We get a lot of testimonials here at MoveforFREE.com! Just take a look at our Customer Opinion section on our website.

But I have to say this one is one of the best! A super big thank you to Will L. of Houston, TX.

This is what Will Had to say about MoveforFREE.com…

FANTASTIC!!

“I’ve never been so happy using any website before. Seriously, I use the web for everything from pillows to cars, but THIS… this was FANTASTIC. I found a great apartment at a greatly discounted price (15% below market), and when it came time to move - BAM! Luis and Jesu (the movers) were there RIGHT on time and had all my stuff loaded in two shakes of a jackrabbits tail! I barely had enough time to say goodbye to my neighbors (though they gave me every second I wanted)! And even though I was moving almost an hour and a half away to the other side of town (Rayford/Sawdust and 45 to near Westheimer and 8), they kept in constant contact and let me know where they were, so that when I pulled up at my new complex they were RIGHT behind me. They unloaded me in about two minutes - putting EVERYTHING right where I wanted it. They even COMPLETELY refused my offer to help! They were exceptionally professional, and I really couldn’t have been happier with how those two fine gentleman handled my stuff - loading/unloading or even while driving. My stuff might has well been the Queen’s Jewels for how gently they handled it every step of the way. Really, way to go for those guys! But the best part - after they loaded me in, they brought me the bill - and it was CHEAPER than what I was told! I was told right off the bat that there would be an out-of-zone charge (and with the hour-and-a-half or so each way I understood!), but I couldn’t have paid a friend gas money for what this cost me. I will NEVER move apartments with anyone else ever again! Thanks so very much for everything, it was the single best moving experience of my life. I’ve always said moving was the single WORST thing in the world, but tonight changed my opinion about moving. SERIOUSLY! I hope to be a customer of your service until the very last place I ever rent. “

We take great pride in our employees and our business. Thank you so much to Will for taking the time to write to us and let us know how you felt about your experience.  We appreciate you, your kind words, and your willingness to take the time to let us know how we did.

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Ten years strong and still moving!

In the past 6 years I have moved 4 times.  One time across country.  And the other 3 within the same city.  By now I would have to call myself an expert mover.  Especially an expert packer.

I officially present to you… Becky’s “certified” expert packing advice.

1. First be sure to get boxes for free!
2. About 2- 3 months before you move, start going through your stuff and figure out what you can either; trash, giveaway or keep.  (Including clothes.)  If you haven’t worn something in like 5 years it’s probably a good time to donate it to your local charity.
3. Once you have gone through all your stuff, you can start packing things that you don’t necessarily use everyday, i.e. books, off season clothing, and nic- nacts.
4. Make sure you tape the bottom of the boxes so they don’t fall apart when you pick them up.
5. Don’t pack your boxes too heavy.  When packing books, for example, spread them out over a couple of boxes.  Mix your heavy objects with some light ones.  Put the lighter items on top.
6. Use some sort of packing material for your fragile items.  Newspaper or bubble wrap work great.  I like to get the free newspapers at the grocery store.  (Some people don’t like to use newspaper, because the newsprint tends to rub off.)
7. Be sure to label your boxes.  Sometimes it helps to label them with what room they will be going in.  Make sure to mark “Fragile” on the boxes that need a little extra care.
8. I like to write what is in the boxes on the outside.  This is good when you move and don’t remember where exactly you put your hammer.
9. Don’t pack your cleaning supplies!  This will be the last thing you need in your old apartment and the first thing you need in your new place.
10. Set aside a box or a bag with a change of clothes, toiletries, TP, and anything else you may need for the first night in your new place.

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How would you like to live in an apartment that has about everything at your doorstep?  How about an 8,000 square foot resident amenity building?  An indoor basketball and racquetball court?  An indoor hot tub and sauna?  Not enough for you?  What about a fitness center with HDTV’s in all the machines?  Or an infinity pool with a beach front entrance?  Or covered parking, stainless steal appliances, and plank wood flooring?

The Villas of Vista del Norte are luxury apartments located in San Antonio, TX just minutes away from Wurzbach Parkway, Blanco Road, and interstate 410.

Also avalible at the Villas of Vista del Norte:

A spacious clubhouse with a fully functional kitchen, High Definition TV, and is also available to rent out.

Next door to the clubhouse is the game room with a pool table, foosball, and an air hockey table.

Make your new address the Villas of Vista del Norte.  For more information call 210-764-7700.  The best way to become a part of the Vista del Norte community is to first log onto moveforFREE.com.  Log on before visiting the apartment and we’ll move you for FREE!

Is your New Year Resolution for 2010 to spend more time outside exercising and walking?  Have you ever been curious if there are any walking/ hiking/ biking trails near your apartment?

There are great parks and trails all over Texas!  Just go to this website!

Some of the best apartments are located close to some of these great parks and trails.

In San Antonio there is the Keystone of Alamo Heights apartments located just minutes away from one of San Antonio’s oldest and best parks, Brackenridge Park. They not only have some great trails but also is home to the Sunken Garden Theatre, the Japanese Tea Gardens, and the San Antonio Zoo.  Check out the map below.

On the the northwest side of San Antonio there is Bandera Crossing located almost directly across the street from O.P. Schnabel Park. O.P. Schanabel has accessible trails to not only joggers and hikers, but also bikers.  They also have a basketball court, playscape, and three pavilions.  Take a look at their trail map below.

Check out both the Keystone at Alamo Heights, Bandera Crossing and much much more on moveforFREE.com

All San Antonio Park information can be found at http://www.sanantonio.gov/sapar/index.asp

So, it’s a new year, a new decade for that matter.  Where have the past ten years went….

Anyway, back to the topic at hand.  With a new year usually comes a new year’s resolution.  People look at January 1st as a new beginning, a fresh start to a brand new year.  A new year’s resolution is made; some sort of goal for that coming year; a goal to improve their life, and self.  Some people set a resolution to get a better job, read more books, volunteer, or even to stop speeding.  But for a lot of people, including myself, is to start being healthier.  Some go on diets, use portion control, or vow to only eat organic food.  While some join a gym, dust their bicycle off, or start going to yoga class.  Whatever the case may be for you, I know you won’t stick to your healthy lifestyle resolution if it’s really inconvenient for you.  The more convenient it is the easier it will be.

If you live in an apartment, then your healthy lifestyle could be just a short walk away.  Many apartment properties have some sort of amenity to aid you in your desire to living a healthy life.  Some have a gym or fitness center, while others may have a basketball or tennis court.  Be sure not to discount a swimming pool.  Swimming laps is one of the best workouts for your body that you can do.

We asked moveforFREE.com’s Facebook friends what their “must have” amenity for a healthy lifestyle was

50% said having a gym/ fitness center and

50% said having a swimming pool was their “must have.”

There are many amenities apartments offer to help people keep and stay healthy.  Such as a running/ walking track, basketball/ racquetball court, or even easy access to a bike trail.

Put exercise on your calendar.  Make it a part of your new routine.  Get a workout buddy.  Watch TV while walking on the treadmill.  Walk to your mailbox instead of drive. (That’s something I have a bad habit of doing.)  Anything to keep moving!

There are many things people claim they absolutely can not live without.  Whether it be their iPhone or car or their nautical themed pashmina Afghan; some things are more important to some than they are to others.  But what about when it comes to your home?  What are some things that are “must haves” in your home.  When it comes to apartment living; finding these must haves are sometimes challenging.  For me I know it’s especially important to be able to rent a washer and dryer to use in my apartment.  But there are more properties that have just hook- ups available instead of the washer and dryer to rent.

I asked our MoveforFREE.com Facebook fans what as the most important amenity to have in their apartment or at the property they live in.

50% said a Fitness Center

25% said a Pool

25% said Washer and Dryer Hook- Ups

0%  Access Gates

0% Curbside Trash Pick- Up

0% Hot Tub/ Jacuzzi

Sometimes finding the right combination of all the essential amenities for the right price can be somewhat challenging.  Some properties may have a pool but not a fitness center.  Or some may have a fitness center but no access gates.

Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a service that took all the hard work out of finding the perfect place?  Well… there is!

MoveforFREE.com

Register with moveforFREE.com here and an apartment locator will be assigned to you.  Tell them exactly what you are looking for and they will send you several different options.

Say you are looking for a one bedroom apartment, in the city of San Antonio, in the Medical Center area, under $600, and a pool.  Here are some examples of apartments that the locator would find for you.

Park Hill Apartments

Oaks of Northgate Apartments

Westchase Apartments

Register with MoveforFREE.com today and find your new apartment the easy and smart way!

Just because you live in an apartment or a small space doesn’t mean you can’t decorate for the holidays too!  There are ways you can decorate and still not make your space looked cramped and smaller than it already is.

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Here are MoveforFREE.com’s top ten tips on decorating for the holidays in an apartment or small space.

10. Try seasonal pillows or pillow cases.  If you already have throw pillows on your sofa; take your day- to- day ones off and replace them with festive ones for the holiday season.

9. Buy some holiday inspired scented candles.  It will make your small space smell like a fresh cut tree even if you only have a small artificial one.

8. Switch your picture frames and vases for festive decor like a candy dish or a nutcracker.  This won’t add to the clutter, just switches the accessories for the holiday season.

7. If you don’t have a fireplace and you still want the ambiance of one you can buy a “digital” fireplace on DVD; like this one…

6. Also, if you don’t have a fireplace or mantel to hang your stocking…. don’t worry!  Bedposts, doorknobs, or windows are great places to hang them.  And don’t worry… Santa will know where it is

5. Since windows and mirrors are already part of your home use them to your decorating advantage!  You can use window cling- ons or fake snow.

4. In a small space you might have to forgo the traditional piling presents under the tree.  This may cause your space to look even smaller.  The more floor you can see the bigger the space will look.  Try piling your presents off the floor on a chair near the tree or even a basket.

3. If floor space is limited try a table- top tree.  Stringing some lights and ornaments on it can really light up a small room and make you feel as  jolly and warm inside as a big tree.

2. By playing some Christmas music or holiday movies can really bring the holiday spirit into your home.  No matter how big or small.

1. And the number one tip for decorating a small space for the holidays… less is definitely more.  Pick at the most 2- 3 areas to decorate.  Don’t go overboard.  A lot of decorations can really make a small apartment look a lot smaller.

MoveforFREE.com would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and very Happy New Year!

So far we have established the moving is…

1. Stressful
2. Expensive
3. Stressful
4. Emotional
5. Stressful
6. Hard Work
7. Stressful
8. Physically challenging
9. Did I mention stressful?

And of course…

it is very time consuming.

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Things that you have to do to get ready for a move…

1. Find a new place (with as much time as that take up it should take up the top 5 spots)
2. Find a new place
3. Find a new place
4. Find a new place
5. Find a new place
6. Find/ get boxes
7. Pack
8. Pack
9. Hire movers/ Rent Truck/ Borrow Truck
10. and last but not least the actual move day

I asked our MoveforFREE.com Facebook fans what was the average time spent (the day of) for a DIY move.

The results were split directly down the middle between 5-6 hours and almost the whole day.  It’s “interesting” though; no one said it took less than 5 hours.

If you use MoveforFREE.com that will eliminate steps 1-3.  MoveforFREE.com can help you find a great apartment in much less time that you could have done on your own.

MoveforFREE.com doesn’t pack your belongings for you but they will carry, move, and transport everything from your old place to your new place…. FOR FREE!!!

If time  is something you have very little of, then MoveforFREE.com can help alleviate some of that time related stress.  Leave the heavy lifting to us!

SO moving can be stressful as it is, but throw children into the mix and things can get a bit more interesting.

For one, different children react to moving in different ways.  And depending on how old your kids are will also change on how they react to the news.

Here are some great ways to talk to your children about moving.

1. It is recommend that you let your children know as soon as possible that you are moving.  They will need time to get used to the idea.  And if you are moving far it will give them time to let their friends know.
2. Tell you children that you are open to questions about moving.  If you let them know you are open to discuss things then it will help them feel more comfortable about moving.  For example, if they ask you if there will be any parks near by, you could suggest they get online to look.  Having them feel like they are a part in the moving process will make them feel less worried about the whole process.
3. Your attitude can affect the way your children react.  If you have a bad mood about moving then chances are your children will too.  Acting up- beat and excited about the move can lift your child’s spirits as well!
4. As I said before it is important to encourage your children to help in the moving process.  Let them know that you are moving as a family and as a family everyone is going to help with the planning, organizing, packing, and moving.  By doing this your children will feel appreciated and will bring the whole family closer together during a very stressful time.

Think of moving as your a new adventure and encourage your children to participate.  I’m sure there will be a few tears shed but, the overall outcome will be sure to come out better!

As I have said many many times before moving is one of the most stressful events in a person lifetime. All the packing, extra expenses, the actual moving day, the list goes on and on.

The stress level only increases when it’s more than just yourself that is moving. What if you have a whole family to move? The stress level is sure to increase, especially with children.

Some might find it difficult to not let your stress get the better of you and take you frustrations out on your family… the ones you care about the most.

But! There are ways that a family can still bond throughout their moving process.

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On of the main things to remember is try not to let your stress overpower your emotions. Just remember to not let the move overpower your life. Start early. Do a little at a time.

Children may react to the move differently then you. If you are moving far, allow them to say goodbye to the old place, friends, and neighbors. Recognize they may need more time then you. You might consider telling them as soon as you know for sure that you are moving, so they have time to adjust to the idea.

If your children are older (pre- teens/ teenagers) they might want to have a goodbye party or spend a lot of time with their friends. While, you may want them to pack and help with the moving chores, this process of saying goodbye can be very important to them.

Try putting on music during a long day of packing that you can all enjoy. Music always helps stressful situations.

As far as packing goes, give your children a checklist of tasks that they can accomplish on their own. This will make them feel that they are an important part of the move.

Checklist for younger children….

Have them sort their stuff they want to move into three piles.

Keep
Throw out
Give away

Have them mark their boxes/ belongings with their own personal logo/ seal that they designed.

Have them pack a first night backpack with some stuff they will need during their first night in their new place. Things like a special blanket/ stuffed animal, favorite pair of PJ’s and favorite book will help them feel more “at home” when they get to the new place.

Checklist for pre-teens/ teenagers

When you tell your teen that you are moving, remember to tell them that this is a very stressful process for everyone and you would really appreciate lots of help. They can help in many ways.

They can take care of the younger children. They can be there to comfort them if they are anxious about the move. And especially be there to take care of them on the moving day. When people are moving big heavy furniture and boxes it is especially important to have the little ones out of the way.

Assure them that you are open for ideas on how to develop a strategic packing and moving plan. Children sometimes just like to feel included in big events! They like to feel like they can help.

Show/ tell them how to pack tactfully by packing the stuff that you don’t use very often first and the stuff you use daily last.

Have them write their own name on their boxes. Let them decorate them, so they no which one’s are theirs.

Make sure you don’t shadow over them to much. Teens like to prove to their parents they can do stuff on their own.

Hopefully these tips will help you turn a stressful event into a…. well a less stressful event. Use your family to your benefit. Use it as a bonding process instead of a fighting, anxiety filled incident.

GOOD LUCK!

*ideas adapted from http://www.moversdirectory.com