Category Archives: McGuire News

St Louis Movers Recognize National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the US Department of Homeland Security. The month serves to educate Americans on how to prepare for all types of emergencies, including natural disasters and possible terrorist attacks. Whether you are St Louis movers about to move or have moved recently, McGuire Moving & Storage wants to bring National Preparedness information to your front door.

Moving to a new area will present many unknowns that will be understood in time as you settle in and adjust. At McGuire Moving & Storage, we think understanding the risk of certain disasters occurring in your new community is one unknown St Louis movers will want to understand before or shortly after a move so that you can be prepared as soon as possible.

We encourage St Louis movers to join us for this eleventh annual National Preparedness Month by knowing the risks for disasters in your new area and preparing for them. We have compiled this list of informative internet articles to educate our St Louis movers and help them take the steps necessary to be prepared. We hope you take some time to read over the many resources for protecting yourself, your family and your home in case of an emergency.

  • Ready.gov-Be Informed
  • Ready.gov-Evacuating Yourself and Your Family
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-Be Ready, Nat’l Preparedness Month is Here!
  • Weather-Ready, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-National Preparedness Month: What Can You Do?
  • Community.fema.gov-America’s PrepareAthon!

Stay informed and be prepared in case of a disaster. National Preparedness Month reminds us to and shows us how. McGuire Moving & Storage wish all of our St Louis movers the very best in your new homes and communites!

What Can a St Louis Mover Do With that Old Piano?

Well what do you know? September is National Piano Month as celebrated by The National Piano Foundation. The piano has been around for over 300 years.  It is indeed a beautiful instrument and also one of the largest and heaviest of instruments.  The words large and heavy always grab our attention at McGuire Moving & Storage because when it comes to moving, large and heavy items are the reasons you should hire a St Louis mover.

Ideally, if you own a beautiful piano and enjoy it, you will want to move it with you wherever you go and certainly a St Louis mover can help with that. But what if you no longer want a piano that has been taking up space or hidden in the basement? What can you do with it to avoid the cost of moving an unwanted piano to your new home?

Of course selling it is always an option but that will depend on the condition of the piano. If in good condition, you could list it in the classified section of the newspaper or on Craig’s list. If it is in ok condition, you could even list it as “Free” with pick-up.  A free piano might appeal to a family with young children just starting piano lessons. You might also consider listing your free piano on pianoadoption.com. This is a great source for finding someone that may want to adopt your piano. You create a listing on the site by state with information and a photo of your piano. Someone just might want to give it a good home.

If you would like to donate your piano to a qualified non-profit organization, you could possibly get a tax deduction for the value of the piano as well as your costs to move it. For more information on donating your piano, check out Pianofinders.com

For the St Louis mover who happens to be crafty or artistic and may want to keep an unused piano that has sentimental value, we got a kick out of this article-26 DIY Inventive Ideas how to Repurpose Old Pianos. Here are some brilliant and fun ideas to consider or perhaps the article may spark a creative idea of your own.

Maybe your children took lessons on your piano, but they are grown and it sits alone in silence. According to The National Piano Foundation, the fastest growing group of aspiring pianists in the U.S. today is not children, but adults aged 25-75+ years. It is never too late to learn.  Maybe you decide to move that piano along with you after-all so you can explore a whole new learning experience with music.

If you definitely have a piano to move, McGuire Moving & Storage is your St Louis mover with the experience needed to carefully move your piano and deliver it safely to your new home. And certainly if you can play it, we wouldn’t mind being treated to a song or two while we finish our work!

Is a St Louis Moving Company Needed for Your College Move?

Welcome back to your St Louis moving company moving tips blog! Last time McGuire Moving & Storage provided our local college freshmen with tips for moving into their dorm. This week we consider students moving back to college to live off-campus.

Students decide to move off-campus for any number of reasons. Popular reasons are to save money and take the next step toward living more independently as young adults. Whatever the reasons, parents will most likely have concerns and questions. We suggest this article on College Parents of America-Should My College Student Live Off-Campus?  The whole site is a fabulous resource covering a myriad of topics for parents of college students.

So here you are in August ready to move off-campus.  Off-campus housing brings unique moving needs and can be more complicated than moving into a dorm. There are so many different factors involved depending on the type of housing you choose.  Are you moving into an apartment or house? First floor or higher? Are you renting the space furnished or will you need to furnish it? Whether it is furnished or not, you will certainly be bringing more along with you than you could bring to a dorm.  Will you need to hire a St Louis Moving Company?

Most college moves are fairly easily handled without hiring movers. Usually a few friends and small truck will suffice. If you are moving yourself, be sure to check out our packing tips for information on packing supplies and packing methods.

If your off-campus move involves more than you want to handle on your own, McGuire Moving & Storage is the St Louis Moving Company with affordable small move solutions. Contact us for information about handling your college move. There are a number of ways we can help.  Have a wonderful year in your new college town dwelling and Good Luck!

 

St Louis Moving Company Provides College Freshmen Moving Tips

Here it is again! Every mid- August the tide of students leaving home and moving to college begins. We are at the beginning of this season and it will take us into the beginning of September depending on college start dates. McGuire Moving & Storage has many years of experience as a St Louis Moving Company. We know this annual migration well and are here to help.

We have noticed over the years that there is usually a lot of mystery surrounding moving into a dorm for college freshmen. Most freshmen students do not get to see their actual room ahead of time. Colleges may provide a short list of things to bring to the dorm but without exact room and included furniture measurements, it is hard to know what you need or how much you can actually bring. Check your college’s website thoroughly for any and all information you can get about your dorm and building. Most sites provide lists of what you can and cannot bring. We suggest you try to find out the following things:

  • Does the desk provided have a built in lamp?
  • How far off the ground is your dorm bed and can the height of the bed be adjusted to fit more underneath?
  • If you have a wardrobe space, is there a full-length mirror on the door?
  • What are the policies for hanging things on the walls?
  • Dimensions of the room and furniture

Typically it is not necessary to hire a St Louis moving company to move freshmen to a college dorms as they really just can’t bring that much with them. A typical trap as you browse the fabulous displays in stores that are filled with all kinds of snazzy fun college living things, is to overbuy just to find out when you get there, that you don’t have room for everything that you bought.  Once you see your actual dorm room, you will understand more about your living situation. If you find you could really use something that you did not bring, you can easily order it on-line and have it delivered directly to your dorm.

It is a great idea to get in touch with your roommate(s) and see what they might be bringing. You may find that several things you were both planning to bring can be shared such as a small refrigerator or a TV. It will save space if you are not doubling up on the same items.

Make sure you bring a few of your creature comforts from home-photos, a favorite throw, a supply of your favorite snacks, etc. Your dorm room and building will be your home away from home, so bring a little bit of home with you to help you feel at home.

McGuire Moving & Storage wish all our college freshmen a successful and happy first year at college! We are the St Louis moving company you can turn to for everything moving!

Cleaning House before a St Louis Move

Welcome Back to McGuire Moving & Storage St Louis Moving Tips Blog!

Last week we discussed what should be left behind in the home by the sellers before their St Louis move. This week we will address the condition your property should be left in before going to closing.  It is really quite simple. Leave it the way you would want it if you were moving in. You would want it clean and clear of trash and debris.

Your St Louis move process has kept you busy for quite some time now. You are almost done! After your St Louis movers have cleared your home of your belongings, it is quite easy to make your home move in clean.  Here is a check-list of common cleaning courtesies:

  • Floors should be swept clean
  • Carpets should be vacuumed
  • Refrigerator should be empty and wiped clean
  • Oven should be clean and empty except for broil pan
  • Kitchen and bathroom counters should be wiped clean and dry
  • Sinks, tubs and shower stalls should be wiped down
  • There should be no trash or debris anywhere in the house or on the property

In most cases it will state in the purchase agreement what condition the house will be left in before closing. Sometimes it is agreed upon to have professional cleaners clean the house. Other times a simple broom swept condition is all that is required. Read your agreement over carefully and understand what is required in your case.

Having been in the St Louis move business as long as we have, we often notice the little extra touches our customers have left for their buyers. Of course these are not at all necessary but very nice indeed. Some examples have been to leave a new roll of toilet paper in the bathroom and a new roll of paper towels on the kitchen counter in case the buyers arrive and can’t find where they packed these immediate necessities. Some people have left take-out menus to their favorite restaurants in the area with the house manuals. How nice to arrive in a new home and then easily order dinner in from a recommended local shop when you are not yet unpacked or too tired to shop or cook. Some sellers have left a few copies of old photographs of the home so the buyers had a visual history of the home and property. It seems to help sellers leaving a home they loved to share a sentiment with the new owners.

McGuire Moving & Storage wish you all the best with your St Louis move. Good luck in your new home!

 

 

 

St Louis Moving Company Provides Information on What to Leave Behind

You are all packed up and ready to leave your home. Your St Louis moving company will arrive to load everything up and move you to your new home. What should you leave behind?

What do you have to leave behind?  Typically anything that is a “fixture” stays behind when selling your home. A fixture is defined as anything that is affixed or fastened to your property. A fixture becomes part of the property and therefore part of the sale. Each state has its own guidelines for defining fixtures so check with your real estate agent for specifics involving your home in your state.

Some examples of fixtures:

  • Mounted light fixtures and their shades
  • Ceiling fans
  • Mirrors that are fastened rather than hung on walls
  • Curtain rods
  • Shades/blinds
  • Built-in bookshelves
  • All cabinet and door hardware
  • Built-in appliances such as dishwasher and oven/range
  • Anything planted and rooted in the landscaping-shrubs, perennials, etc.

If you are really attached to a particular fixture in your home and do not want to leave it behind, remove it and replace it before a buyer ever sees it. For instance, if you hand-crafted a crystal chandelier and you do not want to part with it, take it down before you show your home and replace it with another light fixture.

Other items to leave behind:

  • All keys to doors, windows, gates, mailbox etc.
  • All remotes for garage doors, ceiling fans, security systems, etc.
  • Appliance manuals, warranties and necessary receipts should be neatly left in one place
  • Touch-up paint to match the current wall color
  • Pertinent flooring material or roof tiles can be neatly left and stacked in the garage if new owner wants it

Some items may be expected to sell with the house but aren’t required to be. To avoid any complications on closing day or after, have anything expected to sell with the house to be included in the purchase agreement between you and the buyer. Examples could be curtains/drapes, appliances that are not built in like refrigerators, washers and dryers. Be clear ahead of time about what you are offering to leave behind so it can be included in your purchase agreement. Make sure your St Louis moving company is aware of what stays or goes according to the agreement.

Once your St Louis moving company loads the van with your belongings, your home and property should be empty of all debris, trash and personal belongings. Check back next week when McGuire Moving & Storage, your local St Louis Moving Company will discuss cleaning your house before sale and other final sale day details.

Ways for St Louis Movers to Go Green

We are in the green of summer and the busiest moving season. It is a perfect time for St Louis movers to consider making choices for a greener move. St Louis movers can lessen the impact that a move can have on the environment by following a few easy tips.

Recycle-People often clean out and clear out what is no longer needed before a move. They often find items in the home that are no longer used or needed. We encourage you to recycle as much as possible rather than just throwing these things away. To find out what can be recycled in your area, we recommend earth911.org where you can find a recycle guide as well as a search tool for finding recycling in your zip code area. Plus, you can lower your move costs by moving fewer items that you really don’t need anyway.

Donate-There are many organizations who would be willing to take things off of your hands and keep them out of the landfills. We recommend donationtown.org where you can find a charity that will pick up your donations for free.

Boxes-You will need many boxes for packing up your things but they do not need to be brand new. Consider recycling boxes by using them again. There are several ways of doing this. Some stores give away boxes from shipments of goods. Sometimes you can find these boxes stacked in the front of a store free for the taking. If they are in good shape, sturdy and dry, they can be used. If you know you are moving in a few months, start collecting boxes and packing material from packages you receive in the mail and let your friends know you are collecting them as well. Even better-if you know a friend that has recently moved, ask for their boxes once they are finished with them. Bet they would be happy to have you take them off their hands. When you are finished with your boxes, be sure to recycle them or pass them along to another friend who will be moving. Another way to save on purchasing new cardboard is to use containers that you already own to pack things in. You can also rent heavy duty plastic tubs. Check with your St Louis moving company-McGuire Moving & Storage for green saving packing ideas and resources.

Packing materials-Consider using items around the house for packing your belongings instead of purchasing bubble wrap, packing peanuts and other new packing material. You can use towels, blankets, pillows, newspaper, junk mail, used office paper, shredded paper, plastic bags, brown grocery bags and many other items you regularly have around the house. You will help with the environmental impact and save money too. Ask us for advice – we can offer information about safe and green packing materials, as well as money savings tips.

McGuire Moving & Storage hopes that we have inspired our St Louis movers to consider a greener move. There are countless sources and ideas on-line for reducing waste and the environmental impact of your move. We hope this just gets the ball rolling with your thinking and choices surrounding your move.

The Busiest St Louis Move Season is Heating Up!

Yes! Summer has arrived and so has our busiest St Louis move season of the year. Are you ready to go? We are!  McGuire Moving & Storage is standing by with our experienced staff and crew to ensure that your move is a smooth one.

As you get closer to your move day, things start to happen fast. We want you to be fully prepared for your St Louis move. It can be a challenge to keep organized and stay on top of all your moving tasks when you probably already have a busy schedule. This can be even more challenging if you have never moved before. There are so many things to think about. Fortunately we have decades of moving experience and are ready to lend a hand.

McGuire Moving & Storage can help by providing you with this Moving Planner-Read Here. Whether you are months, weeks or days away from your move, you can look to this planner to help you remember and organize your move. We appreciate all that you have to do. Moving is a huge undertaking and considered one of the most stressful life changes. Use this planner to ease your stress. As you check things off, you will feel accomplished and ready for loading day.

If you are packing yourself, McGuire Moving & Storage can also help with packing supplies. We have a wide array of moving boxes and supplies, as well as pre-packaged moving kits.  All supplies are of the same quality used by professional movers and affordably priced. And of course, if you need help packing – we can help you with full service professional packing.

The heat is on but you can keep cool during your St Louis move process with an organized plan and of course an ice-cream! Good Luck!

Practice Safety on St Louis Moving Day

In recognition of National Safety Month, we here at McGuire Moving & Storage make it a point to share a message of safety with our St Louis moving customers in June and throughout the year. Last week we shared some tips and resources for packing safely when preparing for your St Louis move. This week we place our safety focus on moving day itself.  We want you, your pets, your family and your movers to have a safe and pleasant moving experience.

So you are all packed up, ready to load and move to your new home. Whether you hired movers or are moving yourself, the safety of everyone involved is a top priority. Here is a small checklist to get you thinking about safety on your St Louis moving day:

  • Small children and pets-It is best to have someone look after your small children and pets on safety day. Doors will be propped open and people will be moving heavy items out of the home and onto a truck. Children and pets could easily wander outside and possibly get lost. They could also get in the way of heavy dangerous lifting and risk being hurt. They will be safer off the premises in the care of friends or family.
  • Keep all walkways and doorways free from obstacles-Periodically check the residence inside and out throughout the moving process. Helpers could trip and fall with heavy items if passageways are not left clear.
  • When disassembling furniture-Use the proper tools and place them in a safe place when not in use.
  • Be sure to keep a first aid kit handy-This is one thing you do not want to pack and load. Keep one near you through the move day should anyone need it.
  • Food and water-Keep hydrated throughout the day and remember to eat for strength and endurance. Water and healthy snacks should be set aside in a tote for a quick grab when you need it.
  • Rest-Get plenty of necessary rest the night before your move so you are alert and refreshed.
  • Dress for the climate conditions-you may need protective clothing to stay warm, cool or dry. Wear sunscreen and bug repellant if necessary.
  • If you are moving yourself-Be sure to have heavy duty gloves to protect your hands while lifting your items. Make sure you have the right moving gear such as handcarts and straps for heavy items.
  • Lock up-Check all windows and doors. They should be closed properly and locked to protect the dwelling after you are gone.

This not an inclusive list as every move has its own safety considerations. We just wanted to get you thinking about keeping safe on St Louis moving day. Take some time before you move to think about safety in and around your move, and then make your helpers aware of anything they would need to know to keep everyone safe. Avoid moving accidents. Keep alert and aware on St Louis moving day. McGuire Moving & Storage wish you a safe and pleasant move!

 

 

 

 

Packing Safety Tips for St Louis Movers

June is National Safety Month and McGuire Moving & Storage would like to provide some timely reminders for St Louis movers to practice safety during the move process. We are dedicating this month to sharing tips and resources for safe moving. This week we would like to draw your attention to safety matters having to do with the packing.

Your home is about to be turned inside out. All the contents are moving and shifting as you prepare for loading day. With everything out of place, your surroundings become less familiar to you increasing the chances of an accident.

Please look over the following list of safety considerations for the packing process of your move:

Packing Boxes-If you are packing and moving boxes yourself, you should be able to comfortably lift the box according to your strength. Know your strength. For step by step lifting instructions, please check out this helpful slideshow on heavy lifting provided by the Mayo Clinic.

Keep common passages clear-Hallways, doorways, steps, etc. should be kept clear of boxes, packing material and loose household items to avoid tripping and slipping in your home.

Keep packing tools such as box cutters, knives, tape cutters and scissors out of reach of children and off the floor to protect your family and pets.

Use heavy duty protective packing materials-To protect your belongings, be sure to use sturdy and strong boxes that will handle the weight of the contents. Also have padded wrapping materials such as bubble wrap to protect fragile items.

Of course, McGuire Moving & Storage would be happy to provide St Louis movers with our professional packing service. Give us a call and we will provide safe and secure packing. Also, you can read more moving and packing tips on our site.

Let’s kick off National Safety Month with healthy and safe packing! We invite our St Louis movers to check back later this month for more moving safety tips.