Moving to Charlotte

Charlotte is a great place to live. People are moving to our beloved, Southern city every day. T-N-T Moving Systems has been in Charlotte since 1995, but owners, Todd and Tom, are implants like many Charlotteans. “We are both from the Northeast, so we know what it’s like to adjust to a new city,” says Todd Koepke, co-owner of T-N-T. 

According to the Moving to Charlotte website, over 70 people move to Charlotte each day. “Charlotte is one of the biggest and fastest growing cities in the New South,” says Tom Tulowiecki. Charlotte is a unique, thriving city with some quirks.

Reasons Why People Move to Charlotte:

Location. Location. Location. Many people move to Charlotte because of its proximity to the beach and the mountains. “It’s really the best of both worlds!” says Koepke. The beach is about three and a half hours away and the mountains are less than two. 

Neighborhoods. Whether you enjoy the creative arts scene or are looking to retire, Charlotte offers many neighborhoods that appeal to young and old alike. NoDa, Southend, Dilworth, and Uptown offer art galleries and funky live music venues like The Neighborhood Theater, Double Door, and The Music Factory. Retirees might enjoy living a bit further from the city on one of the nearby lakes. Take a look at our neighborhood guides for restaurant, shopping, and other recommendations. In Charlotte, neighborhoods feel like communities. The tree-lined streets, maintained greenways, and active community groups keep Charlotte thriving.

Business. Charlotte is known as a banking town, but there are lots of other industries here as well. The population is well-educated, productive, and resilient. Continuing education programs at Central Piedmont Community College is a fixture in the community which encourages lifelong learning.

Low Cost of Living.  Compared to the top 40 metro areas in America, Charlotte has the 12^th lowest cost of living. Our housing costs are also low compared to other major cities. Our mild climate helps reduce energy costs. But be careful when it snows! Charlotteans are not used to snowy conditions, so don’t be surprised when everything shuts down at the first sight of a snowflake.

“We have made Charlotte our home for 20 years,” says Tulowiecki, “I can’t imagine living anywhere else!” If you and your family are moving to Charlotte, T-N-T Moving Systems would love to help you move. You can get a free quote here or give them at call at 704-523-1455. T-N-T specializes in local and long distance moves.

Last Minute Move? Here are some Tips:

Everything that goes into a move is exhausting! Sorting, packing, loading, and unloading. And doing it in a hurry makes for an even bigger challenge. Thankfully, you can always call T-N-T Moving Systems for a free quote and get some help.

Here are some tips for moving in a hurry:

Make a List- This may seem unnecessary when you are in a hurry, but it can actually help you stay moderately organized. Some tasks to include on your list might be: get boxes, call utility companies, call moving company, find storage, pack rooms, etc. Once the list is complete, distribute it amongst your family and give everyone a task.

Find Storage- if you have to move out of your home quickly, you might not have time to find a place for all your stuff. T-N-T Moving Systems offer storage services at our facility in Charlotte. We can come by and pick up your stuff and store it for you.

Change your Address- Make sure your change your address with institutions like your employer, banks and credit card companies, utilities, mortgage and insurance companies. Other people like friends and family or magazine subscriptions can wait until after the move.

Pack Smart and Easy- Gather boxes from grocery stores and other retailers. Call ahead and ask for them to put some aside for you. Pack your house a room at a time. Instead of labeling each box, use different colored tape for each room. Use clothes, linens, or towels as packing material for breakable items. You can also use things like laundry baskets, drawers, trash cans, and bags to pack other items in.

Moving is a challenge whether you have ample time to plan for it or not. But if you are moving in a hurry, stay organized and ask for help. T-N-T Moving Systems offers local and long distance moving service including packing. We also offer storage facilities on our property. Call us at 704-523-1455 for a free quote or visit our website at www.tntmovingsystems.com. 

Kelly Bladl                                                                                                  

Google Author and CCP Web Design Writer

How to Navigate Moving with Teens

How to Navigate Moving with Teens

Remember what it’s like to be a teenager? It’s a whirlwind! Throw a major move into the mix and it can turn tragic.  T-N-T Moving Systems has moved many families in the Charlotte area and work at helping relieve the stress of the move. “The physical stuff is the easy part- we’ve been doing it for 20 years. It’s the emotional stress of moving that can be hard,” says Todd Koepke, co-owner of T-N-T, “We can handle the packing, loading, and driving, but preparing the family for the move is just as important.”

Moving to a new city or across town can be stressful on all of us, but for a teenager, it can seem like their whole world is being turned upside down. 

Remember, that it is normal for a teenager or pre-teen to actively rebel against a move. You’re not doing anything wrong as a parent – it’s just a difficult thing for a teenager to accept. Their social group or school is a big part of their life and routine. Some teenagers might look forward to re-inventing themselves at a new place, but change can also be scary.

Here are some tips to make the transition a little smoother:

Let your Teen or Pre-teen Know ASAP

• Waiting to tell your teenager will likely backfire. They might feel betrayed if you keep the move a secret and to delay telling them will likely heighten their emotional response.
•  Your pre-teen and teenage will need time to get used to the idea of moving and begin to grieve leaving their friends behind.

Highlight the Benefits of the New Place to Your Teen

• This is easy if you are simply moving to a new house without a change in zip codes, but if you are moving to a new city or school district, it can be much harder.
• Be sure to research the new school or city first. Find things your teenager might be interested in. Let them know that the move will provide them with great opportunities as well.

Tell Them the Truth About the Move

• Older kids are able to grasp the bigger issues, so don’t be afraid to be honest with them.  Even if they greet the truth with stubbornness or an attitude, the truth will be easier to understand and accept eventually.
• Have an open discussion and listen to their concerns. Try to avoid phrases like “because I said so,” and empathize with their struggle.

Share the Plan with Them

• Involve them with the plans and projected timetable of the move. Let them know what to expect and what you need from them. If one parent is leaving first, explain that to them.
• Let them be involved in the moving process and even in helping to find a new home. Keep them as involved as possible and respect their opinions. Even if you cannot act on every idea they have, let them know their concerns have been heard.

As a parent it can be difficult to manage your families’ emotions as well as the actual physical move. That’s why it can be a great idea to hire professional movers to help alleviate some of the stress. T-N-T Moving Systems has been helping families in the Charlotte, Matthews, Kannapolis, Concord, and Gastonia area move for two decades. If your family is planning a move, call them at 704-523-1455 or visit their website for a free quote.

Kelly Bladl
Google Author and CCP Web Design Writer

Moving in July? Tips on How to Stay Cool and Safe

On average, July is the warmest month of the year in the Carolinas. The average high temperature, according to The Weather Channel, is 89° and the low is 68°. There are also intermittent thunderstorms to contend with throughout the month. But July continues to be one of the most popular months to move. “Summer is our busiest time, so we are careful to stay hydrated, cool off when necessary, and protect our client’s belongings,” says Todd Koepke, co-owner of T-N-T Moving Systems in Charlotte. 

How to Combat the Heat?

You know it is going to be hot. So how do you keep you and your family safe during your move? Even if you are using professionals, like T-N-T Moving Systems, you will need to oversee the moving process.

1.       Stay Hydrated! Sure, beer is fun to drink or offer friends that help you move. But in July’s heat, you need Water! The potential for dehydration is just too high during summertime. Make sure to have cold water for yourself and your movers. Gatorade and other sports drinks can also be helpful, but nothing takes the place of pure H₂O.

2.       Schedule the Transfer of Utilities Early! Since the summer months are the busiest time of the year to move, utility companies are overwhelmed with getting people’s service switched on and off. Call the utility company early and make sure to get your electricity switched before the move. A day or a few hours before the movers are set to arrive, be sure to have you’re A/C cranking. This will help alleviate the heat of the outside as the movers unload the truck.

3.       Book your Moving Services in Advance! Be sure to call T-N-T Moving Systems in advance to ensure your preferred moving date. Summer time is busy, especially the end of the month and weekends. If you can move the week before or after the end of the month, you are more likely to book a moving company. T-N-T moves clients everyday of the week and is flexible to meet their clients’ needs.

4.       Protect Belongings from the Heat! On unusually hot days, it is important to keep certain items cool. Candles can be vulnerable to the heat and melt in the moving van. Also, be sure to transfer food in a cold cooler. Even if you are just moving across town, it is important to keep frozen and refrigerated items cold during the summer heat.

5.       Protect your pets! Summer heat can be especially hard on our fury friends. If you are doing an across town move, consider boarding your pet for the night. Your pet will stay cool and hydrated and worry-free. Pets can get anxious during all the action of a move. Boarding them will help them stay calm. The next day you can introduce them to your new home.

T-N-T Moving Systems has over 20 years experience moving in the Charlotte. “We have seen are fair share of hot summer days!” says Tom Tulowiecki, co-owner. The easiest way to beat the heat is to leave it to the professionals. Keep your  A/C running,  bottles of water on hand, and let the professionals do the rest.

Kelly Bladl
Google Author and CCP Web Design Writer