Multifamily Budgeting Tips: Re-Demoing & Partner Collaborations

Posted on August 22, 2023August 22, 2023 by Moved

Staying on top of the latest tools and technologies can be a daunting task, especially in multifamily property management. With a myriad of products and partners at your disposal, it’s easy to miss out on potential efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities. That’s why our team of seasoned multifamily professionals has come together to craft a set of invaluable tips to guide you through the budgeting season!

Re-Demoing: Unveiling Hidden Value in Existing Tools

In a constantly evolving industry, it’s essential to recognize that the products and partners you rely on have likely expanded their offerings since your last interaction. From added features and enhanced integrations to improved reporting and analytics, these updates often hold the key to optimizing your operations.

Creating a Productive Vendor Meeting Framework

The secret to harnessing the full potential of these meetings lies in creating a time-sensitive framework. Here are two key elements to consider:

1. Time Restrictions: Recognize that time is a valuable resource. Commit to keeping meetings to 30 minutes or less. Even shorter sessions (20 minutes, for instance) can yield productive results when focused on key priorities.

2. Clear Objectives: Communicate your intention to your vendors. Let them know that you’re seeking to optimize your operations and identify areas of improvement. This not only helps your partners tailor their presentations but also ensures that your goals align.

Tangible Benefits: A Month of Transformation

After implementing this strategy, the outcomes are transformative:

1. Productive Conversations: Engaging with partners in focused sessions leads to fruitful discussions that can open new avenues of time savings for your teams.

2. Rapid Knowledge Growth: You can level up your expertise in a short time frame by capitalizing on your vendors’ insights and expertise.

3. Operational Efficiencies: Unearthing new tools and features can lead to streamlined processes that save time and effort

4. Cost Savings: Consolidating tools based on the guidance of your current tech stack’s POC can lead to reduced spend, benefiting your financials.

The Power of Partner Collaboration

Connecting with vendors isn’t just about transactions; it’s about collaboration. Vendors are experts in their domains, and their insights can be invaluable. Rather than merely upselling, a good partner seeks to enhance your existing toolkit, helping you do more with what you have.

Taking Action: Implementing the Strategy Into Budget Season

Consider these steps:

1. Prioritize Meetings: Carve out intentional time for vendor meetings, making them an integral part of your annual budgeting process.

2. Designated Time Matters: Keep the meetings focused and time-bound, maximizing results within the allocated timeframe.

3. Set Objectives: Clearly communicate your goals to your partners, ensuring that their recommendations align with your priorities.

4. Evaluate and Implement: After your meetings, carefully evaluate the recommendations and implement changes that align with your business goals.

Embrace the Change

By regularly engaging with your vendors, you can transform change from a challenge into an opportunity. The process might seem overwhelming initially, given the number of tools at your disposal, but the rewards are significant. With just 20-30 minutes of your time, you can unlock efficiencies that make a real difference in your property management endeavors & budgeting season.

If you’re a Moved client or someone curious about our services, let’s talk! Book a time to chat and discover how we can help you optimize your multifamily resident onboarding and off-boarding. Book time here.

Milford Management Doubles Productivity and Ancillary Service Revenue

Posted on July 18, 2023July 18, 2023 by Moved

For more than 80 years under the Milstein Properties umbrella, Milford Management has been synonymous with the most exacting standards of excellence in the real estate industry. As a full-service organization, they are committed to providing the highest level of professional services to their residents with unwavering dedication and integrity. Today, Milford Management stands as one of the largest managing agents of the premier residential real estate in New York City.

According to Kent Bullis, Head of Residential Real Estate for Milford Management, working with Moved has dramatically improved the move-in process for their residents over the past year.

As someone who oversees the marketing of all of Milford Management’s properties, totaling 2,500 apartments across 13 different buildings in their portfolio, as well as the sales and onboarding teams, you can imagine how important efficiency and customer service are to Kent.

“Before we began using the Moved application, the move-in process was disjointed,” he explains. “We’ve seen a lot more connectivity between the leasing staff and our tenants as a result of the fluid move-in experience that Moved provides.”

Milford Management staff members have realized tremendous productivity due to efficiencies gained by using Moved. Kent stated that there were more than 700 move-ins during the past year, double the amount they have in a typical year.

“While we have doubled our capacity in a nine-month period, Moved has enabled us to handle that additional workload without a hiccup and without adding more staff. Essentially, Moved has saved us a considerable amount of time for each client and each client interaction, allowing us to focus on providing personalized customer service,” Kent said.

Kent also stated that the ancillary services that Moved has built into its application had been a game-changer for Milford Management.

Since we’ve implemented Moved, our conversion rate for all of our ancillary services has gone up 100 percent. We can now get new tenants to sign up for ancillary services we’re able to provide and activate when they take possession of their unit rather than trying to capture their enrollment days or weeks after they’ve moved.

Another challenge that Moved has eased is the back-and-forth interaction between tenants and onsite staff to gather pertinent insurance information. Kent explained, “It used to be arduous. The Moved platform has given us the ability to see when a tenant fills out their insurance information and receive an electronic copy of that proof of insurance before they take possession of a unit. By self-guiding on their own schedule, they are able to find an opportunity to correctly file the right documents and move through the onboarding process to one of our properties more seamlessly.”

To learn more about how you can improve efficiencies and increase revenue while making the move-in experience seamless and enjoyable for your tenants, contact us to schedule a demo.

The Power of First Impressions: Resident Experience and Onboarding

Posted on June 5, 2023May 1, 2024 by Moved

When it comes to resident onboarding, the first impressions and experiences of new residents can set the tone for their entire tenure in a multifamily building. The significance of this initial period cannot be overstated. So, let’s delve into some experience metrics and uncover the secrets to unlocking the full potential of move-ins! 🔑🌟

1️⃣ The Timeline: Research shows that the first 90 days of a resident’s stay are critical for establishing a positive experience. During this period, residents form lasting impressions and decide whether they feel welcomed and supported within the community. It is essential to prioritize a seamless move-in during this crucial window.

2️⃣ The Power of Personalization: Personalized onboarding experiences can leave a lasting impact on new residents. A study found that 80% of consumers are more likely to make a purchase when brands offer personalized experiences. Similarly, tailoring the move-in journey to individual residents’ needs and preferences can significantly enhance their satisfaction and sense of belonging.

3️⃣ Building Trust and Confidence: Trust is a vital component of any customer relationship, and onboarding is the foundation for building trust with new residents. The Harvard Business Journal indicates that 63% of consumers trust businesses more if they offer a positive onboarding experience. By establishing trust from the outset, multifamily can foster long-term resident loyalty.

4️⃣ Reducing Churn: The quality of the move-in process can directly impact resident retention rates. Similarly, teams that prioritize comprehensive move-ins can reduce resident turnover and minimize the associated costs.

5️⃣ Resident Feedback and Continuous Improvement: Engaging residents for feedback during the onboarding process can lead to valuable insights and continuous improvement. According to Forbes, 68% of consumers believe that a company’s willingness to listen to feedback is an indicator of good customer service. Actively seeking resident input allows apartment buildings to refine their welcome strategies and better meet residents’ evolving needs.

6️⃣ The Ripple Effect: Satisfied residents are more likely to become advocates for the multifamily building. Word-of-mouth recommendations are a powerful force, with 92% of consumers, on average, trusting recommendations from friends, family, and reviews. By delivering exceptional move-in experiences, leasing teams can encourage positive word-of-mouth and attract new residents.

7️⃣ The Cost of Missed Opportunities: Neglecting the onboarding process can be costly. It’s estimated that it can cost up to five times more to acquire a new resident than to retain an existing one (depending on your building type).

By prioritizing personalized experiences, building trust, seeking feedback, and delivering exceptional onboarding, buildings can create a solid foundation for long-lasting resident satisfaction, retention, and advocacy!

Ready to elevate your resident onboarding experience? Book time with our team here.

Your Ultimate Moving Guide: Preparing for a Seamless Apartment Transition

Posted on June 5, 2023June 5, 2023 by Moved

Moving to a new apartment can be an exciting adventure, but let’s face it, the process of actually moving is often anything but fun. Between packing, coordinating movers, and trying to stay organized, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But fear not! We’ve got you covered with this ultimate moving guide, packed with tips and tricks to make your move a breeze. Plus, we’ll introduce you to Moved, your new best friend, in coordinating your move and booking reliable movers. So grab a cup of coffee, put on your favorite playlist, and let’s dive in!

–Start Early and Plan Ahead: Moving requires careful planning and organization. Begin by creating a detailed timeline and checklist to stay on top of tasks. Start at least 8 weeks before your move-in date to allow ample time for preparation.

–Budget and Finances: Determine your moving budget and factor in costs such as security deposits, moving company fees, packing supplies, and any utility connection charges. It’s crucial to have a financial plan in place to avoid any last-minute surprises.

–Research the Neighborhood: Familiarize yourself with the new neighborhood before you move in. Research local amenities, nearby schools, hospitals, grocery stores, public transportation options, and recreational facilities. This knowledge will help you settle in more quickly and comfortably.

–Notify Important Parties: Notify your current landlord about your move-out date and start the process of ending your lease. Inform your utility providers, cable/internet companies, and postal service about your change of address. Leaving a building that uses Moved? You’re in luck! Moved will help coordinate all the move-out details through your resident portal.

–Declutter and Organize: Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter and streamline your belongings. Sort your items into categories (keep, donate, sell, discard) and decide what you truly need in your new space. Hold a garage sale or sell items online to lighten your load and make some extra cash.

–Packing Strategies: Start packing early, beginning with non-essential items. Invest in quality packing supplies such as sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and markers. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. Create an inventory list to keep track of everything.

–Change of Address: Update your address with the post office at least a week before your move. Notify your family, friends, and important contacts about your new address to ensure uninterrupted communication.

–Hiring a Moving Company: If you choose to hire professional movers, research reputable companies in your area or have Moved to help you coordinate your movers! Moved can help you get quotes from multiple providers, read reviews, and compare services offered. Book your movers well in advance to secure your desired moving date.

–Packing Essentials Box: Prepare a box of essentials that you’ll need on moving day and the first few days in your new apartment. Include items like toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, bed linens, basic kitchen supplies, and important documents. Keep this box separate and easily accessible.

–Protect Your Belongings and Your Peace of Mind: While moving into a new apartment is an exciting time, it’s crucial not to overlook the importance of insurance. Accidents happen, and having the right insurance coverage will ensure that your belongings are protected in case of unforeseen events. If you are a resident of a Moved building, you can view insurance options in your portal.

–Preparing for Moving Day: Ensure all your belongings are packed and ready to go before the moving day. Defrost and clean your refrigerator, disconnect appliances, and disassemble furniture if necessary. Take pictures of the setup of any electronic devices for reference during reassembly.

–Final Walkthrough: Perform a final walkthrough of your current apartment to ensure it’s clean and in good condition. Take photographs as evidence of its condition when you vacate. Return keys and settle any outstanding payments or obligations with your landlord.

Moving into a new apartment doesn’t have to be a stress-inducing nightmare. By following these tips and enlisting the help of Moved, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth and hassle-free move. Remember, organization, decluttering, and a little bit of humor can go a long way!

Learn more about Moved & booking movers here.

Moved helps LeFrak Streamline the Move-in Process to Deliver Best-in-Class Service.

Posted on May 17, 2023May 17, 2023 by Moved

With over 100 years of experience owning, developing, and managing properties, LeFrak is an established and respected presence in multifamily real estate. LeFrak is one of the largest privately-held apartment owners in the country, managing 20,000 units spread across New York City, Jersey City, South Florida, and the West Coast. In New York and New Jersey alone, their affiliates own and manage over 120 luxury residential properties offering services and amenities associated with the finest living. It’s no wonder then that LeFrak looked to Moved to help them perfect the fine art of stressless moving as one more way they can cater to their discerning clientele. “We first learned about Moved from a trusted industry colleague,” explained Mario Gaztambide, Head of Residential Real Estate for LeFrak.

When I set up the demo, I was completely blown away by the efficiency of the service. It was something really unique to the market and something we just weren’t doing with our current systems.

He went on to say that before using Moved, the move-in process was chaotic.

“Prior to implementing the Moved platform, a lot of the move-in information lived on separate documents that were emailed to the prospect or provided at the leasing office, and it created a jumble of materials that were hard to navigate.”

Implementing the Moved platform has proven to be a solution to a problem we didn’t fully know we had. Ensuring that our teams can deliver a streamlined and efficient move-in experience has greatly improved resident satisfaction.

Mario described how important Moved is as a tool to provide best-in-class service to young professionals who are relocating for work, “Moving is a stressful experience and probably one of the largest financial commitments that our residents make in the year, so we want that process to be comfortable, efficient and seamless.”

“In the urban areas in which we operate,” Mario continued, “roommates are a very large part of our incoming tenancy. That creates certain challenges when you have different members of a household coming from different states at different times.

The Moved platform really allows us to organize that in a much more efficient manner, and it allows our team to ensure that they deliver the same best-in-class service and experience to all members of the household who may not be moving in at exactly the same time.

Learn more about Moved and how we can improve the move for your residents, save time for your teams and boost your ancillary service revenue. Contact us to schedule a demo.

Top 4 Tips to Stay Organized During a Move

Posted on May 1, 2023May 1, 2023 by Moved

Staying organized can make the difference between a hair-pulling nervous breakdown and a calm, efficient move by the books. Here are four tips to help you stay centered and focused amidst the whirlwind of tasks required during the moving process.

1. Create and Use a Moving Binder/Notebook

You’ll be juggling a lot of balls throughout the moving process — best to keep everything organized in one place. Here is a sample list of things to include and keep track of:

-Lay out your master moving checklist.
-Plan your budget and refer back to it regularly.
-Keep an inventory of everything you’re moving, selling, donating, or throwing away, etc.
-Write down and compare quotes of different moving companies, rental trucks, storage units, insurance options, etc.
-Take notes on the pros and cons of different places during the home/apartment hunt.
-Gather important phone numbers: moving company, insurance company, truck driver, real estate agent, broker, new landlord, handymen, etc.
-Keep important papers: receipts, bill-of-lading, insurance contracts, paint swatches, etc.

2. Go Digital

Given the world we live in, what would an activity be without technology to help you out?! Of course, there is Moved, which we highly recommend. No worries if you are not a resident with our technology as a part of your building offerings you can still hire movers here. Along with that, Evernote and Wunderlist are two of the most popular planning apps in the world and work great as a digital to-do list. Both Sortly and Snap N Pack are designed for moving and allow you to easily print scannable QR codes to put on boxes, which sync with photos you’ve taken of the box’ contents. Never again will you wonder what’s in all those boxes you labeled “Misc”!

3. Label Boxes

Labeling boxes makes the experience better for everyone, you, your family/friends, and the movers. Not only will a solid labeling system help you remember what’s in the boxes for easy unpacking, but it will also help you keep track of everything you’ve packed/unpacked, and it will speed up the moving-in process by letting the movers know clearly where the boxes are going. They won’t need to ask you for directions every two minutes, leaving you free to wield your organizational magic elsewhere. There are many label systems out there — you can use computer labels, stickers, or a good old-fashioned large marker to get the job done. You can also use a color-coding system, e.g. yellow for the kitchen, blue for bathrooms, green for the living room, etc. Here are some more tips on how to pack for a stress-free move.

4. Pre-Plan Your Furniture Layout

This tip will require a measuring tape and a bit of upfront work — but trust me, it will pay off in the end! What you want to do is get a clear layout of your new home/apartment with accurate measurements. You can draw this out yourself or use a site like Urban Barn or Plan Your Room to speed up the process. Then, once you measure all your major pieces of furniture, you’re free to experiment with different floor plans!

While measuring everything will feel like a hassle, ultimately, you will save yourself lots of time and effort. Moving furniture around on paper or a computer is certainly easier than lugging it around your place. And as an added bonus, you’ll be sure that everything will fit! You don’t want to show up at your new place only to realize your couch won’t fit through the door.

For more help keeping your move running smoothly, make sure to check out more of our packing & moving blogs.

Thanks for reading! If you liked this post, please recommend it or share it with others. 🙂

Want to talk? Connect with Moved on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Moved is a Win-Win For AvalonBay Residents and Leasing Teams

Posted on April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 by Moved

Creating a better way to live drives the purpose of AvalonBay Communities, Inc., an equity REIT that delivers a superior lifestyle for residents. With core values that include a commitment to integrity, a spirit of caring, and a focus on continuous improvement, AvalonBay believes that improving the move-in experience for new residents is one way to demonstrate those values.

Rhett Mitter, Senior Director of Product Management for AvalonBay, describes why the company turned to Moved to simplify and automate the move-in process for its nationwide portfolio of 275 communities and 85,000 units.

“We began working with Moved in Q2 of 2020 after realizing that their platform was in alignment with what we intended to build ourselves,” Rhett explained. “They have been an absolute pleasure to work with as they are always responsive and forward-thinking about how to streamline the move-in process and improve the customer experience.”

Rhett went on to describe how Moved enhances the other efficiency measures that AvalonBay has already implemented for its onsite teams.

Our team members love the Moved platform. Now, they can view all of their move-ins in one place — something we never had before. In essence, Moved has removed the burden on our associates by automating the move-in process, making it intuitive and easy.

Rhett continued to explain, “For example, our associates no longer have to key in renters insurance policies and are empowered to maintain high compliance rates among our renters.”

Rhett estimated that 95% of the households they invite to use Moved signup and engage. Having the ability to complete all the tasks leading up to moving day, all in one place, saves time and increases enrollment in ancillary services.

Honestly, I feel like the Moved self-service platform is going to be table stakes in our industry for improving the customer journey through self-service options.

“It gives residents the ability to do things like sign up for Internet service or enroll in our renters’ insurance on their own time, and it frees up our associates’ time. It’s a win across the board,” he explained.

Rhett added that AvalonBay is rolling out two new ancillary services to new residents thanks to the efficiency of the Moved platform and that the early numbers are showing promise for increased conversions.

Learn more about Moved and how we can improve the move for your residents, save time for your teams and boost your ancillary service revenue.

The Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Leasing Agent When Shopping for a New Apartment

Posted on February 22, 2023February 22, 2023 by Moved

So you’re looking for your next apartment. Whether it’s your very first rental or you’ve been around the block a few times, this is an exciting – albeit stressful – time. Moving is rarely the smooth process we all wish it were (although it absolutely can be), and there’s a lot to consider when picking your new home.

No matter how go-with-the-flow you claim to be, it’s important to ask as many questions as possible while shopping around. A lease is a legal contract, after all, and you want to make sure you understand everything you’re getting yourself into to avoid any surprises down the road. Once you’ve determined the location, size, and budget of your next place, it’s time to schedule a few tours! Just don’t forget to ask the leasing agent these 5 important questions before signing a lease:

#1: What’s included in my rent?

Rental vets will know that the listing price almost never totals the full monthly cost you’ll pay. Aside from the base rent, your property manager may require you to pay for some, if not all, of your utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water. They may even charge for trash collection, maintenance, parking, or amenity fees. What exactly you’re responsible for will vary by property and location, so it’s important to ask upfront. If it’s not included in the listing price, be ready to tack those extra costs on each month.

#2: Are there any property rules?

An often overlooked factor in choosing an apartment, property rules can turn out to be a huge turnoff for many renters. Are your furry friends welcome (and at what cost)? Is smoking permitted everywhere, in some places, or not at all? Are there quiet hours you’ll have to abide by? Will you be allowed to sublet if you get that annual travel itch? You don’t want to be sneaking around your apartment complex, breaking the rules, and risking eviction because you found out too late that the property rules don’t align with your lifestyle.

#3: How is the property managed?

Before you sign a lease, it’s beneficial to know who you’ll be dealing with when it comes to your new apartment. Will you be interacting with a landlord or property management company, and what’s their management style? Is the landlord simply collecting your rent and then – *poof* – nowhere in sight when you have a maintenance issue? Or are there property managers attending to your every need? Do they provide any tools like a resident onboarding system or an online resident portal for you to interact with the property seamlessly? Every renter will prefer something different, so make sure your next apartment’s management style enhances, not diminishes, your experience.

#4: When and how do I pay rent?

There are a lot of different ways property managers can accept rent, so make sure you find out how they’ll require it. Will you have to obtain a money order every month and hand-deliver it, or do they make it easy with an automatic mobile payment system? It seems like a small detail, but it’ll make a big difference in your experience as a resident – especially if remembering to pay rent on time isn’t your strong suit. And if that’s the case (hey, no judgment here), be sure to ask how long the grace period is before they’ll start charging you late fees.

#5: What move-in procedures are in place?

We hate to break it to you, but the stress doesn’t end once the lease is signed – the actual move might be just as stressful. Be sure to ask the leasing agent what procedures you can expect on move-in today to ease the anxieties of any unknowns. Where will you pick up your keys? Will you need to reserve an elevator? Is there a dedicated unloading area? Will you have to meet your property manager the day of, or is there an online system that automates the onboarding process for you? Knowing these logistics beforehand will set you up for a seamless moving experience and set the tone for your new home.

As a prospective resident, property managers will be screening you, but don’t shrug off screening them and their property as well. At the end of the day, you’re picking out your next home – a place you’ll likely be spending a lot of time at. Make sure it suits you beyond the basics and that you’ll be happy there for the entirety of your lease. Happy hunting!

About the Author:

Jess Nardo is a content marketer at ManageGo, which provides over 9000+ properties in the US with property management software. She spearheads digital content for the company’s marketing team, covering property management, multifamily housing, and real estate at the intersection of technology.

A Guide to Moving Last-Minute.

Posted on October 24, 2022January 3, 2023 by Moved

Moving homes in NYC is essentially inevitable. The high cost of living, constant construction, rent hikes, 1 bedroom apartments converted into 3 bedrooms, bad roommates, worse landlords, bedbug infestations, sweaty summers and frigid winters are just a handful of the wonders of living in NYC.

Despite these circumstances, most New Yorkers move within the metro area. And those that have had enough are leaving the city for the burbs and warmer weather. We compiled our moving data to gain some more insight into where New Yorkers are moving.

Moving homes in NYC is essentially inevitable. The high cost of living, constant construction, rent hikes, 1 bedroom apartments converted into 3 bedrooms, bad roommates, worse landlords, bedbug infestations, sweaty summers, and frigid winters are just a handful of the wonders of living in NYC.

Manhattan dwellers stayed on the island

Of all moves originating within Manhattan, 68% moved to another location on the island. By comparison, just 9% moved to Brooklyn, 2.4% to Queens, and 19% to a location outside of the city completely.

We are seeing a slightly higher percentage of people moving from the Bronx into Manhattan than vice versa. And, generally, residents on Staten Island are staying put.

And, although most Manhattanites are staying in Manhattan, there were more moves from Manhattan to another borough than the other way around. As the population of NYC continues to grow and the cost of living continues to rise, this is a trend that likely isn’t going away.

Of all moves originating within Manhattan, 68% were moves to another location on the island.
Are Blytt, PYTON

Best Days to Move in the Winter

Posted on November 14, 2018January 3, 2023 by Moved

Winter is coming. And though that means shorter days and colder nights, it’s also the cheapest time of year to move! Of course, some days are still more expensive than others, but you can be pretty confident that the cost of your move will be significantly cheaper during the winter than all other seasons.

Have some flexibility in your move date? Take a look at the calendars below to find the best aka cheapest (green) days to move this winter:

With all the holidays and the cold weather, winter may not be the ideal time of the year to move. But as you can see, if you can swing it, there is a lot of money to be saved by moving during the winter months!

Packing Tips from Travel Bloggers

Posted on October 1, 2018 by Moved

Packing can be exhausting. Physically and emotionally. Especially when you have to pack everything on your own! To help you out, we compiled a list of tips from travel bloggers who, although they’re not packing boxes often, do quiiiite a bit of packing themselves.

Use Colors to Stay Organized

Turner from Around the World in 80 Jobs uses colored packing cubes to organize his clothes. Knowing where everything is makes his unpacking process so much easier. Though you’ll likely be using cardboard boxes instead and packing much more than clothes, you can use his method to label your boxes by by room (bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, etc.). Knowing exactly where each box goes when you get to your new home can save you a ton of time in the long run. Trust us.

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Pack Smart

Helene in Between, who dropped everything to travel the world with her husband Michael, uses a unique strategy to pack her backpack while she’s on the go (pictured alongside). By putting her densest and heaviest closest to her back and layering the lighter ones along the outside, she makes her pack easier to carry. You can do the same thing when filling your cardboard boxes! Put your heaviest things on the bottom and work your way out. Just make sure you double- or triple-layer the bottom of the box with tape!

Stay Safe From Spills

Nothing could put a damper on arriving at your new home quite like a cardboard box that’s been steeped in shampoo for a few hours. Kay from The Kay Days urges packers to keep their toiletries and other liquid items in ziplock bags when they travel. When you’re moving, this could be typical toiletries or other liquid items like cleaning supplies that might require larger protection (grocery or trash bags). This way, in the event that something spills during transport, you won’t have to deal with any type of catastrophic mess. Better safe than sorry.

Keep Rollin’

You’ve probably heard this one a number of times before, but that’s because it works! Laurel Robbins from Monkeys and Mountains says to roll your clothes to save space while you’re packing. This applies to clothes, but also larger items like blankets, towels, comforters, and curtains. The more space you save means the less boxes you’ll have, and the less money your move will cost. P.S. rolling will save your fabrics from wrinkles, too.

Plan, plan, and plan some more

Being prepared is the key to a successful move from start to finish. According to Christina Guan from Happy to Wander, tip number 1 is to “always start with a packing list… and always be reviewing your packing list.” A seemingly simple but extremely underrated piece of advice. Beyond just packing, having a list of everything you need to do for your move (hiring movers, reserving elevators, packing, booking storage) will ensure that you don’t forget any critical steps along the way. This might seem straightforward, but when the wheels start rolling, moving can get hectic.

Keep it Simple, …

Maybe our favorite tip comes from Laurence and Jessica of Finding The Universe. They say that once you’re done packing, you should leave at least half of what you were going to bring behind. This may be a bit drastic considering that you’re going to be moving every possession you own, but getting rid of your excess stuff before you move will save you big time! Packing will take you less time, you’ll have more space in your new home, and you’ll save money on the move! As is the case with most things when you move, simplicity is key. Check out How to Get Rid of Stuff When You Move to help you purge your unnecessary possessions.

Bonus Tip:

Though not a necessarily a travel blogger, Shaun Huberts is a musician and world traveller from Vancouver BC. He is also author to the book “How To Pack Like A Rockstar” (so we’d say he’s probably fairly knowledgeable on the subject). Shaun packs his clothes so they stack vertically in the opening of his suitcase (like demonstrated in the picture below). This way, he has easy access to any clothes he might need on the go and doesn’t make a mess digging through and unfolding everything. While this tip definitely applies to clothes, you can take it a step beyond that. Pack the things that you know you’re going to need right away at the top of boxes, or in a separate container (potentially suitcase or carry-on bag). Think silverware to eat with, your coffeepot for your morning coffee, your phone charger, towels, and sheets.

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How to Register to Vote When You Move

Posted on September 26, 2018 by Moved

Election day is right around the corner. If you have voted in the past, you are likely aware that your voter registration is identified through your home address. That can become a problem for residents who have moved in the last election cycle.

While the process of updating your voter registration can seem complicated, we put together a guide to make it as simple as possible for you:

How to Register

There are a few possible ways you can register to vote, depending on the state you are moving to:

By Mail: You can register by mail in all 50 states, and can do so by going to vote.gov. This will require you to fill out a form, print it, and mail to the party who handles your state’s voter registration (likely the Department of State).
Online: In 37 states, they make it even easier for you to register by doing it online. You can find out if your new state of residence permits online registration by selecting your state via vote.gov.
In person: If you’d rather handle your registration face-to-face, you can do so by visiting your state or local election office. You can also update your registration when applying for your new driver’s license or ID card at the DMV (this can sometimes be done online as well, depending on the state).

Registration Deadlines

There are deadlines to register to vote in each state. You can find all the necessary deadlines for your state here.

**Note: The state of North Dakota is the only state that does not require its voters to register.

Eligibility

If you are already registered to vote in another state or in the same state under a different address, you will likely have no problem registering at your new address.

For first time voters, there are a few general requirements that must be met:

U.S. Citizenship
Fulfillment of your states residency requirements (some states have a durational residency requirement, but none of them are more than 30 days).
18 years of age on or before Election Day.

Your opinion matters. Don’t forget to vote!

How to Build the Ultimate Man Cave

Posted on August 27, 2018 by Moved

Football season is right around the corner. And while that might mean the return of cold weather is closer than we’d like to believe, it also means that Sundays spent on the couch eating pizza and drinking beer are acceptable again! Well, at least a little more acceptable.

To usher in the new season, we put together a guide to help you build the ultimate man cave for all your viewing pleasures:

TV

Duh… The cornerstone of every great man cave is the TV. Without one, you’re looking at more of a glorified basement. Get yourself something big. We’ll leave the specs up to you, but let’s just say you’re old plasma screen isn’t going to cut it.

Some surround sound speakers or additional screens definitely won’t hurt your man cave credibility either ;).

Fridge

Depending on the amount of space you have to work with (and how ambitious you are), you might even want to consider going for the full bar, like this one from The Family Handyman. At the very least though, you need to have a space for a mini fridge. It’s unreasonable to expect your friends to head all the way upstairs for a beer while the game is on.

Games

The focus of your man cave is generally going to be the game that is going on on the TV. That said, it’s always good to have something to help take your mind off the fact that yet another week has gone by where your fantasy team has completely let you down. Again, this is very space-dependent. We love this bar-style ring and hook game that you can make yourself or purchase online.

If you have some extra room to spare, throw some table games in there (think pool table or foosball or even a pinball machine!).

Memorabilia

No man cave is complete without some cool decorations to line the walls. You have a lot of options here. Rep your favorite team with some jerseys or pictures. Hang some championship banners. Put up some memorabilia from your favorite bands. There really is no wrong way to go.

Seating

This is a no-brainer, but selecting the correct type of seating is crucial. You can go the sofa route, or you can go with individual seats. When choosing, you probably need to consider how many people you’ll normally be expecting to watch with, as well as your budget. Buying 3-4 individual seats is probably going to me more expensive than a couch.

When game day roles around, make sure you have the right snacks, beer, and other accommodations (like good wifi) for your guests. Once you do, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your new man cave!

* Man Cave’s for Apartment Dwellers *

Don’t have enough space for a man cave in your apartment? That’s okay, there’s still plenty of things you can do to make your home game-day-ready!

Consider mounting your TV to save that precious floor space and make more room for guests.
Have a balcony? Take advantage of the beautiful fall weather by making use of your outdoor space! Maybe even consider setting up a mini-bar/ putting a cooler outside.
Make the downtime between quarters and during commercials more interesting with games like this football s quares pool.
What your apartment may lack in man-cave capabilities can all be made up for with great food. Have your football party catered!

Happy football season!

Best Days to Move in the Fall

Posted on August 20, 2018 by Moved

Summer is coming to an end *sigh*. And, while that might mean it’s time to put away your swimsuits and flip-flops, it also means that the most expensive time to move is coming to a close *un-sigh*.

Here are the best (aka cheapest) and worst times to move this fall:

**Note: green denotes cheap, red denotes expensive.**

Copy of Best Days to Move - July (2).jpg

Copy of Best Days to Move - August (1).jpg

Want to simplify the process? Let Moved coordinate the entire thing for you! We’ll find you quotes, book movers, reserve elevators, and do whatever else you might need! It’s free and simple.

Back to School Guide: Moving off Campus

Posted on August 15, 2018 by Moved

College is said to be one of the most transformative periods of your life. Hopefully you’ve finally learned to do laundry and cook a nutritious meal (no, microwavable mac and cheese is not a meal). For the more audacious student, you might even move off campus and learn to deal with those much-rumored utility bills. We get that you’re really busy juggling classes and making time to hang out with your friends, so we’ve put together useful tips and tools to help you become the independent adult that your parents have been dreaming about for years.

No Fee Rentals

Looking for an apartment in New York City can seem daunting, especially if it’s your first time. But relax! There are a ton of resources to help you. StreetEasy is an awesome real estate hub for both sales and rentals. They make finding a place super simple and even give you a tool to choose the right neighborhood. Search their platform, and check the “No Fee Only” box to save that [not so little] bit of extra money.

Roommates

For most people, their first time moving off campus is also their first time going through the process of finding a roommate. This is an important step, because you don’t want to be stuck living with someone who’s a slob and comes home on Tuesday at 2am causing a ruckus. Luckily for you, there are online resources to help to you do that, too! Check out Roomi. They provide an app that makes it quick and easy for you to find a trustworthy roommate. Gone are the days when you had to post an ad on Craigslist for a roommate and pray you didn’t accidentally choose a creeper.

Boxes

You don’t need to go out and spend money on cardboard boxes that you’re just going to get rid of after your move. A great place to get some is your local Target or Walmart. They are constantly getting rid of thousands of boxes and would be more than happy to give you some. Just ask. Lots of people also post ads on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace giving away boxes that they’d otherwise be putting in the trash. Save yourself some money and be environmentally friendly by repurposing boxes.

$$$

At the end of the day, you are a college student who likely (besides the little help from your parents) has little money to be spending on a move. There are tons of ways you can save money that we have outlined here.

Best of luck with your move off campus! We know you’re going to have a blast, and if you need any help along the way, you know that Moved can handle whatever you need!