July 15, 2015 By King Relocation

Six Tips for Making the Most of Your Summer Relocation

Relaxing by the pool with a good book; taking in a blockbuster movie release; hosting a BBQ for friends and family; or, taking time to visit new and exciting places, both near and far – that’s the stuff from which summers are made, right? Yes, of course! But, let’s not forget about relocation, too.

Fact is, the summer months are one of the busiest times of year for household moves and here’s why – the kids are out of school; employers are generally more flexible with PTO requests; and, there are more options available when it comes to selecting a new home as inventory typically runs much higher in the summer, than during the rest of the year when fewer people are relocating.

Yet, while it may be easier to coordinate the logistics surrounding a household relocation over the summer, you and your family might not be all that thrilled about taking precious vacation time to move to a new home, or even new city. For starters, it can be hot and humid in many places across the United States during this time, and there is an increased threat from weather incidents including hurricanes, tornadoes and thunderstorms, which could impact the relocation.

Never fear, a little planning and preparation along with the right relocation resources, can ensure that your summer move is a smooth one. And, here are six tips for making the most of it for you, and your family:

• Engage Relocation Resources Early. Contact your relocation company as far in advance as possible. Moving companies book up quickly, which can leave you with limited options if you wait until the last minute.
• Arrange for Child and Pet Care. If you have small children and pets, hire a caregiver and/or a pet sitter to help out in the days leading up to the move. Being able to pack and prepare for the move, without the inevitable distractions brought on by children and pets will save time, and ensure that everyone stays safe during the move.
• Donate Plants and Perishable Items. There is nothing worse the arriving at a new home only discover that much loved houseplants have wilted, wax from your favorite candles have melted all over your belongings, or that a box of chocolates you were saving is now a gooey mess. Before you start packing, take inventory of items that may not survive the move, then offer them to neighbors, friends or family member, or donate them to a local shelter.
• Keep Important Documents With You. Don’t pack birth certificates, immunization records, passports or other important family documents. Put them in an envelope or file and keep them with you during the move. You may also want to keep a copy of the latest utility, phone and water/trash bill in case anything happens and services are not shut off after you move. It’s also a good idea to have health and auto insurance cards on-hand – especially if you are moving cross-country.
• Don’t Forget Fido. Keep in mind that while hotels are becoming much more “pet-friendly,” there are still some chains and independent hotels that do not allow even small pets. Inquire when booking your reservations so there are no surprises when you arrive with pets in tow. Carry a copy of your pet’s immunization records in case you end up having to board them while in-transit.
• Combine Your Move with a Mini Vacation. If you are moving across country during the summer months, you will likely be passing by National parks, monuments and other attractions. This is a great time for your family to experience America, and you never know when you will be within a few hours drive of the Grand Canyon, Mt. Rushmore, the St. Louis Arch, the Statue of Liberty or Cape Cod National Seashore. Take a day or two away from the relocation and create fun memories by visiting some of these great places, you’ll be glad you did.

At King Relocation Services, we understand that moving can be a very stressful time for you and your family, and we are here to help with your household move. When you hire us, you can rest assured in knowing that we will help you make your next move, your best move. Our personal customer service coordinators are ready to help you plan your move from start-to-finish. We will make a site visit, provide you with verification of our licensing and insurance, ensure that you understand your rights and responsibilities as a mover, and provide clean, marked vehicles and friendly staff to execute your relocation.

We hope that you will consider King Companies to be your “go-to” resource for all of your household relocation needs. To learn more about our household goods relocation services, visit www.kingcompaniesusa.com.