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Are you thinking about moving to Alabama? If so, you’re not alone. The Yellowhammer State is one of the fastest-growing states and is attracting folks from all over the country- from Maine to California and everywhere in between.

Roll Tide or War Eagle

If Alabama is on your shortlist, there’s one thing you really need to know about us and that is we LOVE college football. In fact, should you determine that a relocation to the Heart of Dixie is the way to go, you’ll want to decide ahead of time if you’ll be rooting for Crimson Tide or Auburn’s Tigers. Trust us, you will be asked on more than one occasion which team is you’re favorite. You may want to practice shouting Roll Tide for Alabama or War Eagle for Auburn and see which one rolls off the tongue better.

Beyond football, Alabama is a great place to live and play

If you’ve never visited Alabama before, you might be surprised to learn that it’s not a flat state. In fact, the foothills of the Appalachian extend into Alabama and there are all sorts of mountains, falls, and valleys as well as beaches and plains to explore. Simply put, we are a mixed bag of geography which allows for all sorts of fun, outdoor pursuits. What’s more, the food is amazing, the history is rich, there are festivals galore, and you don’t necessarily need to own a snow shovel.

A quick note about the weather in Alabama

Alabama has mild winters and hot summers. Humidity can be an issue and we get plenty of rain too. What’s more November through April is tornado season in Alabama (although you cannot rule them out during other times of the year). If you’re coming from a place where tornados are not a concern, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with safety measures. Hint… make sure you have helmets/hard hats at home and a safe place to go should you need to take shelter.

The best places to live in Alabama

There are so many great places to live in Alabama, it’s hard to choose the best ones. And really the best place will depend on you and your preferences. We highly recommend checking out the following communities:

• Auburn
• Birmingham
• Chelsea
• Daphne
• Fairhope
• Helena
• Homewood
• Hoover
• Huntsville
• Indian Springs Village
• Madison
• Meadowbrook
• Mobile
• Mountain Brook
• Orange Beach
• Vestavia Hills

Please note, this list is not intended to be an exhaustive authority; you’ll really want to conduct your own research based on your family and what you like to do.

The Greater Birmingham & Huntsville Moving Pros at Changing Spaces are here to help!

If Alabama sounds like a great place to call home and you’d like some help moving, contact Changing Spaces Moving, Inc., today! We’ve been helping families and businesses move since 2003 and offer full-service moving and packing solutions in Hoover, Vestavia Hills, and Madison as well as throughout the Greater Birmingham and Huntsville metros. Locally owned and family-operated, we are local and long-distance moving specialists who are passionate about what we do. Please give us a call or simply request a free moving quote here.

4 common moving fails

Do you remember the opening theme song of the Beverly Hillbillies? After Jed accidentally found oil on his property and became a wealthy man, he packed up the family and moved to Beverly Hills. True to their humble roots, they loaded up the old truck with their belongings and headed out. Did we mention that Granny was in her rocker strapped on top? While it provides for a good laugh on TV, there’s absolutely no way the Clampetts would’ve made it from the Ozarks to California… at least not with all their belongings. In fact, we’d deem this whole scenario a moving failure. Unfortunately, moving fails are quite common but easily avoided if you carve out time to plan and allow for unexpected circumstances. In this blog post, we’re going to take a closer look at a few of the most common moving fails and how to avoid them.

Moving fail #1: Leaving everything to the last minute

Even if you work best under pressure, we guarantee your move will go a lot smoother if you get an early start planning and packing. For example, if you’re hiring a mover (especially during the busy season), you’ll want to get your move on their books as soon as you have your moving date. And don’t put off packing until the day or even the week before. You will run out of time and the end result will be you haphazardly filling boxes with whatever’s at arm’s length.

Moving fail #2: Heavy moving boxes

And speaking of moving boxes, you might be thinking you’ll fill them right up so you have fewer boxes to carry. While it seems logical, there is one consideration to… well, consider. A moving box crammed full has the potential to be quite heavy and you run the risk of breaking your own back (figuratively, of course) or those of your recruited or hired help.

Moving fail #3: Reserving the wrong size moving truck

Here’s the scenario, the moving truck you rented, picked up, and parked outside of your home is smaller than you expected and not likely to move your belongings in one trip. If you’re moving locally and don’t mind multiple trips, that’s fine. But, if you’re moving further away, we can only imagine that the thought of having to traipse back in forth more than once is not appealing. Unfortunately, it is difficult to choose the right-sized moving truck (especially if this is your first time) and unless you’re a master Tetris player, you probably won’t utilize every square inch of the available space.

Moving fail #4: Hiring the wrong movers

If you decide to forgo the DIY moving option and have deferred to the experts, be sure the moving company you choose has a great reputation and solid credentials. If movers are asking for a larger-than-normal deposit or have bad reviews, be wary. Check out more warning signs and how to find a reputable mover in our article, 3 Red Flags To Watch Out For When Hiring Movers.

Don’t make these common moving mistakes

Now that you have an idea of what can hinder the moving process, you can make your moving experience more pleasant. Do your research, weigh the pros and cons, and for goodness’ sake, get planning and packing as soon as humanely possible. And if you’re going to rely on professionals to transport your belongings to your new home or apartment, schedule your move ASAP.

Looking for reliable movers in Birmingham or Huntsville?

At Changing Spaces Moving, Inc., we’re a full-service moving company that offers local and long-distance moving services in Mountain Brook, Hoover, and throughout Greater Birmingham as well as Madison and the Huntsville metro. You can count on us to move your belongings carefully and quickly; and if you need help packing, we do that too!

Why Choose Changing Spaces over the other guys

We are a locally owned and family-operated moving company whose been in operation since 2003; we are not a franchise. What’s more, we are a dedicated moving team who takes great pride in helping our customers from beginning to end. For a no-obligation moving estimate, please contact us today!

Moving can be stressful. Moving right after Christmas – even more so. Of course, it has its perks too. Starting a new year in a home might be the fresh start your family needs. Even so, it takes careful planning and a little elbow grease to make sure your family is able to enjoy the holiday AND be prepared to move right after. With that in mind, our residential moving pros have a few moving tips to help you navigate Christmas and a move simultaneously.

Carve out time to pack

For most of us, December is filled with concerts, parties, work engagements, and other seasonal must-dos. If that’s you and you’re wondering how on earth you’re going to pack your home up in between all the things, you’ll need to be intentional and protect the time you have – even if it’s only 30 minutes a day. Of course, you’ll need to consider how much time you’ll need to pack every room and then schedule your hours based on that. It certainly helps if you have “all hands on deck” helping in this endeavor. Alternatively, you could hire professional packers to handle it for you.

Donate to those in need

If we’ve said it once, we’ve probably said it 100 times but why bother moving items you don’t need or want any longer into your new home? Why not donate those items to individuals or groups that could make better use of them? Some organizations will even come to your home to pick up donated items!

Keep at least one room festive

In all the hullabaloo of moving, don’t forget to enjoy the season. We recommend keeping at least one room decked out with all the yuletide trimmings. Set up your tree, hang your stockings, light a fire – create that comforting place for your family to gather together.

Pack your decorations last

This tip goes hand in hand with the previous and is all about keeping the holiday fun and joyous for your family. Whether you scaled back on holiday decorating or went full National Lampoon’s Christmas, plan on packing up your decorations last. That could mean December 26^th or the morning of the move – whatever suits you and your family.

Label moving boxes

In order to be as efficient as possible, we recommend labeling moving boxes. That way your volunteers or professional movers can deposit each box into the right room and you won’t have to worry about sorting through stacks of boxes spread throughout the house.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast

Here in Alabama, you never quite know what to expect when it comes to weather. Right now, for instance, we’re preparing for an extremely cold week leading up to Christmas. But who knows, right after, we could see soaring temperatures. In order to be as prepared as possible, keep your eye on the weather and make sure you have the gear you need to stay warm, dry, cool, or… well you get the point.

Make sure you have some downtime before returning to work and school

Let’s face it, if you’re moving right after Christmas, it’s going to be crazy and chaotic. To offset the stress and busyness of the holidays and moving, be sure to schedule as much downtime as possible before you have to head back to the office and the kids to school.

Why not hire professional movers this holiday season?

We hope you found these moving tips helpful and we have one more to offer before we say goodbye – why not make things a bit easier by hiring professional movers to help you?! At Changing Spaces Moving, Inc., we offer the best moving services in the Greater Birmingham and Huntsville metros and would love the opportunity to help you move right after Christmas (or whenever you need us). If you’re searching for a local moving company that you can depend on to be careful with your belongings and to ease some of the stress that comes along with moving into a new home (or business), we are the ideal solution. Contact us today with any questions or simply request a free moving estimate and we’ll get back to you promptly!

There’s no place like home for the holidays. But what if you’re moving right before Christmas or right after the New Year? Won’t that make things tricky, to say the least? Of course, it can! The key to keeping your stress levels in check and actually enjoying the festivities that come with the holidays is to prepare. Read on as we share a few holiday moving tips we know will help you accomplish everything you need to do without turning into the Grinch.

Donate what you don’t need to those who are in need

We always encourage homeowners to declutter before they move instead of hauling those unwanted or no-longer-needed items to the next home. By giving away/donating items around the holidays you not only help those who aren’t as fortunate as yourself during a particularly hard time of year, but you’re also lightening your load- literally!

Block off time on your calendar and resolve to follow it

If you haven’t already taken a look at your calendar and upcoming events, do so right now. It’s imperative that you block off the time you need to pack, your moving date, and any other events that cannot be missed by anyone in your family. Once you have those penciled in, protect your time like a mama bear protecting her cub. The holiday season is full of fun and parties but this year you may want to forgo some of the festivities in order to preserve your time and sanity. There will always be next year!

Schedule your movers as soon as possible

If you were thinking about renting a truck and recruiting family and friends to help you move, remember this is a busy time of year, and by adding stress to their already booked December, you will not exactly create the goodwill the season speaks of.

The good news when it comes to movers is that the holidays are not traditionally a busy time of year for them. Still, it’s a good idea to schedule your movers as early as possible.

Consider hiring packing pros

Packing is time-consuming and if you’re going to get this move accomplished with as little pressure on yourself and others as possible, why not hire professional packers to take care of the necessary but tedious task?

Don’t forget about the weather

Here in Alabama, we don’t have to worry about blizzards causing moving delays but we should still be mindful of the weather and make adjustments as necessary. Thankfully in the Greater Birmingham market, we have James Spann and other excellent meteorologists to keep us weather-aware.

Let our local movers help you move this holiday season

We hope you’ve found these holiday moving tips helpful and that your upcoming move will not put a damper on your holiday season. If you’re planning on hiring movers, we’d love the chance to help you out. At Changing Spaces Moving, Inc., we offer residential moving services in Vestavia Hills, Hoover, and throughout the Greater Birmingham metro as well as Huntsville and Madison. If you’re looking for a reliable moving company to help you move over the holidays, we can help. Whether your move is a local one or you’ve got some distance to go to reach your new home, we are ready to assist.  Reach out today to learn more about our full-service packing and moving solutions or to request a no-obligation moving estimate!

Let’s be honest, moving isn’t easy and it’s certainly not cheap. Whether it’s a local move, across the state, or across state lines-the cost of moving can add up quickly. The good news, we have a few tips that could help you save money.

Downsize before the movers arrive

Why pay movers (and maybe packers) to move furniture and belongings that you’re just going to part with on the other end? By decluttering/purging your house of unwanted, unused, or unnecessary items before your move, you reduce the size and scope of your move which cuts costs.

Schedule your moving day on a weekday

If you’re able, schedule your move on a weekday rather than a weekend. Since weekends are super busy for movers, they may give you a break if you are willing to move on a Wednesday or any other weekday.

Move out of season

According to industry experts, April through September is when most moving companies are out straight. If you can wait to move when you hear neighbors shouting “Roll Tide” or “War Eagle” your bank account may thank you. Of course, you may not have the luxury of holding off, but if you can wait to move during the industry’s off-season, you may get a better deal.

Take stock of what you have before you buy moving supplies

You might be surprised to find that you have several items around your house that could double for moving supplies. For example, blankets, sheets, towels, and other linens are a zero-expense swap for bubble wrap, clothes can be packed in suitcases instead of moving boxes, and stuffed animals can be “stuffed” into garbage bags (just make sure you mark them so they don’t get tossed). You may end up having to buy moving boxes and tape in the long run but before you spend your hard-earned money, look around your home for substitutions before you head out to the store.

Finally, hiring movers might be the best option

This one might come as a surprise but when you hire movers instead of relying on friends and their trucks or renting a moving truck and recruiting your own moving team, you’ll probably find it worth every penny in the long run. You won’t have to worry about feeding a crew and you certainly won’t have to be afraid of damages occurring to your belongings, and you can count on the move being completed in a shorter period of time when you have professionals on the job.

Greater Birmingham & Huntsville Moving Pros

Changing Spaces Moving, Inc., has been helping families and businesses move since 2003 and offers full-service moving solutions in Pelham, Vestavia Hills, and Madison as well as throughout the Greater Birmingham and Huntsville metros. Locally owned and family-operated, we are local and long-distance moving specialists who are passionate about what we do. If you’ve decided you’d like help moving, please give us a call or simply request a free moving quote here.

In just a matter of days, we’ll be saying so long to summer and hello to fall. While it’s true the weather may not reflect the transition from one season to another (although we’ve had a couple of chilly mornings recently), that shouldn’t stop us from getting our homes in tip-top shape before the threat of tornados and inclement weather arrive. With that in mind, here are a few fall home maintenance tips to consider.

Fall home maintenance tips for new & existing homeowners

• Service your HVAC system
  It’s not time to switch the HVAC from pushing out cold air to hot just yet but it will happen. Before the need to do so arrives, we highly recommend scheduling a cleaning and maintenance service for your system.
• Schedule a chimney cleaning
  Since soot build-up and other issues associated with a dirty chimney can be a fire hazard, it’s necessary to have your chimney cleaned before you light a fire this fall.
• Change the batteries in smoke alarms & carbon monoxide detectors
  If your alarms and detectors run on or have a backup battery, make sure you swap them out this fall. You should also test systems to determine if they are working properly. A word of caution, if your alarms and detectors are tied into your security system, you should probably let your security company know you are going to run a test.
• Prune dead branches
  Dead branches and other tree debris can cause damage to roofs, crack windows, and cause other issues on the exterior of the house. In order to prevent your trees from being the source of a problem, prune dead branches and trim healthy ones back so that they don’t touch your home. Side note, this will also deter insects that use these tree limbs as bridges to houses.
• Clean your gutters and downspouts
  Prevent water damage and/or water accumulation in your gutters and around the foundation of your home by cleaning out your gutters so that water can run freely through them. You should also make sure your downspouts are free of debris and that they point away from the foundation.
• Shut off and drain outdoor faucets
  Don’t give water a chance to freeze inside your pipes (which will burst if bad enough), rather shut off and drain your outdoor water faucets. You should also put hoses away to keep them in good shape for the next time they’re needed.
• Pest-proof your home
  Although we touched on this briefly above, you should seal every crack, gap, hole, and opening on the exterior of your home to keep rodents and insects from crawling in to find food and warm shelter when natural food sources run low and the temps dip.
• Repair your fence
  A good storm can knock down a fence that has seen better days. Before the threat increases this fall, repair or replace boards and consider staining to prevent water damage from occurring.
• Prepare your lawn for next spring
  To ensure your lawn grows thick and green next spring, make sure you have it aerated and fertilized sooner than later.

Moving this fall?

While our area of expertise does not necessarily lend itself to home maintenance, we are certainly ready to help you move into a new home this fall! Offering affordable and top-rated moving services in Mountain Brook, Hoover, and throughout Greater Birmingham as well as the Huntsville metro, our locally owned and family-operated moving company specializes in residential and commercial moves and is ready to go the distance whether that’s around the corner, down the street, or out of Alabama! Request a free moving estimate today or give us a call to discuss your moving needs.

Welcome home! Now that your movers have unloaded the last box and you’ve said goodbye to friends and family who were on hand to help, it’s time to make the space yours! Of course, it’s probably going to take you a few weeks (or more) to settle in so before you start tackling those boxes, we have five tasks we recommend taking care of right after moving into a new home.

Change the locks

While it’s probably safe to assume the previous owners aren’t coming back, you don’t really know who has a spare key to your new home. To ensure that your family is the only one with keys, we suggest changing your locks right away.

Find the breaker box

Your circuit breaker box is where you access all the main power lines to your home and it also protects electrical wiring in your house and keeps you safe should a wire become overloaded with electrical current. It’s important to know where the box, also called a panel, is located so that you can fix a tripped breaker or shut off power, if necessary.

Many breaker boxes are poorly labeled so if you’re unable to read what each switch goes to, you’ll want to test and re-label.

Check smoke detectors & air filters

When it comes to smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, it’s not wise to assume there’s plenty of battery life left. While some are hardwired into your home, nearly all detectors have a backup battery. Since you don’t know when the previous owners last replaced batteries, go ahead and take care of that straight away.

While you’re taking care of the batteries, you should also consider changing out air filters that filter out dust, pet dander, and other pollutants that might adversely affect indoor air quality.

Deep clean before you unpack

Your new home might look clean on the surface, but there’s a good chance that there are remnants of the previous owners in the kitchen, bathroom, and elsewhere in the home that you’ll want to scrub away before you move your own belongings into position.

Even if no one has lived in your new home prior to you, a deep clean is still the way to go. There’s a good chance that dust and dirt from the construction phase are lingering somewhere in the house.

Make your house a home

Whether you’re a practitioner of hygge (you know, the practice of creating a warm, inviting atmosphere in your home) or simply want to surround yourself with possessions that make your home… well homey, we encourage new homeowners to spend time setting up furniture, hanging picture frames and wall art, laying down area rugs, and really just finding the right place for all their belongings. You may want to have storage boxes on hand in case you decide some items just don’t belong with your new aesthetic.

A couple more tips for after you’ve moved in

Of course, these move-in tips are really only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to settling into a new home. There’s also the need to change your address at the post office if you haven’t already and though it’s not required, stop and say hi to your new neighbors now that you have a chance to catch your breath.

Still looking for a moving company?

Offering top-rated moving services in the Birmingham and Huntsville metros, Changing Spaces Moving, Inc., is the company to call if you’re on the search for local movers to help you move into a new home. In business since 2003, our locally owned and family-operated moving company specializes in local, intrastate, and interstate moves. Whether you need a residential moving firm to help you move around the corner, across the county, or out of state, we are here to help. Get started with a free estimate!