North American Van Lines Blog

If you're an expecting mother or have a newborn, you may be concentrating your decorating efforts toward your little one's nursery once your moving company has helped you get settled in. Here are a few tips for making the newest member of your family's first room a great one.

Colors

According to HGTV, babies can only see black, white and gray when they're first born, but eventually their visual palette expands to red. Soon after they're able to see blues, greens and pinks. The source warns against going with red as a primary color because it can cause confusion, and your baby will like those lighter tones that he or she will be able to see later on.

Patterns

HGTV recommends going with a contemporary color scheme that uses fun patterns. Not only will this be amusing to your little one's eyes, but by having a current design, you'll get more time out of your room before you have to remodel it.

Furniture

Besides having a safe and comfortable crib, there are a few extra pieces of furniture you might want to add to your nursery. TLC notes that it's a good idea to have a chair in your child's room. During the first year, you'll have to get up to comfort and hold your child in the middle of the night and you'll want a nice place to sit as you rock him or her back to sleep. You may also want to put in a changing table for added convenience. In the interest of safety, make sure you buy one with a lip at the edge.

With the all the packing, planning and driving, you may not have had the time to hit the gym during the moving process. After your trusted moving company has finished helping you settle in, you may want to start looking for fitness centers in the area to join. Gyms aren't only a great venue to shed pounds during the cold winter months - they're also great spots to socialize with your new neighbors. Here are a few tips for choosing a gym that's right for you.

Location

You should make sure that your gym is close to your new home. If you have a busy schedule, you may not be able to get to your fitness center if it's too far away. Also, it'll be easier to build up the motivation to work out if traveling to the gym isn't an arduous process.

Condition

Your chosen fitness center should be clean and have up-to-date equipment that works well. You can find out its condition by taking a tour before you sign on to become a member. If you notice rusty or broken equipment, consider going somewhere else.

Childcare

Another obstacle that can keep you from going to the gym are your little one. Many fitness centers have childcare facilities where they can play and socialize while being supervised by a qualified adult.

Extras

You may also want to consider the extra perks of your prospective gym. Some offer free classes like yoga, Pilates and spinning, while others grant you access to facilities like a sauna and steam room.

With all the planning, home buying and selling, packing and unpacking, switching your homes is a long and arduous process that can take a lot out of you. After your moving company departs, you may want to consider a few of these relaxing activities to unwind and de-stress.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Eastern medicine practice that uses needles to pierce certain pressure points and manipulate the inner-workings of the body. It's gaining momentum in the United States due to its effectiveness and dynamic ability to help relieve ailments and pain. According to Stress-And-Relaxtion.com, acupuncture is useful for stress relief because it alleviates the aches and pressure that can build up in your upper body.

Meditation

Meditation helps clear your mind and train your focus on something simple, like your breath or sensations in your body. While letting everything else melt away may be a hard task if you still have things to take care of, a small reprieve from the hustle and bustle can help energize you and clear your mind so you'll be more focused on the tasks at hand.

Massage

A massage is a great way to soothe the muscle tension that can result from your busy schedule and long hours spent in the car. Whether you're getting a hot stone massage, a Swedish massage or a deep tissue massage, you'll be able to relax your mind as you concentrate on the pleasant sensations as someone else does all the work.

Taking your dog along for the ride to accompany your moving company to your new home likely took a lot out of both of you. But now that you're settled down in Burlington, Vermont, you can both unwind - how about at an off-leash dog park? Here are two excellent choices to consider.

1. Waterfront Site. This fenced-off area for dogs is located about 1,000 feet north of the Moran Building, and it can be reached easily from the nearby bike path. It's a walk-in only site, so don't leave your water bottles, balls or poop baggies in the car if you're planning to use them. You can park on the north end of Waterfront Park or at North Beach, which are both close. The park is open at all hours year-round, and it's a great place to take your dog to run around, play ball or frisbee and interact with other canines. Of course, you might meet a few new friends there too!

2. Starr Farm Dog Park. Located next to the bike path and the community garden, this dog park is open daily from 8 am until dusk. Parking and water to hydrate your dog is available on-site, but there are a few important rules that must be followed at this location. For example, dogs must be properly licensed and vaccinated before being able to go off-leash, and you must clean up after your pooch. Children under 13 also aren't allowed to be inside the off-leash area without the supervision of an adult, so make sure your little ones are being watched.

Besides packing and organizing your belongings, there are a couple other preparations you may want to make before you and your trusted moving company to make the journey to your new home.

Family Physician

Finding the right doctor for you and your family is a process that takes a great deal of consideration. You should start researching physicians in your new area before you arrive so you don't have to make a rushed decision if someone in your family gets sick. You can utilize websites such as HealthGrades.com to look at prospects in your new city. The site allows you to see the doctor’s' area of specialty, patient satisfaction, if he or she is accepting new patients as well as the insurance plan that your family has.

School or Daycare Facility

Figuring out where your children will be educated is also something that you may want to look into before you move. This will allow you to pick an adequate school or daycare center that has a healthy learning environment and is within close proximity to your home. You might want to check schools' ratings on websites such as SchoolDigger.com and GreatSchools.org. You may also want to use ChildCareRatingz.com to get the scoop on daycare facilities near you.

San Diego is one city that you might want to relocate to in order to enjoy all the West Coast has to offer. This sunny Californian city is full of historical sites and fun activities for everyone from newlyweds to budding families. Once you find a moving company to help you settle in this hub, consider visiting the following places.

Balboa Park's California Tower

Another location you may want to explore is Balboa Park. Specifically, the California Tower is considered to be a must-see by locals. This structure is a part of the Museum of Man and exhibits timeless Spanish architecture. The Balboa Park official website states that the park spans over 1,400 acres and was established around 1868.

Whale Watching

SanDiego.org reports that the official whale watching season in the city begins in December, so if you happen to be around, take advantage of the unique opportunity. During a whale watching tour, you can see a series of gray whales make their way into the warm waters off the coast of California after migrating from Alaska. As many as 200 whales have been spotted off of San Diego's shores in mid-January, meaning you'll likely get lucky on your tour!

San Diego Air and Space Museum

One museum worth visiting while you explore your new city is the San Diego Air and Space Museum. This facility was originally established in 1961 according to its official website and has grown in attendance each year following its opening. During the 1980s, the San Diego Air and Space Museum began to expand to accommodate large aircrafts and exhibits. Today, the venue is home to dozens of planes and hosts special exhibits regularly. The museum also has motion simulators if you want to get the full flight experience.

Once you find a moving company to help you settle into your new apartment in Seattle, you'll want to start exploring your surroundings. Here are some sites to check out as you familiarize yourself with Seattle and all of its glory.

Pike Place Market

When Seattle is captured on camera, you'll often see the Pike Place Market in the background. This is with good reason - the market has been a staple in the metropolis for more than a century, serving as a resource for city dwellers who are looking fresh food. Today, more than 200 commercial businesses and 100 farmers call the Pike Place Market their home, according to the facility's official website.

Space Needle

One unmistakable icon on the Seattle skyline is the Space Needle. This structure was first dreamed up to make a splash at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, according to the Needle's official website. Edward E. Carlson, the designer of the Needle, put his ideas to work and the rest is history. Today, the structure is one of the first things people think of when Seattle comes to mind. You can ride the Needle to the top and catch a glimpse of the beautiful city on a clear day.

Seattle Aquarium

Located right on the Pacific Ocean, the Seattle Aquarium is home to several unique species that make it one of the most popular attractions in the city The venue's official website states that the aquarium has been in operation since 1977. In 2007, it was expanded by 18,000 square feet and numerous exhibits were added to draw more visitors to the aquarium. Today, the facility operates as a nonprofit under Seattle's parks and recreation department.

One city that you might want to relocate to if you're interested in exploring the West Coast is San Francisco. This northern California hub is full of interesting sights to see, and it's perfect for young professionals, budding families and newlyweds alike. Once you find a moving company to help you relocate, check out some of these places.

San Francisco Zoo

If you love animals, stop by the San Francisco Zoo once you get settled into your new place! This facility was established in 1929 and was created as a part of the Works Progress Administration - a depression era initiative. Today, it's home to dozens of animals and several exhibits for families to enjoy, according to the official San Francisco Zoo website.

Japanese Tea Gardens

The Japanese Tea Gardens are some of the most popular areas in San Francisco for city dwellers. Originally created in 1894 for an exhibit, the Japanese Tea Gardens official website states that the location has several pagodas, stone lanterns and stepping stone paths, which create a zen-like feeling. This unique nature haven is a great place to kick back and relax.

Aquarium of the Bay

If you're interested in exploring the unique marine life that calls San Francisco home, you might want to visit the Aquarium of the Bay. According to the facility's official website, the aquarium is approximately 50,000 square feet in size.

In addition to housing several unique ocean species, the aquarium also has many boat fleets that explore the bay to do research and learn more about the world's underwater creatures. Thousands of people visit the Aquarium of the Bay each year, and the staff is dedicated to educating individuals on everything they see while exploring the facility.

After you find a moving company and relocate to a different part of the country, you're likely going to feel a little apprehensive about exploring your new area. That being said, visiting local attractions is a great way to get comfortable in a new city.

Orlando, Florida, has much to offer to new residents. Once you see your movers off and get settled into your humble abode, here are some attractions to check out.

Disney World

Although it might seem like a kid's place, Disney World has something for everyone, regardless of age. Just a 15-minute drive from the heart of Orlando, you can find yourself exploring everything from Epcot to the Magic Kingdom alongside Mickey Mouse himself. In addition to exciting rides, this theme park also has luxurious resorts and restaurants.

Wet 'n Wild

Did you move to Florida to enjoy the warm weather? Why not start at Wet 'n Wild on International Drive? This theme park is a must-see for water lovers and thrill seekers who want to have some fun. Wet 'n Wild has several towering slides for daredevils who like a good splash. The park is open year-round and has heated pools for convenience.

Kennedy Space Center

The Kennedy Space Center has long been a place of discovery and education for Orlando residents and visitors alike. Get up close with all that NASA has to offer at the Kennedy Space Center, which offers tours of the Cape Canaveral area.

Orlando City Tour

If you want to stick to the urban side of town, consider an Orlando City Tour to see some of the most notable landmarks in the metropolis. Some sites you'll be able to explore include Winter Park, Park Avenue and Lake Eola.

Summers in Portland, Oregon, tend to be mild and pleasant, befitting its location in the Northwest. After completing your move with a long distance moving company, explore the rich and interesting culture with the friendly locals.

1. Take a short trip to a village that is just minutes from downtown Portland but looks like something out of a bygone era. Multnomah village is a quirky and charming town that is quintessentially Portland. Old-fashioned toy shops and candy stores will have your children buzzing with excitement. Many of the buildings remain intact, retaining a spirit and history that will intrigue visitors. The annual Multnomah Days celebration takes place in August so plan your trip accordingly.

2. Portland residents are known for their offbeat, quirky interests and lifestyle, as evidenced by the Shakespeare in the Park production. Since 1970, every summer has seen the production and exhibition of at least one Shakespearean play, held at various outdoor settings around the city. Best of all, this event is free of charge to all attendees. Enjoy a nice day in the park with your family and share some culture and literature from one of history's most renowned authors with your kids.

3. The Portland Japanese Garden has been proclaimed the most authentic Japanese Garden outside of Japan, and with good reason. The 5.5-acre grounds comprises five different garden styles - Flat, Strolling Pond, Tea, Natural, and Sand and Stone. Each of these styles features different layouts, elements and flowers and trees, all influenced by Shinto, Buddhist and Taoist philosophies. For a tranquil day outing, your family could not ask for much more.