Monday, September 21, 2015

How to Move in Rainy or Snowy Weather





How to Move in Rainy or Snowy Weather
If you are planning an off-season move- after labor until early spring- there is a higher chance you will be moving in bad weather. At TNT Moving Systems we have had a fair share of bad weather moves and can offer some tips to help keep your belonging safe and sound!

Step 1: Monitor the weather the week of your move. Being prepared for a wet move can really help speed things along on moving day. If bad weather is predicted for your move day, give your moving company a call. Rain or snow could mean delays.

Step 2: Protect your belongings if bad weather is predicted. At TNT Moving Systems, you can have us wrap your furniture with shrink wrap, or you can prepare ahead of time and do it yourself to save a little money. Be sure to use plastic masking tape to seal the plastic. This will help keep moisture out of your furniture. Always remember to wrap your mattress in plastic- no matter the weather- this will help prevent mold from growing. 

Step 3: Use laminated boxes if available. If you can’t find laminated boxes, consider shrink wrapping them. This is offer some protection from rain. Be sure to label your boxes as well so the movers can unload them in the right place.

Step 4: Prepare for the Movers. Before the movers show up, make sure they can get to your house. Be sure the roads are open to traffic. Also, be sure all paths such as sidewalks and steps are clear of snow. If it has recently rained, consider laying down large pieces of cardboard to make pathways. This will help reduce mud from entering your home. 

Step 5: Keep in Touch with the Movers during the move. Bad weather can cause delays. Stay in touch with your moving company to make sure things are running on time. Also be sure to check items thoroughly once they have be unloaded from the truck.

Moving on the off season is sometimes necessary and can often be a lot cheaper. So if you are moving between now and spring, be prepared for rain or snow. If you need a free moving quote, click here. TNT Moving Systems does local and long distance moves. We also specialize in piano moving.

Friday, July 24, 2015

Planning your Cross-Country Move



Planning your Cross-Country Move


At T-N-T Moving Systems, we are very familiar with cross-country moves. As the official movers of the Carolina Panthers, we move tons of equipment to several locations across the country for away games. So we know that planning a cross-country move can be exhausting. Thankfully, since we have so much experience, partnering with us for your long-distance move is a great choice.

Moving locally is challenging, but moving to a new city or state can be downright overwhelming. It is also an exciting time. Take it one step at a time and ask for help! Here’s a handy checklist to follow:

1.      Find housing in your new city. Whether you are buying a new house or renting, you need to first determine where you will be moving. If moving in with friends or family, find a storage unit to store your belongings.

2.      Set a moving date and get organized. Get quotes from movers, set up a folder in your email or a physical folder to keep all stuff pertaining to the move. Set a budget.

3.      Get boxes. Either order moving boxes or gather them from local stores. Start packing about 6 weeks before your move date. Label everything!

4.      Book your movers. In the summer months, it is much busier, so schedule your movers ahead of time.

5.      Make travel plans for yourself, family, pets and plants. Will you be flying or driving?

6.      Find all valuable documents: auto registration, passport, birth certificate, insurance policies. You will want to carry these with you instead of putting them on the truck.

7.      Back up all computer data just in case these electronic get damaged during the move.

8.      Get rid of stuff you don’t want through Craigslist or a yard sale. Or donate to local charities.

9.      Set up mail forwarding service and cancel or change subscriptions. Be sure to update Amazon and Netflix with your new address.

10.  Plan your meals so you use all your perishable food. Also, use up all chemicals that can’t be moved like bleach and aerosols.

11.  Cancel memberships to organizations like health clubs.

12.  Notify utility companies of your move: Electric, Water, Gas, Phone, Cable, internet, sewer, and trash services.

13.  Notify others of your move like government agencies, doctors, vet, insurance company, banks, etc.

14.  Pack an essentials box to keep with you during your move.

15.  Schedule to have house or apartment cleaned when you move out.

This checklist is not an exhaustive one, but it should help you stay organized for a cross-country move. We have been moving folks in and out of Charlotte for over twenty years. If you’d like more information on our services, check out our website at www.tntmovingsystems.com or call 704-523-1455. Happy Moving!

Thursday, June 11, 2015

How to Stage Your Home for Sale



How to Stage Your Home for Sale

At TNT Moving Systems, we know a thing or two about moving. We are moving experts! We can pack, load, transport, and unload all your earthly possessions with skill and professionalism. But selling your house so you can move is usually the first step! 

Many realtors rely on home stagers to get your house ready for the market. Here are some tired and true home staging tips to help your house sell: 

1.      Clear the Clutter. This tip will not only help you sell your house, it will give you a head start when you start packing! This means you should pack away personal items as much as possible. 

2.      Freshen the Paint. Paint can be one of the cheapest ways to spruce up a room. Realtors suggest using neutral colors, but something bolder than beige. Even consider painting the kitchen cabinets to brighten the kitchen.

3.      Keep your place Clean. This maybe a no-brainer, but a clean, well-maintained house is more likely to move off the market quickly.

4.      Maintain Curb Appeal. The exterior of your home can be just as important as the inside. Be sure to keep your lawn in good condition. Clear away any debris. Even consider doing some light landscaping. You want potential buyers to stop and take a look around, not dismiss it as they drive by.

5.      Minimize Furniture. Make your home look bigger with less furniture. Remove unnecessary furniture and even consider renting furniture to really make a room come together.

6.      Define Spaces. Be sure potential buyers can identify the function of a room. Use appropriate furniture in the space. If you have an open floor plan, use area rugs to define different spaces.

7.      Add a Pop of Color. Although neutral colors are great for walls, a pop of color can go a long way. Using a throw pillow or tasteful artwork in a room can really add personality.

These tips can really help when you are in a competitive market like Charlotte. Summer is the busiest time for real estate transactions and also our busiest time as well. Be sure to call us to schedule your move as soon as possible. Keep in mind that weekend dates fill up fast. 

Visit our website for a free quote or give us a call at 704-523-1455. We are also affiliates of the Charlotte Chapter of International Association of Home Staging Professionals. Check out their website to find a professional home stager.