Movers carrying boxes off truck
Movers Who Blog Downsizing

Top 4 tips for an easy and efficient downsize

As summer concludes, we quickly begin planning for what needs to be done during the fall season. During this time, many are looking to downsize their homes before the winter season hits. Downsizing means freeing up the clutter of your unused items, moving to a new home altogether, or transitioning into a smaller space.

If you know you have a downsize moving on the horizon, we’re here to help you through any concerns and offer advice to make it a success. Parting ways with the home you’ve grown close to and built memories in is not an easy task, and we’re here to relieve some worries.

Follow along with these tips to make the process a little easier!

Get ahead

Start the process early. You want to have a good idea of the downsizing plan. Get started a few months ahead of the move day so you’re prepared when the movers arrive. Each day, gather more and more of your belongings to pack in boxes. Taking it day by day will allow for less chaos on move in day.

Get rid of clutter

During the packing process, it’s a good idea to sort through the items you do and don’t need anymore. Donating is a great way to give back and will free up room for you as well. You don’t want your new home to be packed with unnecessary clutter. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK offers junk removal services at select locations and can get rid of unwanted items for you! A good rule of thumb for sorting is if you haven’t used or worn it in the last year and don’t see yourself using it, it’s probably safe to get rid of.

Stay on track

It’s easy to get sidetracked with all that we have going on in our lives, but with a move its important to stay focused and be prepared. Have a checklist as well as a packing list ready to help track your progress. Remember to be flexible, as things don’t always go as planned. For more resources and checklist to help you stay on track, click here!

Be patient

Keep in mind, not everything will get done in one day. It’s important to stay patient with the process and allow yourself time to relax when you can. Take it day by day as the move approaches approaches so you won’t have as much to tackle when the day arrives.

With a downsizing move, we have all the right professional tools to help you. We can assist you with the entire move, the packing, delivery, loading/unloading, junk removal, or even storage for things you don’t want to keep in the new house. Learn more about these services by clicking here.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.

A TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Junk Truck
Movers Who Blog Movers for Moms

Five TWO MEN AND A TRUCK specialty services to keep in mind even if you aren’t moving to a new home

Movers carrying wrapped couch through doorway

If you’ve seen our trucks driving around, you probably think we’re just another company in town.

While this is the bread and butter of our brand and what we’ve hung out hat on for more than 35 years, we’re able to offer much, much more than just traditional home moving to our customers. We’ve become a one-stop-shop for all moving needs our customers may have so that when they come across a situation and need help, we’re able to answer the call.

These services can include just hiring our movers to do the heavy lifting, hiring them to get rid of items you don’t want, or even letting your local team pack up belongings prior to a move because you don’t feel like it (we don’t blame you!).

Take a look at our special and secondary moving options and see how TWO MEN AND A TRUCK can help you as we head into the fall season!

Junk Removal (available at select TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchises)

Having launched just a few years ago and steadily growing is our TWO MEN AND A TRUCK junk removal service. Our professional teams will arrive to your home or business with specialized junk removal trucks to remove and dispose of your unwanted items.

This is great for businesses who are changing out office equipment, or for residential customers who are undergoing home renovations, decluttering, or just looking to part ways with old belongings.

For availability or to see if this is offered in your area, click here.

Load and Unloading (available at select TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchises)

Have you ever been in a situation where you know you don’t need the moving truck, but you just want the moving help? That’s where our loading and unloading services come in.

You can hire a TWO MEN AND A TRUCK moving team to come out to your home or business and help you load up a rental truck or storage container – whatever the need might be. This saves you from having to do the heavy lifting, and they’ll be able to get the job done quickly and professionally.

Business Moving and Storage

Our moving services aren’t limited to residential customers – businesses often utilize our movers, too! Whether you’re looking to relocate your entire office or you just need help moving items around the office, our teams can help.

As a business, we understand the important of limiting interruptions to your business, and that’s why we’ll work closely with you to build out a moving schedule to avoid the busiest times of your operation and keep distractions to a minimum.

Pickup and Delivery

The excitement of making a large purchase such as a piece of furniture or a new appliance can quickly fade away when you start thinking about how you’ll get that item home.

Thankfully, we can help with the delivery of large items! Using our moving teams and equipment, we’ll pick up whatever item you have purchased and deliver it right to your home or business, and we’ll even move it inside where you need it, too.

From items like new washers or dryers to refrigerators, exercise equipment, tanning beds, and more – we’ve got you covered.

In-Home Moving and Lifting

Similar to the load-only services, sometimes you find yourself just needing the help with the lifting. You can call a TWO MEN AND A TRUCK moving team out to your home or business to help with moving furniture around or a heavy appliance – whatever the need might be.

This saves you the trouble of trying to lift something heavy on your own and gives you peace of mind knowing that the lifting is being handled by professionals.

Please note: Each TWO MEN AND A TRUCK location is independently owned and operated, therefore specialty moving services can sometimes be limited to select franchises. Please use our franchise locator link to find the location closest to you and see if they offer these services.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.

Movers Who Blog Moving, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

Customer testimonials give a glimpse into the moving experience with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

Customers talking with mover

Before you put your trust in a company, it’s always a good idea to hear from customers themselves about their experiences. You want to make sure your money is in good hands with a team that cares, and ensure you hire a business you can trust.

As the largest franchised moving company in the U.S. and a 96% customer referral rate, it’s fair to say you will be in good hands here at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK! Our team is professionally trained and background checked with drug-screened movers who use professional moving equipment to ensure your belongings are properly cared for. We specialize in all types of local and long-distance moving with trained professionals to tackle any situation.

Additionally, we have a variety of services to accommodate our customers’ moving needs outside our traditional home moving option, including junk removal, storage, packing/moving supplies, and more.

Check out what a few of our recent customers had to say about their moving experiences with us!

Customer Testimonial: Holly Cash, Dallas, TX

Customer Testimonial: Sam Upton, Dallas, TX

Customer Testimonial: Richard Daddi, Dallas, TX

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.

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6 easy tips to prepare kids for back to school season

Back to school time can be stressful for the whole family, especially for the soon-to-be students. We want to help make this transition back to school as seamless as possible, which is why we’re breaking down some tips for sending your kids back to school.

Use these tips and ideas to help ease the back-to-school jitters and make it a fun, positive experience!

Get them familiar with their schedules

Have your kids print out their class schedules ahead of time so they can familiarize themselves with their classes and find out where they will be held. In fact, you could take your kids on a trip to the school to check out where their classes will be. Let your kids know it may be a good idea to send their schedules around to their friends so they can find some class buddies. This will help get them excited about beginning their school year!

Build a routine ahead of the big first day

The adjustment period from summer to school time can be rough, so have your kids practice getting into the school day routine. Getting up a bit earlier and having a set bedtime. Make sure they are using a trustworthy alarm clock, too.

Check out activities throughout the school year

Many kids aren’t too excited about summer ending. As a parent, reminding them of the things to look forward to with a new school year may help get them motivated.

Remind your kids of their favorite classes and teachers. You can also show them what clubs, extracurriculars, or sports the school offers to get them to try new fun things! Get them excited about seeing familiar faces again and how they will have the chance to make new friends.

Take your kids meet their new teachers

It can be scary starting fresh with teachers they may not be familiar with, so set aside time before school starts to introduce them to their teachers. Getting them comfortable beforehand will ensure they feel more inclined to go to their teachers for help.

Plan a school supply shopping trip

This can be a fun process for kids to pick out their own supplies. Get them in the creative spirit by having them pick out fun decorations/designs to add to their folders, notebooks, lockers, etc.

Set aside time to help your kids with homework

Making your home a safe space for your kids to feel comfortable going to you for help with their schoolwork or problems at school is crucial. This way you can readily find solutions and make your kids school experience more pleasant.

Follow these tips to ensure your kids have a smooth transition into the school year!

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.

Mobile phone on TWO MEN AND A TRUCK website
Movers Who Blog Uncategorized

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK’s movetrac and other planning resources that will get you ready for move day

-Written by Megan Loop

It’s no surprise the moving process can be a bit stressful and chaotic, which is why it’s important to get organized ahead of your move. Knowing how to properly pack and organize your belongings before, during, and after a move will save you from some of this stress and allow the entire process to go a little smoother.

To reduce these worries, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has developed movetrac, which is a guide you can use to prepare, plan, organize, and utilize helpful resources for your moving needs. You will be glad to hear you can use this resource for free!

Check out the ways movetrac can benefit your entire move experience!

Checklists

To start with movetrac, fill out your profile with your move information. movetrac will build a tailored moving checklist that’s custom to fit you based on the details you share. Another great feature is the simple to-do list that you can easily monitor as the move day approaches. This list could be gathering any necessary moving supplies, cleaning, or organizing your storage spaces, and setting aside donation piles to reduce your packing tasks.

Progress tracking

movetrac also tracks the progress you make throughout the moving process, as it shows you the tasks you completed. The timeline feature allows you to see how everything is coming along. You will receive an alert about anything you may have missed in the to-do list as well. You’ll be able to stay on track and stress less.

Extensive resources

Another feature is an extensive library of resources and articles that’ll help you unravel all the answers to your questions about the big move. This also includes moving tips on how to prepare yourself. This section will prove very beneficial, especially if you haven’t moved around much before. It’ll help you stay on top of things throughout the whole process so you get the job done right!

We have more information for all your concerns with the moving experience. Visit our website to find more valuable resources to help make moving day a little more simple!

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.

Mover shaking customers hand
Movers Who Blog Uncategorized

15 tips when moving with pets

One area of moving that is easy to overlook but very important to consider is what you’ll do during the move if you have pets.

Often times, pets can be territorial and anxious about moving to an unfamiliar setting, which is why we’re breaking down some of our best tips to help with your pets’ transition to a new home. Helping our little companions with this process will ensure they grow to love their new home space!

Whether your pet is a cat, dog, fish, or any other small furry friend, these are a few suggestions that can ease any concerns.

Dogs:

  • Be sure to do an introduction to the movers that your dog will be around during the entire process. Dogs can be protective over their families, so familiarizing them with the new faces will help to ease their worries.
  • Bring their favorite toys or other comfort items to keep them calm and comfortable. Incorporating these items in the new home will make them feel more at ease.
  • Treats! Dogs love treats and will be very pleased with you if you bring along their favorite treats to keep them preoccupied. Dogs can have a one-track mind when it comes to food anyway, so this will be a good distraction amid the chaos.
  • Have a plan when it comes to the actual moving of your pets, as moving companies cannot handle this part. The best plan would be to transport them in a crate in your own car alongside your family where they would feel most comfortable.
  • Stay up to date with their health by ensuring they have all their necessary treatments or medications from the vet, especially if you’re moving far enough away to require a new vet office.  . If your new home will be near a woody area or one with lots of other dogs, you will want to make sure your dog stays healthy through any new exposures they may experience.

Cats:

  • Cats can be hesitant around strangers and dislike commotion, so be sure to keep them in a calm, quiet, and trusted location in your home during the packing or unpacking process. Check in on them during this process to calm their anxiety.
  • Bring a crate with a bed in it for your cat to rest in during your drive to the new home. Put any familiar toys and treats in the crate to keep your cat preoccupied.
  • Introduce them to the new home slowly, as too much all at once is not good for cats. Give them time to adjust to their new space and they will come around!

Fish:

  • To begin the relocation process, make sure the fish tank is cleaned out right before you make the move.
  • Have a secure place to transport your fish. Place them in a proper container with fresh water and food for the trip.
  • When you arrive at your new home, set up the same tank so they feel they are still in a familiar place. You want them to feel at home even though the environment may look a bit different to them.

Small Pets:

  • Other pets could include anything like bunnies, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, mice, and more. These little pets also need your help in getting acquainted with their new homes.
  • House these pets in a trustworthy cage so they can’t get out during the transportation process.
  • They may feel better if you provide them with familiar toys and a private area in their cage where they can unwind and hide from any chaos.
  • Make sure their cage has enough food/water, is clean, and kept at the proper temperature to ensure maximum comfortability during the process.

We hope these suggestions ease any concerns you have with transporting your pets during this hectic time. Follow these tips and your pets will get acclimated in no time. Your pets will soon love the new place as much as you do!

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.

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5 helpful things to consider when moving into a college dorm or housing

-Written by Megan Loop

With a new school year right around the corner, it’s almost time to get packed up for the fall college semester! For those heading to housing on or off a college campus in the coming month, this can be a stressful process, especially with everything else college students have to prepare for. Here are a few tips to make the entire process a little smoother and less stressful.

Make a plan

Get started on a packing list, figure out your move in schedule, and start gathering your essential items. Be sure to wrap any fragile items delicately, and hold onto any boxes you use so when the time comes to pack everything back up, you have the necessary supplies. It’s a great idea to fold down your boxes and place under your bed or in a closet so when it comes time to move out, you have your boxes ready to go!

Figure out your dorm layout and nearby amenities

Familiarize yourself with your dorm layout before moving in so you have an idea of how you will set up your belongings. Figure out where you have room to store your items and check out what amenities your dorm area offers. You could also look up good places to eat, shop, and hang with your friends!

Get rid of items you don’t need or use anymore

Getting rid of unneeded items will reduce your packing list and any overflow when finding storage in your room. Reducing clutter will also ensure your room stays neat and organized throughout the school year.

Get creative with your new room

Get started on any decorations or personal touches you want to add to your room so it feels like home. Bring along any posters or picture frames you like to make the space personal to you. Have any cool lights or cozy items that make you feel safe? Be sure to bring those items to make your new room feel homey.

Much needed items to consider bringing

  • Sanitary items: This could be anything from paper towels, toiletries, cleaning products like Lysol or sanitizing products, and more.
  • First aid kit: In the case of any emergency or injury, you’ll want first aid essentials nearby and any necessary medications.
  • Towels: You will need these for bathing or any swimming opportunities.
  • Fan: It can get pretty hot in dorms. be sure to bring a fan for comfortable room temperature control.
  • Racks and storage bins: Try to keep things organized; you’ll make much better use of your space with these organizational tools.
  • Trash cans and bags: Keep your room tidy by having trash cans nearby.
  • Any necessary cords: You will need to make sure you have your charging cords and extension cords accessible in your room.
  • Shower items: You’ll need all your shower goods like the basics (shampoo, conditioner, bar of soap, etc.) but also keep in mind you may need a shower caddy to hold everything. Flip flops will also come in handy for the bathroom trip.

College move in can be stressful but we hope this guide eases some worries. Laying out a plan and being prepared will allow you to adjust to your new space quicker. Whether you’re on or off campus, this is a fresh start and the perfect time to make your living quarters your own while enjoying your college experience!

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.

Movers Who Blog Uncategorized

8 tips for preparing your kids for a positive moving experience

-Written by Megan Loop

Change can be hard for kids – especially moving homes – as they uplift their life from a place they’re used to and start somewhere new.

As overwhelming as this might be, there are some steps you can take to make the process a bit more digestible and comforting for them as they adapt to their new surroundings. You may find these tips make the challenge a little less overwhelming for the entire family!

Sit them down for a talk

The first step in this process is sitting your kids down for a talk to explain the transition. Tell them why the move is necessary and listen to any concerns they may have. Be honest and open with them so they feel inclined to ask any necessary questions about the process.

Remind your kids they can easily remain in contact with friends

Typically, the most common issue kids have with moving is the fact that they are leaving their friends. It’s important to remind them to stay in touch with friends and that there will still be opportunities to see them, especially with technology making it easier to stay in reach.

Introduce them to the movers

When the movers arrive, introduce them to your kids so they will feel more comfortable with the team handling their belongings. Establishing trust will make kids feel more at ease with the process. Our teams are professional and friendly and will always do their best to make sure it is a pleasant experience for all.

Encourage them to make new friends in the area

Remind your kids that they now have the chance to get out there and meet new people from different backgrounds in the area you are moving to. Setting up playdates with the neighborhood kids will make them more at ease with the change. Maybe walking over to the houses next door and introducing your kids to the new families will be the start of something great!

Take them on a tour around the new area

Taking a break from getting the new home ready and exploring the area will help your kids get acclimated. Check out restaurants, ice cream shops, parks, and fun activities to do nearby. Getting them used to your new neighborhood and area will help them become excited and comfortable with the change.

Create excitement around their new room

Be enthusiastic about the fact that they get a brand new room and can decide for themselves how they want to set it up. This part is aways exciting for kids. Set aside an area for play that they can go to when they’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

Find a fun new use for the packing boxes

Give the kids fun projects with the boxes that’ll keep them busy. Have them get creative with making fun box costumes or drawings on the cardboard! Keeping them preoccupied with a fun new project while you work on unpacking can be beneficial to all.

Keep a positive attitude

Set a positive demeanor for your kids to look to for encouragement. If they see that you are happy with the new home and area, then they may look at the bright side as well! Encourage them to see it as a new adventure that you will take on together.

Utilize these helpful tips to allow for a smooth transition for the entire family. Here at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, we want the move to be as seamless as possible!

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.

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Follow these 6 important safety tips as a new homeowner

Being a new homeowner is an exciting and new experience as it signifies a huge steppingstone in your life with making such a big purchase.

With this huge step comes  responsibility, which is why we are breaking down 6  safety measures to consider after the big move. With our more than 35 years of experience in moving people in and out of their homes, we’ve picked up on some helpful tips to share with you.

Check out this safety checklist to ensure your new home experience will be a safe space moving forward!

Electrical hazards

Follow your gut when you notice something off regarding anything electrical. Hazardous situations may arise from a damaged cord, wire, or outlet. It’s best to get it checked out by an electrician to ensure a problem doesn’t arise. Make sure everything is working properly and in the case of an emergency, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the electrical box.

Locating the water and piping system

Take the time to locate the water and piping system so you can familiarize yourself with the inner workings along with how to shut your water off. This is prudent information in the case of a broken pipe or flooding. By knowing this information, you would be able to locate it and turn off the water quickly in any emergency.

Invest in a security system

Nowadays, it’s very common to have security cameras surrounding your home. This could be a Ring camera on your doorbell or some sort of alarm system that will alert you when there is an entry breach. This is always a smart idea in the case of a burglary attempt, or just for monitoring any strange behavior or activity taking place near your home.

Check your smoke alarms and detectors

Ensure that your new home has working smoke alarms and that you and your whole family know how to operate them. Look around to see where they are and if there are enough alarms in the proper places as well.

Check the battery life and ensure you have backup batteries in an accessible place. It also doesn’t hurt to test these alarm systems so you know they will work when an emergency arises. Knowing how to function these devices will save your family from panicking and not knowing what to do when the time comes.

First aid equipment

Be sure to have a designated area in the house for first aid supplies. This could be anything from band aids, bandage wraps, ice packs, antibiotics/creams, thermometer, and so forth. Also make sure you have other emergency items such as flashlights, non-perishable foods, water, batteries, multi-purpose tools, medications, etc. readily available.

Create emergency plans

There are extreme situations that can arise where it is crucial to be prepared, such as tornados, hurricanes, flooding, fires, and so forth. Sitting down with your family to discuss a detailed plan in the event of these emergency situations is critical.

For example, understanding where to go in your home for tornado shelter, how to react to a fire, or having an escape route. It is also a good idea to have emergency contact information in an easily accessible place, especially if there are kids in the household. This way they know exactly who they can call in an emergency situation, especially if parents aren’t home or available.

Follow these safety measures and you and your family will feel more at ease in your new home. It is always wise to be safe rather than sorry, so be sure to educate the whole household on the proper safety measures to be taken. Once this important step is taken you are ready to enjoy this exciting new chapter in your life!

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.  

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Junk Container in Driveway
Movers Who Blog Uncategorized

Utilize TWO MEN AND A TRUCK’S junk removal service this summer to remove unwanted clutter

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Junk Truck in driveway

-Written by Megan Loop

It’s summertime, which means you probably have plenty of clutter in your home that could easily be taken care of by our TWO MEN AND A TRUCK junk removal service. With more free time to spare in the summer, it’s time to get organized without the hassle of doing it yourself.

Many know of TWO MEN AND A TRCUK as a moving company, but our junk removal services have been taking off since we launched it a few years ago. This is a helpful service for college students looking to clean up their dorm rooms as they head back home, families that have clutter scattered across their homes, and even for businesses looking to tidy up this summer season.

Anyone can find use for this service and with one call, we will get it taken care of for you. Save yourself the back ache and let our dedicated, professionally trained movers take care of your junk removal needs.

There are plenty of items laying around the house TWO MEN AND A TRUCK can remove, which include:

  • Household furniture
  • Business furniture
  • Mattresses or box springs
  • Appliances
  • Carpeting
  • TVs
  • Exercise equipment
  • Electronics or appliances (may vary by franchise)

Garage cleanouts, furniture removal, estate cleaning, business cleaning, downsizing, and more all fit perfectly with this service option. With help from our junk removal team, this stressful job will be taken care of in no time and those unwanted items will be out of your sight. Now you can focus on the things you really want to do this summer!

It is important to also note that junk removal service is only available for specific franchise locations. Contact the location in your area to see if this service is available for you. Also keep in mind there are certain items we can’t take with the junk removal service. There is more information on our junk removal service website you can read for more information.

Here are a few handy tips to get you started on the junk removal process!

Stay organized by creating a plan

Start by compiling a list of the items you plan to have removed. Then design a step-by-step plan to follow in order to keep you on the right track and to ease any worries about the process.

Get all the proper cleaning supplies you may need together

Before you start on getting your unwanted clutter together, ensure you have the right supplies. These supplies being cleaning products, trash bags, rags, and so on. Head to the store before getting started or start rounding up what you already have at home to use in the process.

Good rules to follow

If you don’t see yourself using it, it’s safe to say you shouldn’t keep it around anymore. If you find certain items taking up space that you have no purpose for anymore, give us that call to get rid of it through the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK junk removal service. You will find yourself feeling better without the unnecessary clutter taking up space in your home.

Take your time

Give yourself credit, this is a stressful process that can take time. Take it day by day, cleaning up what you can and remember TWO MEN AND A TRUCK will do all the hard work for you!

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.