North American Van Lines Blog

After your long distance movers have left you to your own devices, you're going to need to go through all of your boxes of belongings so you can start situating your new home. While this may be an arduous process, you can help infuse some fun into it and make it easier by having the little ones lend a helping hand. Here are a few ways to get the kids involved.

Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of items that you need in order to set up a certain room. For example, if you're looking to complete the bathroom, you may need toiletries, towels and a shower curtain. Give your kids the list and put a checkbox next to each item. Time them to see how fast they can get through the list and retrieve everything you need. Give them prizes or reward their efforts afterward with a delicious treat.

Decorating Efforts

As you hang decor or place certain items around your living space, your kids can help hold pictures up so you can visualize what they'll look like before you decide on a permanent location. You may also want to get their creative input on the setup of the furniture or color schemes that they find appealing.

Kids' Rooms

Your kids also have their belongings packed and they may be eager to play with their toys or start setting up their spaces. Allow them to handle the unpacking of their things and to start coming up with decorative schemes for their domains.

As you and your family follow one of the trusted interstate moving companies to your new home, the long car ride will be more tolerable if everyone is in high spirits. Here are some tips for boosting your fellow passengers' morale during the journey.

Prevent Car Sickness

Feeling queasy during a car ride is sure to bring down everyone's mood, so you may want to take steps to prevent it. MedicineNet.com notes that you should avoid eating foods that have strong odors because they can cause nausea, and also recommends opening a window or a vent for fresh air. If you have a passengers that are prone to car sickness, you should try to discourage them from reading. The source also reports that sitting in the front seat can help curb car sickness, so if someone is starting to feel queasy, you may want to have them ride in passenger seat.

Take Breaks

You can break up the ride by pulling over at rest areas. This will allow everyone to stretch their legs, get a breath of fresh air and use the bathroom if they need to. You may want to plot strategic stopping points that are on the way to your new home, so you can factor them into your travel time.

Check Traffic

A lack of progress on the road is never good for morale. You should frequently check traffic updates so you can avoid jams and can continue to make good time on the way to your new home. Keep a GPS handy so you can reroute if you have to stray from your original course due to heavy traffic.

As you and your cross country moving company traverse the U.S., you'll want your ride to be as comfortable as possible. To do this, you may want to eliminate and prevent any odors in your vehicle. Here are some tips for keeping your car smelling fresh.

Avoid Moisture

Try to avoid letting any water get inside of your car because it will soak the interior and the mildew will create a pungent odor. Make sure your windows are rolled up if you see any signs of rain. Keep a waterproof duffel bag in the car for everyone's coats and umbrellas.

Air Out Your Vehicle

A good way to eliminate any odors before you hit the road is to air out your car in advance. Leave the windows and doors of your car open for a couple of days before you move.

Clean the Car

Any lingering food or trash that's in your car is bound to create a foul-smelling odor. Before your venture, clean out everything that you don't need and use a vacuum to go over the seats and floors.

Add Pleasant Scents

You'll breathe easily with delicious scents wafting through your vehicle. While most air fresheners are pleasant, you may want to avoid one that uses artificial chemicals. Go to your local health food store or herb proprietor and look for an organic freshener. If you have a flower garden, you may also want to pick some sweet-smelling selections and put them on your dashboard.

Because you don't spend much time in the garage, it's easier to let it go by the wayside when it comes to clutter. Unfortunately, when your garage door is open, that mess that's been building up is there for your neighbors to see. You may want to consider these tips for keeping your space tidy after your moving company has left you to your own devices.

Eliminate Anything Unwanted

The first step to having a clean garage is getting rid of all the unwanted items. Ask your children whether they use the toys that litter your garage or ask yourself which belongings serve a practical purpose. Have a garage sale or donate anything you don't need to charity. Try to schedule a bi-annual "garage cleanse," or make it a monthly tradition.

Utilize Wall Space

The walls of your garage have great storage potential. Put up hooks along the perimeter so you can hang rakes, shovels and brooms. You may also want to install shelving in order to optimize your space - this can be done with a few L-brackets and some pieces of wood.

Designate Space

Designate areas of your garage for certain belongings. For example, the far right corner can be where the sports equipment goes and the far left corner may be used for lawn care equipment. Use masking tape or laminated construction paper to make labels for where things should go so no one forgets.

As you start your new job after your cross country movers have helped you settle in, you'll undoubtedly want to make a good impression on your boss and your coworkers. The way you dress can say a lot about your demeanor, and usually your garb is the first thing people notice. While you may know what to don Monday through Thursday, casual Friday can be trickier because there's a lack of regulations. Here are a few tips for what to wear on the last day of the week.

1. Keep it Clean

Casual still means clean around the office. AdministrativeArts.com recommends clothes that are wrinkle free and in good condition. Avoid pants or shirts that have rips or show signs of aging. If you're unsure whether an article of clothing is appropriate, err on the side of caution and leave it for the weekend.

2. Consult the Handbook

TheDailyMuse.com suggests consulting the employee handbook before you pick out your outfit so you know about specific guidelines. For example, some offices allow open-toed shoes while others strictly forbid them. At some offices, denim is fine, but it may be a bit too casual for other environments. You can always consult your more experienced coworkers about what they wear.

3. Unique Patterns

You can still maintain some class while expressing your individuality by sporting blazers and blouses that have unique patterns or bright designs, reports TheDailyMuse.com. You won't be in any danger of violating the dress code, but you're sure to turn some heads and show the rest of the office that you have a fun and eccentric side.

Your first Christmas in your new home is bound to be a special one. Here are a few sensible stocking stuffers that will make your kids grin, and won't put a burden on your wallet.

Personalized Christmas Ornaments

To mark the special Christmas occasion, you may want to give your little ones Christmas ornaments. Write something special that marks the new chapter in your lives. Your children will be able to hang it on the tree and remember the special day for many more holiday seasons to come. You can find personalized ornaments on websites like OrnamentShop.com once one of the trusted interstate moving companies has finished helping you unpack.

Mad Lib Book

Mad Libs provide fun for the whole family and they're inexpensive. You'll enjoy the funny stories you and your little ones come up with and they also help teach your kids the parts of speech. If you plan to travel to see family this winter season, Mad Libs is a great game to play in the car.

Colored Pencils

Encourage your kids' artistic sides with a pack of colored pencils. They aren't costly, and you won't have to worry about them making a mess like you do with markers or paints. You may want to include a sharpener in the stocking so they can draw for as long as they want. You can also put a sketch pad in their stockings as well as coloring books from their favorite animated television shows.

After your long distance movers have helped you settle in, you'll have to start thinking about great decor to go in your living space. If you plan to entertain guests as you start to make friends in your community, you may want to make your home more inviting by infusing a cozy atmosphere into it. Here are some tips for pulling it off.

Furniture

Just because a couch looks stylish doesn't mean that it's inviting. Choose furniture that feels as nice as it looks, with large plush cushions and equally comfortable throw pillows. InteriorDesignInfo.com recommends putting a folded-up blanket on the arm of a sofa so your guests know that they can warm up a little if they're feeling a chill.

Smell

The inviting atmosphere should also cater to your guests' senses of smell. You may want to cook up some delicious baked goods before you have guests over, or you can always burn an apple or pumpkin pie scented candle.

Festivities

Realtor.com notes that you can make your home feel more festive by embracing the holiday season with your decor. During the autumn, make fun centerpieces using pumpkins, gourds and other fall vegetables. During winter, a few paper snowflakes will do, and you can also illuminate a Christmas tree with shiny ornaments and lights.

Books

InteriorDesignInfo.com reports that some well-worn hardcover books will provide a charm to your home that gives it a welcoming feel. Find a wooden bookshelf and apply some dark brown varnish, then stock it with some older finds from a secondhand bookstore.

You may want to kick off the new chapter in your life by practicing healthy habits so you look and feel great. One important aspect of your physical well-being is your blood pressure, and by following these tips, you'll have a ticker that's in tip-top condition.

Exercise

According to the American Heart Association, exercise helps bolster your heart health, which in turn allows it to pump blood with less effort. This will cause less stress on your arteries and could lower your blood pressure. The source recommends engaging in aerobic exercises that raise your heart rate. These can include anything from household chores like mowing the lawn or raking leaves to climbing stairs, walking, jogging, biking or swimming. You should try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day after your cross country moving company has left.

Diet

What you eat also plays a crucial role in your blood pressure. Your sodium intake, or the amount of salt you consume, is a large factor in blood pressure. The Mayo Clinic notes that you can eat up to 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day. You should also incorporate 6 to 8 grams of grains a day, which come from whole-wheat bread, cereal, rice or pasta.

Vegetables and fruits can also help keep your blood pressure in check. Try to consume at least four to five servings a day. In order to get a variety of vitamins and nutrients, make salads or get out the blender and concoct delicious and nutritious smoothies.

During the colder winter months, you'll want to keep your new home warm and cozy, but you may be wary about cranking up the heat due to gas and oil prices. Here are a few eco-friendly and economically savvy heating solutions that you should consider after your cross country movers have finished helping you settle in.

1. Pellet Stoves

Pellet stoves have experienced a rise in popularity because they provide an all-natural means of heat and won't take a toll on your bank account. Many pellets are made from recycled wood, so they're good for Mother Nature, and you'll enjoy the cozy aesthetic of a blazing fire in your living room, which can easily be activated with the flip of a switch. Pellet stoves also produce little waste, so you won't spend too much time cleaning up ash.

2. Space Heaters

A good way to save on energy costs is to use space heaters. Not only do they use a miniscule amount of energy compared to oil and gas sources, but you can move them from room to room so you won't have to heat your whole home in order to stay warm.

3. Fireplaces

Fireplaces are ideal ways to provide heat for your home. They run on renewable resources and you never have to worry about rising heat or oil prices. You can also maximize the efficiency of your fireplace with a fireback, which is a sheet of metal that sits at the back of the fireplace and reflects the heat into your home. You can also invest in a damper, which according to Mother Earth News, helps control the airflow out of the chimney.

Becoming a stay-at-home parent is a big lifestyle change. If you've opted to take a break from the 9 to 5 to take care of the little ones, then you may want to consider these few tips for an easy adjustment, once you've finished getting settled in with the help of your cross country moving company.

1. Make a Schedule

Going from a regimented work day to a less organized one can be a bit of a shock. Care.com recommends making a schedule so you're able to get all of your domestic duties done and you feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. Also, the consistency will help the little ones know what to expect throughout the day.

2. Talk to Others in Your Field

Staying at home with the kids can be a bit isolating, and there're no better people to socialize with than others who are in your same position. Keep a clear line of communication with other people in your industry who have also opted to temporarily become stay-at-home parents. Swap funny anecdotes and give each other career advice for when you do return back to work.

3. Volunteer With Your Kids

U.S. News suggests adding to your résumé by volunteering at your children's school or extracurricular activities. This will allow you to meet and socialize with other parents and the source notes that it's also a great way to meet new contacts.