SACRAMENTO MOVERS SHARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN APARTMENT TYPES

If you are looking to rent an apartment, it can be confusing with all the options you are faced with. You need to make sure you get the apartment that is right for you. Here are some types of apartments and their differences.

(Photo Credit- Flickr)

Studio Apartments

A studio apartment is a one room apartment with a sleeping, kitchen, and dining area with one full bathroom. Some studio apartments have a nook area that can be sectioned off for sleeping.

1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments

These apartments are self-explanatory. They range from small (barley larger than a studio) to pretty large and include dining area, kitchen, living room, and 1-2 ½ bathrooms.

Duplex or Triplex

These apartments can have different meaning depending on where you live, but it usually refers to having many floors or units either vertically or horizontally in a building.

Live/Work

This is a mix of a residential building and a commercial building, often with retail space or offices on the bottom floor with a living area above.

Loft

These are high-ceiling apartments that can range from a converted commercial building to a high rise. They normally feature and open floor plan with no interior walls and a second level sleeping area.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Sacramento employs a staff of over 40 Full-Time Movers and Drivers, with a fleet of 10 trucks. We have performed home and business moving services in and around the Greater Sacramento area for almost 10 years. Our award winning services include full service moving and packing services and we also sells boxes and packing supplies.

With comments or questions contact Kelley Skerritt, Marketing Coordinator at the Sacramento office of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® at 916-852-7411 or contact us here.

Sacramento Movers Share How to Prepare Your House for Sale

All sellers want to sell their home fast and at top dollar amount, but it takes work and planning. Knowing how to professionally spruce up your home will have potential buyers racing to buy your home. Here are a few tips on how to prep your house, and turn it into a marketable home that buyers cannot resist.

(Photo Credit- Flickr)

·         De-Clutter.  This is the time to get rid of everything you have been collecting over the years and no longer use (if you haven’t used in over a year, you probably don’t need it). Take this time to donate what you can, remove the books from bookcases, and pack up items that are not used daily.

·         Rearrange your closets and cabinets. When buyers are looking at a home, they like to snoop and get a feel for every aspect of the home. Think of the message it sends if your closets and cabinets are unorganized and have items falling out of them. Clear the floors in your closets, line your shoes in a row, neatly stack your dishes, and turn your coffee cup handles facing the same way.

·         Consider renting a storage unit. Almost every home shows better with less furniture. Less furniture can make a room look larger, so leave just enough furniture to showcase the room’s purpose.

·         Make minor repairs. Replace cracked floor or counter tiles, patch up holes in the wall, consider painting your walls a neutral color, and replace any burnt out bulbs.

·         Clean, clean, clean. Wash windows inside and out, polish anything with a chrome finish, vacuum daily, clean dingy grout, clean our cobwebs, and clean out your refrigerator. Also take this time to replace worn out bed spreads, and to put out fresh towels (fastening your bathroom towels with ribbons and bows is a great way to make a good impression).

·         Disassociate yourself from your home. Tell yourself that “this is no longer my home” and start thinking of it as just a product that is being sold. Take this time to also de-personalize your home; pack up your personal belongings such as family photos and heirlooms and keep them out of sight.

·         Curb appeal. How does your home look from the outside? You want to make sure your home looks good before you even step foot inside. Keep the sidewalks clear, mow the lawn, paint faded window trim, plant yellow flowers (yellow evokes a buying emotion), and keep your bushes trimmed.

·         Scrutinize your home. Go outside and take a look at your home, think about whether this is a place you would want to step into as a buyer. Linger both inside and outside your home, and imagine how your home will look to a potential buyer. 

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Sacramento employs a staff of over 40 Full-Time Movers and Drivers, with a fleet of 10 trucks. We have performed home and business moving services in and around the Greater Sacramento area for almost 10 years. Our award winning services include full service moving and packing services and we also sells boxes and packing supplies.

With comments or questions contact Kelley Skerritt, Marketing Coordinator at the Sacramento office of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® at 916-852-7411 or contact us here.

Sacramento Movers Share a Few Quick Holiday Decorating Tips

With the holiday season upon us, it is time to start decorating your home to give it that Christmas spirit. Here are a few tips, and ideas to help you decorate.

(Photo Credit: Flickr- Chris Coleman)

·         Stay with one theme and style for your decorating. It makes shopping a bit easier and makes your home look and feel professionally decorated.

·         Decorating does not have to break the bank; you can easily make your own decorations, centerpieces, and ornaments. The possibilities are endless. Try taking old ornaments that you no longer like or use and put them in a glass holder, or even redecorate them by covering them in glitter to make a whole new looking ornament.

·         Let your nose know that the holidays are here. Place potpourri and scented candles throughout your home, or better yet, bake some cookies shortly before you have guests arrive.

·         Use a lot of candles; they tend to make any room warmer and more inviting.

·         Bring the holidays into every room. A great way to do this is to bring scented candles, potpourri, and small decorations into the kitchen, bathroom, and even the bedrooms.

·         Keep the holiday color palette between 2-3 colors, and keep it consistent; either throughout the house, or within each room. Too many colors can be too distracting. Try red and gold, or blue, white and silver.

·         Replacing lights can be expensive if you tend to change your color palette year to year. Try using white lights because they can be used with any color scheme.

·         Give your space a different look and feel for the holiday by rearranging the furniture so that the focal point is the tree or the fire place.

·         This is the one time where less is not more; have fun and do it big!

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Sacramento employs a staff of over 40 Full-Time Movers and Drivers, with a fleet of 10 trucks. We have performed home and business moving services in and around the Greater Sacramento area for almost 10 years. Our award winning services include full service moving and packing services and we also sells boxes and packing supplies.

With comments or questions contact Kelley Skerritt, Marketing Coordinator at the Sacramento office of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® at 916-852-7411 or contact us here.

Sacramento Movers Share Car Shipping Options

Moving long distances is a huge headache, even more so when you have a car that you need to take with you. Sometimes, it’s just too much of a hassle to sell your car, and buy a new one in your new location. Now you’re faced with the question of how to get your car from your first location, to the next. Here are a few options you can consider to ship your car long distances:

(Photo Credit: Flickr)

·   Use a Professional Car Shipping Service- This option is probably the most reliable option for moving your vehicle, but research must be done to find a reputable company.  According to auto tempest, two recommended options are AmeriFreight and uShip.com.

·  Non-Professional Driver:  If you need your vehicle transported and you just don't want to spend that much money, consider hiring a trustworthy student or someone you might know personally. This is an especially good option during school breaks when students need the extra cash. This is obviously a riskier method, so make sure your insurance covers any accidents or thefts when someone else is driving.

·   Self-Transport: This option is probably the most cost efficient and best if you have multiple cars that need to be shipped, have a reliable car that can pull a heavy load, and don’t mind driving yourself. Consider renting a trailer, attaching it to another vehicle, and loading your vehicle onto it.

·  Train Transport: You can send your vehicle by train. This is a good option because you can travel on the train along with your vehicle in some cases. This is a relatively green way to ship your vehicle.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Sacramento employs a staff of over 40 Full-Time Movers and Drivers, with a fleet of 10 trucks. We have performed home and business moving services in and around the Greater Sacramento area for almost 10 years. Our award winning services include full service moving and packing services and we also sells boxes and packing supplies.

With comments or questions contact Kelley Skerritt, Marketing Coordinator at the Sacramento office of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® at 916-852-7411 or contact us here.

Sacramento Movers Share Tips On How to Prepare to Move Out Of An Apartment

Whether you’re moving to another apartment or into a house, you want to be sure that you leave your apartment in as close of a condition as you got it in. Here is a list to help you prepare your apartment for an inspection so you are able to walk away with your deposit back, and not have to worry about damages and fees.

(Photo Credit- Flickr)

• Contact your utility companies and set a date to turn off your utilities. Do this so you are not billed for them after you have left your apartment.

•  Consider getting a list from your landlord or apartment complex stating what the estimated costs are for repairing certain items and use this as a guide to how strenuously you are going to clean your apartment.

• Gather and look over various records associated with your stay, such as: apartment lease or rental agreement, and a copy of all agreements regarding damages between you and the landlord.

•  Remove all staples, thumb tack, or nail you have stuck in your ceiling and walls. Also, using a magic eraser, go through each room and remove and scuff marks on the walls floors and doors. (Be sure to test the magic eraser on a small part of surface first, it may clean some paints off).

• Clean out your bedroom, wipe down any shelves provided, including in the closet.

• Clean the bathroom. Make sure to thoroughly clean the sink, tub, and toilet removing any build up or residue on those surfaces. Clean, dust, and wipe down other surfaces such as mirrors, medicine cabinets, and vents. Sweep and mop the floor in the bathroom, particularly around and behind the toilet.

• Clean the kitchen, including refrigerator, oven, cabinets, sink, and floor.

• In the living room/den/dining area, clean the windows and wipe down the blinds. Be sure to repair any minor fixes if possible.

• Turn your attention to the floor in all rooms. Sweep and mop all hard floor surfaces and vacuum & spot clean carpet surfaces.

• Sweep and clean the exterior (balcony, patio, doors), and remove any remaining belongings, garbage bags, or cans.

• Be sure to go to your move-out inspection and to get a copy of the signed off move-out inspection for your records.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Sacramento employs a staff of over 40 Full-Time Movers and Drivers, with a fleet of 10 trucks. We have performed home and business moving services in and around the Greater Sacramento area for almost 10 years. Our award winning services include full service moving and packing services and we also sells boxes and packing supplies.

With comments or questions contact Kelley Skerritt, Marketing Coordinator at the Sacramento office of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® at 916-852-7411 or contact us here.

Sacramento Movers Share Common Mistakes that Cost You on Moving Day

If you’re planning on moving any time soon, you may be getting advice from a many people including, friends, family, and coworkers but most won’t tell you the moving mistakes to avoid. By avoiding a few common mistakes, you can make sure that your moving experience is as stress free as possible.

·        Moving without the Help of a Professional Moving Company. While you may consider moving with just the help of friends and family, it can create more of a headache than it’s worth.  Hiring professional movers can help you relax more on moving day because professional movers have the right equipment, materials, and training to ensure that your move is seamless and stress-free. Whether you just need a moving company to load and transport your belongings to your new home or you think a full service move, which includes a variety of moving services, will be best for you, hiring qualified movers is often the best option because it will allow you to save a lot of time and reduce stress.

·         Valuing Price over Quality. While affordability is an important factor to consider when hiring a moving company, take the time to consider the hidden costs of hiring a company that may be cheaper. There are a number of factors to think about, to determine whether a company is right for you. In order to determine whether a moving company is reputable, check for testimonials and  reviews about the company, on third party review sights like Yelp or Angie’s List. You can find a guide to explain the moving process as well as a list of questions key questions to ask any company you may be considering, here.

·         Moving during Rush Hour. Most moving companies usually charge an hourly rate, so be mindful of that when selecting a time of day to complete your move. It would also be beneficial to have as much packing done as possible, to speed up the loading process to prevent running into rush hour time.

·         Packing Non-Movables. Most moving companies will provide you with a list of items that they will not handle, such as hazardous chemicals, weapons, or flammables. You should also avoid packing expensive items, heirlooms, or irreplaceable belongings into the moving truck if possible, and take them with you to keep them safe. You may also ask the movers if they have experience packing these items, and ensure they have the correct materials to pack and transport them safely.

·         Forgetting a Survival Kit. Regardless of the distance you have to travel during your move, you should always be prepared for the unexpected. Before moving day, make sure to pack a survival kit in case you need it. Your kit should include clothes, towels, snacks, toiletries, important documents, a first aid kit, and anything else that you will need on hand in the event of emergency, or just until you get situated in your new home.

·         Not Getting Rid Clutter before the Move. Over time, you may have collected many things that you no longer need or want. It is best to donate or dispose of these items before moving day so that you can lighten your load, which will save you both time and money on your move. Doing this will also ensure that your new home is free of clutter.

·         Not Backing Up Your Computer. Whether you are moving yourself or hiring a professional moving company to assist with your move, it is always a good idea to back up your computer so that you don’t lose valuable information if it is damaged or lost during the move. Keep your backup drive with you. Even with a reputable, qualified moving company does not mean accidents can’t happen.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Sacramento employs a staff of over 40 Full-Time Movers and Drivers, with a fleet of 10 trucks. We have performed home and business moving services in and around the Greater Sacramento area for almost 10 years. Our award winning services include full service moving and packing services and we also sells boxes and packing supplies.

With comments or questions contact Kelley Skerritt, Marketing Coordinator at the Sacramento office of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® at 916-852-7411 or contact us here.

Sacramento Movers Share Tips on Decorating a New Home with Old Furniture

Whether you have just moved into a new home, or you just want to give your home a new look, buying new furniture may not always be in the budget.  Here are a few simple tips on making the furniture you have work for you.

(Photo Credit: Flickr-Steve Hong)

·         Cushions and pillows. You can reinvent any couch, and change the whole feel of a room simply by changing out your cushions or throw pillows.

·         Move your furniture around. Rearrange the furniture in a room or simply take furniture that was once in one room and move it to another to create a feeling of a whole new room. If you plan on buying new furniture any way, why not reuse what you have. New dining room table? Turn the old one into a kitchen table. New living room couch? Put the old one in the den. You’ll be amazed at how different the room looks with “new” furniture in it.

·         Lighting. Lighting is everything, you can give a new look to a room a number of ways with lights, including by using new lamp shades for existing lamps, moving the lamp to another side of the room, or by getting new sources of lighting all together.

·         Furniture make-over. Give your furniture a new look by painting or reupholstering it. The possibilities are numerous here, and you’ll be able to achieve almost any look you want by doing this.

·         Create a new purpose. This usually applies to smaller items, perhaps such as a vase, but may also apply to a few larger items, like a small dresser. For example, turn a small dresser into an entry way table, or turn an outdated television stand into a wine-rack. On a smaller scale, putting decorative plates on the wall, or using wide vase as a holder for your cooking utensils.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Sacramento employs a staff of over 40 Full-Time Movers and Drivers, with a fleet of 10 trucks. We have performed home and business moving services in and around the Greater Sacramento area for almost 10 years. Our award winning services include full service moving and packing services and we also sells boxes and packing supplies.

With comments or questions contact Kelley Skerritt, Marketing Coordinator at the Sacramento office of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® at 916-852-7411 or contact us here.