How To: Prepare Specialty Mattresses

Now, if you have not had a chance to read our post on “How To: Move Mattresses” we advise you to read that post before this one only in the regards that the same rules do not apply with every type of mattress. Specialty mattresses such as sleep number bed and tempurpedic mattresses need clearly defined care. Tempurpedic have to be completely flat 100% of the time even though it can be moved vertically in short distance instances.

Sleep number beds also need specific a careful thought such as possibly having to disconnect the electronics or hiring a specialist to come before Strong Hands, LLC., unless we get specific permission to disconnect for the client to do it.

Assembling your Sleep Number 360®Smart Bed Compatible Flexfit™ Adjustable Base – YouTube

Not hiring professional movers to move your valuable furniture will most definitely save you money, but the thing we suggest clients remember is that they cannot or should it be said as should not attempt to complete this task entirely on their own. Strong Hands, LLC., have reliable careful hands and have no problem getting right to work. Instead, taking the chances give us a call today to book your specialty move by giving us a call at (607) 342-6761.

How To: Move A Mattress

There is something about having a perfect cozy, comfy, mattress that you can fall asleep and stay asleep in or even just longue in for a few minutes. The last thing clients what is their mattress to be damaged that is why they call Strong Hands, LLC. for assistance. With that in mind, we outline for our clients the best practices that we follow when moving mattresses.

First and foremost we take care of the most important part of moving a mattress which is bagging it up with thick plastic bags can we purchase at moving supply stores if our clients did not save the original bag their mattress came in. The plastic bags we use protects against dirty and/or any other damage that is possible when moving delicate furniture such as a luxury mattress.

Strong Hands, LLC., finds it extremely important to make sure we keep all of our clients belongings clean and fully protected. If clients prefer for their mattresses to travel in a thicker bag such as a carrier that more than likely has handles on each ends we can carry their mattress in a sling just fine without any issues. However, we suggest that carriers are more beneficial if not having professional movers assist. We as careful professional movers that have experience do not necessarily need a tool that high technique. Next, our team rotates, flips, and or angles clients mattresses to go through the door because if a mattress is bended it could possible ruin it by causing lumps. No matter how narrow or short a clients stairwell is we figure out a way to get the task done without ruining their mattress as that is an hard no in our book. If there is an issue to where we cannot get the clients mattress out safely we often times suggest another way such as renting a crane. It is worth renting a crane rather than ruining your lovely bed that most have worked hard to afford and enjoy. Something some movers and/or clients trying to move their bed on their own forget or does not even come to mind is light-fixtures and/or sprinkler heads. After this entire process is complete next up is picking a spot in our truck or any truck in that matter to place the clients mattress. It is important that their mattress is placed in a spot that is protected by water (e.g., water/snow). The mattress also need to be able to fit flat and upright against a wall of the truck or up strictly against a truck load (e.g., farthest away from the door in the back). Strong Hands, LLC., lays down either cardboard and/or blankets before our clients mattress touches the truck their mattress is being transported in. The mattress is first placed upright on the protective gears and secured to either a box spring and/or but not limited to some cardboard sheets, or a solid wall or boxes. If need be we can use straps such as bungee cords although we strongly try not too because yes they may help however the bungee cord hooks can come loose ripping the fabric of the mattress ultimately damaging it.

As you have read above, this is tedious and stressful work for a person without moving experience, we suggest calling a professional such as us Strong Hands, LLC., do not leave clients high and dry or sadly disappointed we leave them highly satisficed and will get the job done without any hiccups, bumps, or bruises. Give us a call today to book your mattress move at (607) 242-6761!

Moving with Pets

Meow this, ruff ruff that, or maybe it is the talking bird, the curious rabbit, or how about the unbothered reptile whichever animal that may have the last noise on the big moving day. The reality of it is – pets are apart of the family. So, when it comes time to moving, pet owners need to make it of priority to create a pet-friendly home.

Strong Hands, LLC., help clients travel through their pets mind so when it comes time to move the majority of their worries in regards to their pets are at least settled.

Maybe you got a new job offer, a chance to grow your family, and/or closer or farther away from the city. It is important to be mindful or why you want to move to make sure you are making a feasible decision. Whether your new home is more pet-friendly, has larger square footage, or just what you want. The motivation behind your decision matters more than most realize when purchasing a new home.

A few things to know when deciding on what house to buy with pets. For instance, if you have a dog it is a good idea to consider hard wood flooring, ranch style home, running on the stairs, a fenced in back yard, a built in mudroom, surrounding side walks with pedestrian crossings, and lastly nearby park, trails, and outdoor green wide open spaces.

Another instance, if you have cats you should consider hard wood flooring, high ceilings, low-traffic area, large windows, screened in porch and or a sun room, lastly a large bathroom to where you can store a small litter box.

When considering these basic common things shopping for homes it is also of important to think about room that clients can declutter and make more or less accessible for their pets to lounge in. By donating or throwing away items you do need when moving you are clearing your home from unnecessary clutter making healthy lifestyle choices that will ultimately benefit everyone in the long-run.

Moving is stressful enough for us human for animals it is an experience that is not easily processed. Losing their favorite lounging and hiding spots for instance it is a change that they cannot understand like us. We know what is happening when moving pets on the other hand do not comprehend.

Somethings to consider is gathering veterinary records, refilling nay medications need be, finding a new vet technician, etc., and much more. If clients are going to board their pets making the proper arrangement for that to happen.

Here is something pro-active to do in effort to managing your pets stress is generate a solid list of the things you can do for them during the moving process. In case one strategy does not work you can try another.

Your list can simply consist of getting your pet comfortable in their crate (e.g., practicing going in and out of the crate), not feeding your pet before travel by hydrating them because the last thing you would want is you pet to have an upset stomach ending in them vomiting, screening pet-friendly places, setting up a nice quiet area where you pet can become comfortable with the new home, pet-proofing your new home before letting your pets roam free, and lastly paying close attention to your pets body language to monitor for signs of stress and/or illness.

Strong Hands, LLC., might not have all the answers however we can step in and be apart of your moving experience and guide clients on how to keep their pets cared for and happy at a low cost so that clients can focus solely on their big move instead of getting distracted by their anxiety worrying over the little things. For more information give us a call at (607) 342-6761.

Moving with Kids

Children Are Not A Distraction from more Important Work, Children Are The most Important Work 😊

Have you ever tried moving with kids? It’s difficult. Whether it’s long distance or the house down the street; if friends or nobody in that matter is available to have you move, moving with kids can become stressful quick. If If you have a baby or toddler, or other small children you’ll have to become creative to move while entertaining them and keeping your sanity. Take it from a professional moving company whose moving experience goes a long way our clients use our ideas and tips to make their life while moving a little less crazy.

Moving can be a huge undertaking especially if your adding children into it because family and/or friend are not available and you cannot afford the help of a sitter. This can feel like an impossible challenge to get through without hiring Strong Hands, LLC. for a low cost.

Strong Hands, LLC., understands moving day from a child’s perspective which looks like parents spending hours wrap, pack, and label their belongings, only to watch them again unpack, unwrap, and store things, in a new home, it is very boring for them. Let’s talk about the amount of anxiety for some that moving brings such as a new start and new adventure in a new living environment say your kids were reluctant to wanting to the move. How about kids seeing their mother having a meltdown from the normal stress of moving turned into a complete nightmare.

Luckily, with a little creativity and mindfulness, parent can plan accordingly for moving day to make moving into a fun/friendly event. With low-cost activities keeping your kids busy while we focus on the move will not be of a problem.

There are plenty of great games for children that even focus on learning. For instance, when moving I am sure there is so extra bubble wrap hanging around let your children play with some as children love bubble wrap. They will entertain themselves until every last bubble is popped. This serves as a distraction only for when your children are in the same room with you, we kind of have to be strategic here! When children are playing with bubble wrap to ensure safety there should always be an adult close by in case of anything happening.

Another instance, if age appropriate let them help pack. Even young children can pack items such as toys, stuffed animals, books of theirs, and clothing. Listen, it might no be as neat and efficient as we would like but if works to help your children feel apart of the change so be it. Let them organize their toys! A good idea we have seen is parents do is a mini “movie theater” by arranging blankets and pillows on the floor, yummy snacks, drinks, and a portable DVD player with a variety of age appropriate movies to pick from to watch.

We hope our few sanity savers we spoke about here have helped put into perspective for those that have no other choice but to have their children present during a move. For more sanity saving tips and our extraordinary moving services to help support your family on the big move day please give us a call at (607) 342-6761.

Creating Essential Boxes

Fill boxes with things you will need until your kitchen is unpacked and officially set up. First things first, is labeling because everyone needs to know what is in which box including the movers. Label it clearly, so the movers you hire know not to put it into the truck that is going to storage or worst yet to the donation center and/or the dump. In fact, pack the boxes yourself with one of the crew member you have hired that way two eyes have set eyes onto the items you have packed then place it in an area (e.g., car truck) so it does not get mixed up with other boxes. Hopefully doing this will make your move a tad less stressful knowing that you know where to pull your basic necessities out of quick and fast when you need it the most.

Supplies for Cooking

  • Saucepan: This adaptive cookware can boil water, heat up soup, or even cook pasta for a quick meal.
  • Frying pan: A frying pan can make scrambled eggs, sear meat, or sauté vegetables. If you like cooking eggs, consider a nonstick pan or cast iron skillet.
  • Knives: Pack one sharp versatile knife and one paring knife (wrap them in a towel and keep them in a safe box). Trust me, that’s it for what you need.
  • Cutting board: A cutting board can be used for what it is initially used for and a serving platter in other words dual uses.
  • Large bowl: A large metal or plastic bowl can be used to make salads, beat eggs, or wash greens. You will not have to worry about the bowl being fragile because it is not glass.
  • Tongs: Tongs can toss things such as pasta, flip meat, or stir things around in a frying pan. Plus, if you want to fire up the grill there you go your are fully prepared.
  • Rubber spatula: A good rubber spatula can stir things such as scrambled eggs and scrape things when mixing or cooking.
  • Foil: Baking pans are bulky, foil can also serve as a lid when cooking.
  • Resealable plastic bags: Pack a few in each size for leftover food or ingredients. Thank me now! The usefulness of having baggies around is surprising for new clients.
  • Oil, salt, and pepper: These three essentials are irreplaceable in even the most simple cooking.

Silverware Supplies

  • Don’t forget a set of plates, bowls, knives, forks, and spoons for each person because you will need things to eat with.
  • Paper and Plastic- Believe it or not… paper and plastic goods can be re-used. No matter the theme of them if there is extra after a party or gathering save them! You will find they make your worries in life a bit less especially while you are getting settled. Some plastic goods can actually be very durable and lightweight.

Drinking Supplies

  • Wine and/or bottle opener: If you are a wine love or enjoy cracking a fresh cold beer keep a wine and/or bottle opener within reach.
  • Glasses: Always pick the lightweight and strong (cold/heat non-sensitive) that way they can be used interchangeably without a problem or safety concern. To add- plastic and paper cups can be useful as well but make sure to keep a permanent marker hanging around because you will want to maximize the use of each cup.
  • Coffee or morning essentials: You’ll be content if you have the proper tea and/or coffee mug in the morning to drink your beverage out of and not have to worry. Forget settle up anything fancy you have pack actual coffee and/or tea and throw in your favorite mug to remind you of the goodness of the decision you have made for a better future!

Examples:

Box 1: Paper Towels, Sponges, All-Purpose Cleaner, Gloves, and Shower curtain

Box 2: Toilet Paper, Medicines, Bandages, Cups, Paper Plates, Cutlery, Toothpaste, Soap, Shampoo, Sheets, Towels, Air Beds, and Pet Essentials (e.g., food/litter etc.,)

Hopefully these tips will help better you moving experience by allowing you to have some peace of mind and if not Strong Hands, LLC., does all of this for our clients at a low cost. For more information give us a call at (607) 342-6761.

Protect Carpets While Moving

If you have not checked out “How To Protect Your Flooring” we highly suggest in doing so. Here is our second way of protecting flooring however a different type known as carpet. As you can imagine the whole idea of this information is to give more tips of how to protect flooring your right but we will take our applied knowledge to the next level here because we all can agree protecting your carpet is just as important as protecting your other types of floor (e.g., hard wood floors, tile, etc.,). There are many different material to use to cover your carpets for to strictly serve as protection so that absolutely no damage happens. Our worst nightmare is having damaged and stained perfectly taken care of carpet that was either put in or was left to us by previous owner who took very well care of them. Well there are strategies and techniques to damage-free carpeting in which not most clients who come to us nearing move in day would not have thought of to have used themselves. A material we use is using old clean rugs or even sometimes blankets donated to our company to use as temporary protection on clients move-in day. We use the strategize by placing this type of material at exit points to keep any water and/or dirty from getting on the rugs or below the material to the carpets. This strategy provides a barrier against damage (e.g., dents, scratches, stains, etc.,). We always remind clients using area rugs and blankets they decide to get rid of for moving purpose more than likely will totally get damaged during the process so only chose protectors that they do not mind letting go forever. Another material to consider is floor runner which act as an excellent protector and that will defend the floors and carpets in your home like a night in shiny armor. Most floor runners are made underneath to be anti-slip to keep them from shifting causing people who use them for many different reasons to slip and get hurt. Floor runners are a great option to use in particularly for staircases to prevent those from slipping while going up and down the stairs. Unfortunately, floor runner are pricey so you might want to find other material to use interchangeably. Plastic film might a bit cheaper however it is not recyclable. It serves as an a non-slip in between carpeting and traffic of feet in your home. Again, the downside of self-adhesive plastics film is that it has to be purchases yet another expense most would prefer to avoid. Strong Hands, LLC., like to use clean recycled cardboard as it is recyclable and cost little to nothing sometimes nothing at all. Cardboard can be used versatilely to protect hardwood flooring, laminate, carpet, tile and so on in your home. Flattened thick cardboard acts as extra protection that not only us but most clients prefer to keep not only us safe but our environment as well. Under normal circumstance and indented use, cardboard typically seals the deal for the win! In other words, if you already have the cardboard from packing then use it. Strong Hands, LLC., are the good movers and even if we are not doing all the work we are here offering all our tips. However, it is in customers best interest to hire the extra low cost help after hiring us the careful movers clients always realize how much work they were going to take on themselves and how their move could have costed them more. It is common that some clients do not realize up front all of the potential difficulties and actual cost that come into play making the picture a whole lot more troubling than just having our expert movers help. Our unique professionalism and knowledge speaks volumes in the work we physically do for our clients. For more details and information give us a call at 607-342-6761.

Protecting Walls While Moving

When it comes moving day, your biggest thoughts are likely to be about how to keep your belongings or both the house your moving out of and the house your moving into getting damaged. This is because, furniture is heavy and anything heavy easily can be hard to move let alone prevent from nicking from bumping into causing damage to a house you just sold and/or bought.

Strong Hands, LLC., has good new that clients can prepare prior to move in day preventing damaged worried happening. Taking such precautious will reduce the likely hood of anything that will cost you a great amount of money in repairs.

The best way to get a head start is consulting with Strong Hands, LLC., and preparing how to prevent your walls during your move together. While you may plan on tackling this job all on your own our professionals know the in’s and out’s of this area the most of how to keep your carpet clean of dirt, tears, and spill, and to prevent the walls just as much from dents and scratches by using carboard or other materials to prevent damage.

Strong Hands, LLC., makes it easy and simple by showing up in the proper attire with nothing that would rub up against fragile items and damage them. We are experienced at wrapping items that clients need moved out and into their new place with proper materials (e.g., plastic, shrink wrap, padding, soft fabric, etc.,) to avoid anything damaging clients walls. Hiring us avoids any extra money being spent later. It is our top priority to make sure out clients belonging get moved safely.

When it comes to your up coming move call us and let us work with you to get you moved out of your home and into your new one. We have professional’s that are knowledgeable on these kind of things and ready to help at a low cost. We have the solution to protect your walls and that solution is simply picking up your phone giving us a quick call at 607-342-6761.

Downsizing As A Senior?

What Should You Do With Your Belongings?

It is so much more than moving when you are downsizing as a senior, let us help. Downsizing means where you are relocating to more than likely will have less space. Over the course of a lifespan you probably have accumulated lots of “stuff” some value some not. When downsizing you will not be able to take everything that you own. For some, overwhelmed with emotion they do not even know where to begin.

Strong Hands, LLC., know how to better help those in need of downsizing them most moving companies. We start by taking a picture of each room in clients home so that they have something to look back on when wanting to feel comfortable from their past home where many have spent so much time making memories. Then, we choose one part of clients home to start putting into categories such as: keep, throw out, give away, or donate. After that we like to get our client involved even more by putting together a “special” pile of items they want to give to the special loved ones in their like (e.g., family, close friends, etc.,). The special pile consist of heirlooms, antiques, and really any items that hold a sentimental value in their hearts or items that have been requested to be passed on. Of course all the the items you use on a regular basis or that bring your joy on a regular basis even time from time should go with you. It is also a great idea to pack an essential bag.

Anything broken, unusable, and unable to restored back close to it’s regular form should be tossed immediately without any hesitation. For a small cost we will take all gently used, recyclable, or repairable items for clients and donate them to a nonprofit that accepts those type of goods. Any items that need to be thrown out we can help with that as well. Items that you are not willing to part with if enough for a small storage space we can help arrange that with clients as well.

Strong Hands, LLC., policy when helping clients downsize and declutter is that if they are not ready to give away, toss, or donate – there is no reason to do anything in such that will cause regret and grief later on for them. We respect our clients feelings and opinions as we are working for them find ways to significant benefit them by coming up with a plan of action that will make the situation less overwhelming.

We suggest to thoroughly downsize and minimize clutter with us to ensure clients have achieved their highest potential in such a sensitive time in their life. Whichever way clients choose to go we will go with them offering our services every step along the way to better help them reach their goals. For more information about our services and booking with us, give us a call at 607-342-6761.