
Instead of putting clothes and linens in boxes, kill two birds with one stone by putting these items in drawers.  Most people remove the drawers from chests and dressers to make moving the bulky furniture lighter and easier, so why not use the drawer space to “pack” other (unbreakable) items in?  If it helps to remove the drawers, the movers can do it.
Have all electronics unplugged and keep the cords with you.  You may need to mark the different wires so you know where to plug them back in.  Don’t pay for movers time trying to figure this out.  This will reduce time and save money.
Pack liquid items separately.  Nothing’s more frustrating than finding dishwashing liquid, hair conditioner, cooking oil, or another liquid has leaked and gotten all over the other items in the carton you packed along with it.  To ensure none of your clothing or other possessions get ruined pack all liquids in zip-lock bags before standing them upright in the box or container you intend to move them in. 
Donate to charity.  Have clothing or other items around the house you haven’t worn or used in a blue moon?  Donate them to a charitable organization and enjoy the tax deduction.  Why go to the time and trouble of packing up and moving things you no longer use? Feel good about yourself and save money.
Hopefully these tips will help cut costs and time as you’re moving to or from the Kansas City area.  To ensure your move goes smoothly, trust the pros at Metrowide Movers!
Metro Wide Movers Blog

Moving in Kansas City? What to Do Before you Unpack Those Boxes

Whether you’re moving in Kansas City  from across town or moving to another city or state, there are a few things you should do before you begin unpacking your belongings.  Some of these tasks can be done before your possession even go on the moving truck to make the move easier and less stressful.
Our KC residential movers suggest that you:
Have utilities such as water, gas, and electricity switched on and in your name prior to the move.  Don’t forget the trash service, you will need this service almost instantly as you start unpacking.
Have a professional cleaning company clean your home from top to bottom.  Click here for a quote. http://www.metrowidecleaners.com
Make certain smoke or carbon monoxide detectors and security alarms are in good working order.
Paint any rooms or areas that need it before you start settling in.  Whether you need to refinish the cabinets or have all the walls painted, it’s much easier when your belonging aren’t already in place.
What about the floors?  Whether you want to replace the tile or have new carpets installed, these larger projects are more easily accomplished before you move all those boxes in.
Window coverings.  For most homeowners, it takes several days to get all those boxes unpacked and all the furnishings in place.  You’ll want to put blinds, shades, curtains, or even a blanket up over windows in bedrooms, baths, or other areas where you want to feel more secure.
Change the locks.  It’s always a good idea to have all locks changed as soon as you possibly can.  When someone else has lived in the home prior to your moving in, you have no idea how many people may have keys/access!
At Metrowide Movers, our Kansas City moving company wants to make your experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible.  Call us today, and make the move effortlessly.
Metro Wide Movers Blog

KC Mover Offers Tips on Moving IKEA Furniture

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IKEA is a big name in home furnishings today, and although it’s not of the quality of solid oak or other expensive furniture, people love it for its simplicity and the fact that it’s budget-friendly.  If you’re moving in the Kansas City area and have IKEA furniture, you may be curious about the best way to move it.   

Before we get to the tips, if you’re planning to buy IKEA furniture but there isn’t a store in the area you’re moving to, why not buy before you make the move?  Because of the way it’s packed (usually flat packaging), your furniture will be safe during the move – and it will be easy to make room on the moving truck! 

IKEA furniture moving tips 

First, be sure to disassemble your IKEA furniture, as this reduces the risk of damage and makes moving easier because it requires less space.  Toss a quilt or blanket over your furniture so it won’t get damaged or scratched, then the next step is to . . .  

Make sure you label each piece!  It’s a lot easier to take something apart than it is to put it back together, so make sure you label each piece.  Most of us don’t bother to keep assembly instructions once we’ve put something together, so labeling is important.  You’ll also want to keep all fasteners/screws for different pieces of furniture in separate (labeled) bags. 

Use your cell phone to take photos of each piece while you’re taking your furniture apart.  You’ll find this step a lifesaver! 

When all else fails, you can find assembly instructions online at no cost.  IKEA provides instructions for their furniture, which you can find here. 

Last but certainly not least, choose a reputable Kansas City moving company to ensure great care is taken with all of your furnishings and belongings throughout the entire process! 

Fast, efficient, and professional, Metrowide Movers is a family owned KC residential mover committed to making your move as seamless as possible.  Contact us today for a free quote! 816-350-2000

Metro Wide Movers Blog

Tips for Moving with Pets for Kansas City Homeowners

Tips for Moving with Pets for Kansas City Homeowners
 
Anyone who’s moved in the Kansas City area (or anywhere else, for that matter) knows how stressful it can be.  If you have pets, it’s important to know it can be stressful on them as well!  As trusted KC movers, we have a few tips to help make moving with pets a bit easier on all involved.
 
  • First, if you can make arrangements to leave your pet with a friend, family member, or a kennel for a day or two.  This helps reduce the stress on your pet – and you don’t have to try to keep up with where he/she is.
  • Prepare an overnight kit complete with everything you’ll need when you first arrive at your new home.  Nothing’s more frustrating than trying to figure out what box Fido’s food, toys, and grooming tools are in!
  • Once you’ve got the majority of your belongings moved, transport your pet in your own vehicle.  Place your dog or cat in a carrier and consider covering it to help keep your pet calm.  If your pet is already used to riding in your car, you shouldn’t have any problems.
  • After you arrive at your new home and have most of your belongings put in place, confine your pet to one area for a couple of days.  This makes the process of adjusting to new surroundings easier, and just like people, pets need to become familiar with a new environment.  Gradually introduce your pet to other areas of the new house.
  • Be sure to give your pet plenty of attention and try to make him feel at home.  Give your dog/cat favorite play toys, food and water, a favorite blanket, all the things that made your pet comfortable at your former home.
 
As trusted Kansas City residential movers, we know many families have pets they consider family members.  We love our pets, and want to help make the move as easy as possible!  For more tips or help with your KC area move, give the pros at Metrowide Movers a call today at 816-350-2000 or visit us online at www.metrowidemovers.com.

 

Looking to adopt a pet in Kansas City, here is a link to a great organization Kansas City Pet Project in KCMO.

Adopt a pet in KC