At Exodus Moving and Storage, we are happy to move you just about anywhere. Whether it’s a move down the street or a trek across the planet, we are proud to get you there. But there is one move we have noticed we have been helping out with often lately. It seems that many fine folks are relocating to Colorado for Texas, trading Austin for Boulder and so on. So in an effort to inform and inspire all those considering such a move, this Fresh Place Friday is dedicated to a move that may inspire you to trade in that 10 gallon hat.
Colorado Climate and Culture
If you are thinking of making the move north and moving from Texas to Colorado, you might be pleasantly surprised to discover a similar Western sensibility, a similar future in energy, and a similar emphasis on outdoor sports and recreation. Add in the grand mountain vistas, the cooler summers and the interstate connections, and you might discover that Colorado, like Texas, is a “whole ‘nother country” worth celebrating.
Western Heritage
Colorado had its cowboy beginnings when the state was put on the map in the wake of the mid-nineteenth century gold rush. There is a proud frontier history that is expressed in cities and towns from the southern deserts to the high plains to the northern Rockies. Colorado is full of byways and railways that will let you view scenery nearly unchanged from when the state was a territory and “America the Beautiful” was being inspired by Pike’s Peak. You will hardly find any corridor more overflowing with the history of the Wild West than the legendary Santa Fe Trail which runs right through the heart of Southern Colorado. Numerous events like the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, the Greeley Stampede, or Kingdom Days remind us of this heritage, and they represent a small fraction of the proud commemorations that take place all over the state year round. Like Texans, Coloradoans are proud of their western heritage.
Colorado & Texas Resources
Colorado is also one of the leading energy producers in the country. Like Texas, Colorado is rich in shale, natural gas, and the recent Front Range oil bonanza is projected to add over 4 billion dollars of revenue to the state economy per year. In addition, many pioneers in the renewable energy sector are based in Colorado. Some of the most cutting edge research in biofuels, solar conversion, and wind power is conducted as a result of Colorado government, industry, and university partnerships. Colorado’s diverse and growing energy sector ensures that it will remain in the economic forefront into the future. That means job opportunities for people from Texas with energy experience.
The Outdoor Connection
Like Texas, Colorado is a place where people appreciate being outdoors. Colorado has a proud football and hockey legacy, but the mountains host the true passions of Coloradoans. You will find the slopes among the best you will ever sled, ski, or snowboard; you will also find some of the most skilled winter sports athletes the country has to offer. If you don’t want to climb the mountains right away, you would be hard pressed to find better places for fish and game. If biking, hiking, or camping is more your pace, there are numerous national and state parks that will suit your tastes. If you really like your adrenalin rushing, there are plenty of mountains to hurl yourself off of and planes to jump out of. The bottom line is that Colorado has something for every outdoor enthusiast. And the best part is you won’t need to travel far from urban centers like Denver or Colorado Springs to do it.
These are just a few explanations about why Colorado just might be the perfect fit for a Texan on the move. And if you are thinking of relocating from Texas to Colorado, we certainly hope you will let Exodus take you there.
Please don’t forget to tape and close all of your boxes completely and securely. This makes for easy stacking and quick loading when the moving team arrives. Another good idea is to color code boxes when labeling them such as blue for bathroom, red for kitchen etc. This allows for quick location identification when it comes time to unpack.
Moving into your first place is exciting. Lots of new things to experience, being away from home or the dorms for the first time is important to organize, plan, budget and savor the experience. Here are a few things to consider.
How Much Can You Spend Each Month on Rent?
This first step is the most important. The brutal reality question is–can you afford to move to your first apartment? A lot of new renters may not know exactly what paying bills involves. It includes more than rent–you need to consider your electricity, parking, transportation, cable, water, trash, telephone, HOA (homeowners association). Also, you need to look at your personal costs. Entertainment, food, gas, etc. If you need to know how much that might be, then write down everything that you currently spend on each of these. For the things you haven’t spent yet, like utilities, check out the average cost of them in your state or call your local utilities companies to get an average estimate for the size of apartment you are looking to rent.
Additional Costs
Rental Deposit
Most apartments/houses for rent require both first months’ rent and last months’ rent when you sign the lease. So even before you move-in, you’ll already need double the amount you’ll be paying each month. Also, to be safe, you should always have at least three months worth of rent and living expenses in your savings account. This protects you should any emergency arise, such as unemployment, illness, etc…
Security Deposit
This varies from building to building. Some places will require anything from $500 to an additional months’ rent. Ask before you sign the lease. Also, make sure you’re clear on what is considered damage versus day-to-day wear and tear.
Pet Deposit
If you have any pets, a pet deposit is becoming more common. These monies are in place to pay for any damage or loss of revenue to the building owner due to animals on the property. Again, ask your landlord what they consider “damage or loss of revenue” to ensure you receive the full amount when you move out.
Settle In
There are so many things you’ll need in your first home. These things may seem small and trivial, but their costs can add up quickly. Go through each room and think about the things you need on a daily basis. For the kitchen make sure you include small appliances, pantry supplies, spices (these really add up), dishes, flatware, towels, soap, dish rack, food staples, pots and pans, containers, garbage can, etc…
Selling your home? If you want to maximize your profits, then you need to look at it from the buyer’s perspective. Here’s how:
Stop Thinking of it as Your Home You know every nook and cranny, every memory, every renovation. But now it is time to look at it as if you were buying it. Make sure to clear a path of your things and put away as much as you can so that the person coming to look can visualize living in your home and having their things around. Things that are very personal may be a good idea to pack away while you are showing the home. Also, makes sure that everything is clean and well kept. Make sure your windows, blinds, floors and even porches are cleaned off. A potential buyer needs to be impressed with the entire home, so thinking of everything as important is key. This is now an asset to you, not your personal home.
Know Your Competition Its important to know how your home stands up against the competition around you. You can feel confident in what you have to offer, and also now where people may be checking things out and what they are thinking. You can go as far as hiring an inspector to come in and describe to your what people will see as defects in your home. This way you are not caught off guard and will be able to provide a plan or explanation.
Fix Issues Replacement is one of the most important things to consider and to do when you are amping up to sell your home. If it needs new carpet, faucets or paint job, make sure that you complete these. These items can make a great home look dumpy and will make it sell for much less. Take out the money beforehand and reap the benefits later. Offering credits, which is sometimes done, isn’t a great option if you are thinking like a buyer and trying to maximize profits. Rather than credit the buyer for things like floor or appliance allowances, actually fix and repair the things that need to be done in advance so that you remove that objection from the outset.
Stage the House Check out this super helpful video to help you learn how to stage your home.
Caring for a senior is often no easy task. The emotional and physical demands that it can take on an individual (both caretaker and giver) can be great. Many times we are faced with the decision of whether to put a loved one into an assisted living retirement home. Although this decision may be the best for all parties, it is important to know that it will be emotionally taxing for everyone as well. When making the jump with a loved one into this situation there are a number of things to keep in mind.
1. Make sure that everyone in the family has a chance to address and clarify the way that they are feeling about the decision. This is not only a hard transition for one person–it usually weighs on everyone involved so its important to stay open.
2. Let it be. If your family member is upset by the move, allow them to feel the way that they do. Be there as a sounding board to absorb their frustrations. Sometimes its ok just to listen and empathize.
3. Make sure to reassure them of your presence in their life. Let them know that just because they will be living somewhere else, doesn’t also mean that they will lose you. They need this reassurance at this time.
4. Remain calm. Raised voices or outward displays of anger will only leave both parties feeling hurt. This is a highly emotional time for both of you; recognize it, but try not to let it enter the conversation.
5. Let them make decision that are important to them. Things like choosing the facility, their room, colors that will be in their room is very important for them to retain control over. This is a tough time for them in feeling loss of control. This will help.
6. Let them know calmly why this is the best decision for them practically. Try not to add an emotional element into the mix as it may lead you down a slippery slope. Stay positive and let them know all of the positives of their new life.
7. If you’re family member is having a difficult time accepting this decision, allow them time to absorb the news. You may also consider seeking professional help, such as a counselor or a senior moving specialist. Sometimes it helps to have a neutral outside party to talk to.
8. Don’t be hard on yourself; try not to feel bad about this decision. Be good to yourself and know that this is the best thing for the entire family. Dealing with your emotions outside of the decision will help ensure that your conversation remains calm and focused.
No matter what the circumstances or situation moving can be tough and always seem to be at a bad time. There are a number of factors to consider when it comes to making a move and getting out of dodge. Before you hastily pack up some boxes and get into a new place, make sure that you are moving the best time for you and/or your family.
When we are talking about kids we are talking about a school schedule: their life. Kids do really well on schedules and given expectations and routines. Taking them straight out of their routine at school and then tossing them into a completely new schedule can be daunting and painful for a child. If this sounds like you, consider planning your move around the school calendar so that your kiddos can have the least amount of pain and transition with ease. Summertime is a great opportunity to move with kids, as for the most part there is good weather nationwide and they are out of school.
A time NOT to move would be on holidays. Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving or Ramadan is all holidays that include family. Use them to spend time with family, not to pick up your life and shift. Not to mention that resources and people are just not readily available these dates. Instead, why not move right after a holiday to make the holiday itself a time of goodbyes and farewells to family and friends. It is important to plan this special time for yourself and the people in your life that you care for most.
Another less ideal time to move would be wintertime. Besides the obvious: snow storms and blizzards, hail and wind, wintertime has a slew of other issues when moving. Factors like your items freezing/getting damaged because of the weather are a large risk when moving at this time. Also, when you consider what kind of freezing and thawing process may happen as a result of climate change from one location to the next, ultimately resulting in water damage.
No matter where you move or what you have to take with you, taking the time to consider the dates of your move could be the breaking point between a successful move and a disastrous attempt.
Green property management? The answer is yes! As the world turns to more and more sustainable ways of living and functioning now is a perfect time to just on the Green train. There are more resources than you may think the next time that you are looking for a place to live and want to commit to living green in every way. Follow this simple list of important clues as to how you can maximize your renting experience in the Eco world.
Property Management/Landlord Green Credentials
There are a number of landlords and property management companies that have gone the extra mile and gotten a certification into the green world. The National Apartment Association Education Institute offers a Credential for Green Property Management. The program was designed to educate and implement more sustainable practices within the renting world.
GreenRenter.com
Although many people will turn to the fortune and fate of Craigslist (and this is a fabulous site if you don’t have such specific expectations) on GreenRenter.com you can find a home or apartment that is truly green and that you can feel good about. It offers both residential and commercial rental listings in the US and Canada. Although the cities offered in the US only add up to 8, they are large enough to get a giant ball rolling that may forever change the way our nation rents property.
There are many factors in a family’s first move, not to mention feelings and emotions. When you are helping your families adjust to a new place and new city that you are going to be calling home, it is important to lead them around so their transition is cushioned with leadership, compassion and understanding. Here’s how you can help.
Take a Tour
Make sure that you clearly state every room and who will be living there, and what the room will look like or what will be done there (family room, laundry room, etc.) Does somebody’s window face the lake? Or have 2 closets? Make this apparent to all. Walk around as a unit and be there for any questions or any confusion as to what room is whose. Also, you can try making things into a game to lighten the mood and to make their first experience in their new home positive and filled with laughter and smiles. Achieve this by playing hide and go seek or tag–especially if the house is empty!
Essentials Box for everyone
Having each person pack themselves an essentials box is incredibly important. For kids it should be things that comfort them. Games, music, books, journals, cameras all are important. Things that they are used to that they can turn to when they need some moments away. If possible, have the family move their essentials boxes so that the kids have a piece of familiarity and home the first night.
Plan a Family Gathering
Although planning anything this early in the game may seem daunting at a time like this, it doesn’t have to be. Find out what every family member wants to eat–grab your biggest blanket and your candles. Set up shop in your living room or dining room on the floor and get ready to talk. Talk about the move, the exciting and not so exciting parts, what you are looking forward to in your new home and city. Get it all out! This is also a fabulous forum for family support and understanding when members open up.
Unpack the Kids Rooms…first!
This is important that you can assure that your babies are taken care of and feeling secure as soon as possible. This includes posters being put up, music being set up or toys being brought out. A happy kid’s room is the key to a happy home.
Making Your Child Comfortable in Their New Room
Kids can be scared in their new living space, especially at night when its time to go to sleep. Make sure to make the room look as close to the old set up as possible to help them feel familiarized and at home ASAP.
One of the major relationship milestones that couples inevitably face is taking the leap into co-habitation. In order to prepare for this landmark, there are a number of considerations to make when it comes to combining the many aspects of your separate lives.
Pack and Plan – Before the big move, make sure to pack appropriately. Go through the items you have and decide what you can part with and what you need to invest in. Most importantly, discuss the big items like furniture. Decide before you move in together whether or not you really need the second sofa. Be realistic about what you can and cannot leave behind. Take advantage of old furniture by turning it into a profit and selling it.
Time and Space – Moving in with a significant other can become smothering if you don’t make time for yourself. Make sure to make and keep plans with friends and schedule activities and outings to keep your own individual life active. The same goes for within the apartment, keep certain space to yourself. Even when sharing a small studio, having a closest or designated area for your personal belongings will help maintain a certain level of independence.
Finances – Are you going to combine bank accounts? Sit down and figure out who will pay for what. Whose name will the utilities be in? Figuring out these details prior to the move will make the big move in day and subsequent transition easier.
Responsibilities – Like any roommate you may have had in the past, this one is no different in terms of taking care of duties around the house. This includes cleaning the bathroom, doing the dishes, and a wide assortment of less-than-desirable tasks. Make sure you rotate and take turns in terms of who handles what, so one person isn’t stuck resenting the other. Turn cleaning time into quality time by setting aside a couple of hours on the weekend to get things done together.
Keep Things Exciting – When living with someone, it can take a certain level of excitement and mystery out of the relationship. Make a consistent effort to expand dates beyond the couch, and even designate certain date nights that involve an exciting night out on the town. Try new things, visit new places, take a class together. This will help your relationship to continue to evolve as you are challenging yourself and continuing to learn new things about each other.
There is no getting around it: pets are like family. And only taking the best care for them will do, so make sure that you have taken precautions and prepared for their departure as well as yours to assure that their move as well as yours is smooth and painless. Check out the tips and insights into pet care while traveling:
• Make sure your pet is wearing identification and any required license tags in case they get lost.
• Ask your veterinarian for a copy of your pet’s medical history to take with you, and be sure all shots are current.
• Shortly before the move, your pets may become nervous because of all the unusual activity. Keep a close eye on them; stress may cause them to misbehave or run off. Consider looking into some holistic remedies for calming.
• When you move, take along a health certificate and a rabies vaccination certificate. The health certificate, signed by your veterinarian, says your pet is in good condition. The rabies certificate states when and where your pet was vaccinated.
• Look into the state that you are moving to and make sure that you are prepared for a quarantine period. In many cases your animal will need to be put into quarantine from anywhere from 30 to 120 days before you can take them home.
• After the move, give your pets time to adjust to the new neighborhood. Don’t let your pets roam freely until they learn where new “home” is now to avoid losing them.
• If you pet has an ID implant, remember to have updated contact information.
Follow these tips to make sure that your move is smooth and less stress on your loved ones!
After every move Exodus Moving & Storage completes, we will request your input about your moving experience with us. Continuous improvement is the hallmark of our success as a company and we are always anxious to get your feedback on how well we did our moving job.
Competitive and Accurate Estimates
The Cost of relocation is either based on weight or number of men and trucks needed as well as distance traveling. At no charge to you, one of our experienced and courteous Move Coordinators will review their move in great detail and provide you with an accurate move quote. Our Move Coordinator will also confirm requested pick-up and delivery dates.
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