Month: September 2013

Written by Daniel Menchinion September 23, 2013January 31, 2018Posted in Dan's Discussion Den

12 Things to do in your old house, before you move

Moving to a new home can be fun and does not have to be a stressful event, rather, it should be a joyful experience. Careful planning takes the guess work out and turns it into an exciting adventure. Here are some great tips to make your next move a smooth success.

1. Let go of excess clothing and other items. We tend to hold onto things we don’t need and really do not even want. Have a yard or garage sale and clear out the clutter. Sell more expensive items on eBay or some other website. Donate clothing that is not suitable for the new climate or just is seldom worn anymore. If you haven’t worn a piece in the last year, it is not likely that you will wear again, so let go of it.

2. Schedule utilities to be connected at the new place and disconnected at the old locations. This is a vital step that will save you stress, money and will increase the comfort factor tremendously. A full service moving company can even take care of those chores for you and free your time for other things.

3. Label boxes well, even listing items inside. At the very least, note the room location they will be going to such as “Master Bedroom” or “Bathroom.” Listing the contents will assist you in locating necessary items such as the coffeemaker or cups and utensils. For-hire movers and packers do this and can offer great advice even if you are doing a lot of this yourself.
4. Deep-clean every room starting weeks in advance, painting if necessary. Scrub walls, floors, countertops and inside cupboards. Landlords often look for reasons to withhold the security deposit. Carpets can be cleaned and then covered with throw rugs or plastic sheeting. Professional packing services sometimes offer this service so you unroll a fresh, clean carpet in the new home.

5. Start packing well in advance. Decorations and accessories can be removed and packed up weeks, even months before the move. Full service moving companies sell boxes, tape and packing materials. Sometimes they even have recycle options after the move.

6. Eat down the pantry and refrigerator. Get creative and use this food which is expensive so it is not thrown out. You do not want to move perishables anyway so enjoy the bounty.

7. Take photos of the old place before you begin packing up. These will not only provide fond memories later but will be a reminder of how furniture was arranged and of favorite colors and accessories.

8. Visit the neighbors. Take cookies and sit a while. Let them know they were a valuable part of your life and you will never forget them.

9. Remove all trash and debris on the last day. You want to be remembered as someone who has ethics and values. Leave the place looking its best.

10. Throw a party. This can be a packing party where friends help to pack boxes and load trucks. Let them work hard then treat them to a meal at a favorite restaurant or hangout.

11. Schedule a walkthrough with the landlord and take notes during the conversation. Have him or her sign off on your paperwork. This will prevent an unethical person from inventing damage reports.

12. Ensure all locks are working properly. You do not want to be held responsible for damage if someone enters through a defective door or unlocked area after you have vacated the property.

With these suggestions in mind, plan your move and be prepared for an easy, smooth changeover from one home to the next. Create an atmosphere of excitement, not exhaustion.

Written by Daniel Menchinion September 18, 2013January 31, 2018Posted in Dan's Discussion Den

12 Reasons to move to Brooklyn, NYC

New York City is fondly called The Big Apple, and Brooklyn is certainly a peach. Living in Brooklyn sets one up for the time of their life. It is an exciting, convenient place to be for anyone and at any age regardless of nationality or culture. There is something for everyone in Brooklyn. Though there are countless reasons to move to Brooklyn, we worked very hard to compile a list of twelve great reasons. Here they are:

Apartments are reasonably priced (well, in comparison to Manhattan, at least). People can afford to actually eat after paying their rent! Many old, quaint buildings have been renovated into affordable and attractive living spaces. Hire an apartment moving company or a full service moving company in Brooklyn to take care of the big stuff and get you settled quickly so you can enjoy your new space. Brooklyn movers are experienced in getting things done quickly and efficiently.
The beautiful, well kept Brooklyn parks (we highly recommend you pay a visit to Prospect Park, one of our favorites) are close by and are great, are not too crowded and dog friendly. You can have a four legged best friend in Brooklyn. Life is fun and easy in Brooklyn especially with your dog by your side.
You can be at the beach in a just matter of minutes. A short subway ride delivers you right to nature’s sandy shore. Don’t forget the suntan lotion!
The views are magnificent. The Manhattan skyline across the East River is something unforgettable, romantic and modern at the same time.
Brooklyn is an incredibly diverse area with neighborhoods to suit any culture, religion and personality. Immerse yourself in a new culture without ever leaving the country or even the city.
The food! You can eat something different every evening for dinner and never get the same thing twice. Explore the many fine restaurants that serve authentic ethnic foods at reasonable prices. Brooklyn has great tastes for every discerning palate.
Shopping! Brooklyn has some of the best shopping districts in the world. Once old dilapidated warehouses are now chic shopping paradises.
You do not have to drive a vehicle or have the upkeep expense of a car. Brooklyn transportation systems are routed to be accessible and safe. Many areas are very “walkable” also particularly in the neighborhoods where shops, stores and boutiques are congregated.
Brooklyn has great art galleries, a children’s museum that is without a doubt one of the finest and a great zoo in addition to other fine attractions.
Music! Brooklyn is home to many indie bands and a music lover can discover them playing in local java houses, jazz huts and other places in Brooklyn on any given night.
To say you once lived in Brooklyn. It is a conversation starter. People will know you are adventurous and full of life because that is exactly what Brooklyn inspires.
The number one (actually 12) reason to move to Brooklyn is simply because you can! Why not? If you love city life but don’t actually want to live in ultra-fast paced Manhattan, then Brooklyn is as good as it gets!

Written by Daniel Menchinion September 16, 2013July 3, 2018Posted in Dan's Discussion Den

12 Tips for moving internationally

Many people have dreams of seeing the world and it comes true when an opportunity occurs to move abroad. Each person’s reasons are unique to themselves but the preparations are pretty much the same for everyone who decides to move internationally.

The first consideration is of course location. This choice of destination often determines many other decisions. Consider the availability of health care, schools, highway and road access to work and recreation locations. Research the country or locale to know if it is a crime-free area and certainly keep the climate in mind.
Consider the language spoken in the new country and learn to speak it fluently.
Find out what you need to do in order to receive visas and work permits. Every country has different requirements.
Set up mail forwarding well in advance so there will not be a delay in receiving important correspondence. Inform family and friends of the new postal requirements and charges.
Choose a bank that is familiar with the old and new currencies, set up an account and order checks and charge cards in a timely manner so these are available from the very first day you arrive in your new home.
Decide how you will move your belongings. There are only two choices, by air or sea. Air cargo is more expensive but many people prefer it so they have access to their own things in a timely manner. When unsure, call a full service moving company to assist you.
Hire a reputable long distance moving company. Proper packing and shipping will ensure your treasures arrive intact and undamaged. A local moving company knows how to properly pack and ship as they are highly experienced. Moving and packing companies can be a lifesaver during a big move – they save you tons of time and ensure that the safety of your belongings.
Prepare a file to keep on you during the move. This should include birth certificates, passports, immunization records and the like. These will be required at some point and are almost irreplaceable – or at least very hard to replace from a different country.
Sell or rent your current home if you own it. Contract with a dependable real estate company or manager so you are worry-free in this regard.
Pay a visit to the country you are considering. This sounds like a ridiculous suggestion to some but is critical. A lifelong dream to live in some remote region may become a nightmare once one has committed to a long period of time there.
Schedule a time for utilities at the old location to be disconnected. Leaving them on, can result in a large bill to pay or even encourage squatters to move in and live in comfort at your expense.
Relax and enjoy the move. Splurge on a hotel room the night before the big move so you are well rested and relaxed.

Taking time to plan well will result in a positive move, one that gives you a great start on your new life abroad.

Written by Daniel Menchinion September 11, 2013June 29, 2018Posted in Dan's Discussion DenTagged Moving tips, Packing tips

17 Terrific Packing Tips When Preparing to Move

Moving can be a thrilling adventure or a nightmare. Below are 17 tips from the pros at U. Santini, to make your moving day a very positive experience. A good move starts with great packing, so let’s get started!

Get a notebook where you will list every box and its contents. This will enable you to find what you need at a moment’s notice. Every box should have a number and that number written in your notebook. If you have contracted with a full service moving company, give them a copy of the lists and keep one in your possession.
Leave clothing on hangers and use wardrobe boxes for these items or simply snip a hole in the end of a large trash bag and slide the hangers through it. Tie or band them together and close the open end of the bag. When unpacking, place the hangers on the closet rod and remove the bag. Most packing services
sell wardrobe boxes which have a rod at the top to hang clothing.
Use clothing to protect breakables. They have to be moved anyway so put them to good use. Slide small items into socks, wrap glasses in sweatshirts, etc.
Use medium sized boxes. Large boxes can get heavy so leave those for bulky but lightweight items such as bedspreads, comforters and pillows.
Stack lampshades and other fragile, bendable items inside one another to increase strength and prevent creases. Wrap them with paper or towels to keep dust from settling and causing stains. Consult full service moving companies for tips and hints also. They are happy to share their experience with you.
Leave clothing in dresser drawers, making sure they are full. Wrap each drawer with clear plastic wrap to prevent clothing from falling out. Place flat objects in the middle for optimum efficiency.
Nestle bowls, pot and pans in boxes to best use the space. Pad with dish towels, pot holders and other kitchen textiles.
Pack one room at a time. All bathroom items will then be together when you arrive at the new place. The shower curtain, towels, bath mats, etc. should be kept together.
Silver should always be wrapped in an appropriate material to prevent it from tarnishing. This one small step can save hours of work later.
Pack family photographs, scrapbooks, diplomas and the like separately from other items. Place them upright in the boxes and label them carefully. If possible, transport them yourself when moving day arrives.
Rugs should be rolled up and tied. Flat, folded rugs are too awkward and heavy to easily move.
Remove batteries from appliances, clocks, toys, etc. before packing these items. Batteries can corrode or even explode causing irreparable damage.
Nonperishable food should be sealed with tape before going into boxes. This will prevent spillage and also keeps insects out.
Electronics should be carefully packed in the original cartons if possible. Contact local retailers and ask for packing materials and appropriate sized boxes if necessary. They often have them left over from store displays. Business moving companies might have these in storage for sell or even give them to you free.
Collect boxes that are mostly the same size. This will create a consistency and allow for easy stacking and handling. Then pack them full but not to overflowing.
Label, label, label! This cannot be stressed to strongly. It is important to know what is in each box. Refer to your notebook when labeling boxes.
Keep medications on hand until the last minute. Do not pack them ahead. Pulled muscles and headaches are common when moving. You are going to need these.