American Van Lines - Charlotte Movers

Summertime Lawn Care

2010-08-16T16:16:00.000-07:00

Summertime is fun for the whole family because there are various things to do outdoors. According to our movers in Charlotte, summertime is also the ideal season for moving. With kids out of school and warmer weather you could never pick a better time to move. Being a homeowner puts you in the right position to take advantage of everything that summer has to offer. Having barbecues or just reading in the comfort of your own yard is the best feeling a home owner can have.

The scorching summer weather can be especially hard on your lawn. Having a properly maintained lawn can make your yard feel more comfortable as well as enhance the look of your home and property value. American Van Lines Charlotte movers would like to offer some great tips to help you maintain your lawn during the hot summer months. Grass tends to grow slower during the summer so cutting and trimming should be reduced to avoid causing any permanent damage. Letting your lawn grow a bit taller than usual will provide shade to the roots and helps keep your lawn cool in the heat.

Watering is very important to the growth of your lawn. It is widely believed that you should water your lawn a lot more during the summer but this practice can actually cause damage. You should water your lawn early in the morning when the sun is not so intense, this will give the water time to evaporate gradually during the day.

The heat can bring out all sorts of wild life, especially insects that feed on your grass. Be careful when choosing the best course of action when it comes to insects, because some insects are not affected by every type of pesticide and certain pesticides are harmful to your lawn. You should only treat weeds on affected areas using products that have been proven to be safe for your lawn. Planting more grass seeds in a fully grown lawn prevents weeds from growing.

Visit the moving company Charlotte trusts most for more lawn care tips.

Moving Without the Family Pet

2010-08-14T09:48:00.000-07:00

Moving can be difficult on the whole family and pets are no exception. Whether you have a hamster or a Great Dane, changing their everyday routine can be really stressful on your pet. Traveling over long distances will only make things worse. Some families may choose to use a professional pet transportation service like Royal Paws to transport their pet. Although pet transportation services are designed to transport your pet with a minimum amount of stress, being in unfamiliar surroundings may still take some time to adjust to.

Pets in General

Most pets and particularly dogs do not like to be away from their owners for extended periods of time. The absence of a family pet can be just as stressful on the whole family, especially children. American Van Lines movers in Charlotte would like to offer you some useful tips to help your family and pets adjust to their new surroundings. The first thing that you need to understand is how different pets react differently to moving. It is a good idea to research the state laws for pets because they may differ from your current state and you can be held liable if you don’t abide by them, especially if you own an exotic animal.

Dogs

For dogs there are a few things that need to be done before the actual moving day to help make the transition easier. You should try and keep dogs away on moving day. Dogs can sense different emotions and seeing everything being packed and moved – especially if you are using the moving company Charlotte residents trust - it can really excite your dog to see new people. Consider taking a visit to the veterinarian for a routine checkup, to get a copy of health records and possibly get a referral for another vet near your new location. Ask a friend or neighbor who is familiar with your dog to look after it. If you cannot find anyone to look after your dog, you should put him in an empty room or in your back yard with a doggie bed and some chew toys until all of the packing and loading is complete. Once you are in your new home you should wait until all of your furniture is in place before bringing your dog inside. A doggie bed, water bowl and chew toys should be placed in the same location within your new home as it was in your last home. You should make sure to update dog tags to include your new phone number and address.

Cats

Cats are just as temperamental when it comes to moving. Just as with dogs you should consider leaving them with a friend or family member, this is all the more crucial when dealing with cats because they are naturally harder to keep track of. Much like dogs having something familiar to come home to like a scratching post or a familiar rug can help your cat adjust to his surroundings.

Smaller Pets – Birds, Fish & Hamsters

Birds are usually easy to move because they are just as happy in their cage as long as they have the proper ventilation and plenty of food and water. Fish should be removed from their tank and transported in proper travel containers. Small animals like hamsters are not really a problem as long as you use well ventilated metal or chew resistant plastic.

Children are a bit trickier when it comes to moving as you will be confronted with the task of having to explain where the family pet is during the move. Some kids may worry that the family pet was left behind. You should include kids in the whole process if you plan to use a pet transportation service. Allow them to come along when you choose who will transport your pet and allow them to ask questions when you do make a decision. Assign your kids the task of keeping track of your pet’s supplies, this will reassure them that your pet is in fact just traveling and will arrive shortly. By taking these precautions you will ensure that both your family and pets adjust to your relocation with minimum resistance.

Visit your preferred Charlotte movers regularly for more interesting facts and moving tips!

House, Apartment or Condo?

2010-08-11T15:08:00.000-07:00

If you are planning to move to Charlotte there are a lot of things to consider before you depart from your current residence. Among those considerations is one of the most important questions to ask your self, “Do I want to move into an apartment, condo or a home?” Each option has its share of benefits and burdens, so it’s up to you to find out which one you prefer. American Van Lines Charlotte movers handle moving jobs to each living environment regularly and we want to offer informed perspective at the pros and cons of each one.

Considerations for a House

Consider things like price, space, your personal lifestyle and convenience when making your decision. Some people who have lived or grew up in urban areas and are not too used to some of the chores that come with homeownership and may not want to deal with the added work. Pet owners may see a yard as a plus, so their pets have enough space to run around in. Parents may also deem a yard positive because it gives kids a safe place to play and burn off energy during the day and enough room for them to comfortably rest at night. Homes naturally provide more space than an apartment or condo so if you have a large family or just feel like having the extra room, then a home is the way to go.

Considerations for an Apartment

Apartments offer many amenities that you will not find in a house. Most apartment buildings offer active security around the clock as well as safe parking areas so you won’t have to worry about your vehicle at night. You can also find many apartment buildings that offer swimming pools and workout rooms stocked with the latest in workout equipment. Trash disposal and utility bill included in your monthly payments are also great reasons to live in an apartment.

Although homes provide more privacy than apartments some people may welcome the opportunity to socialize with their neighbors. Because an apartment has many common areas that are frequented by all residents you always have a chance to talk to the many people there. Having your own yard can be wonderful if you spend a lot of time outdoors or like to entertain outdoors but you are the sole groundskeeper and will have to make arrangements to keep your yard in good condition. On the other hand, the costs of most services that are offered at an apartment are left up to the tenant in a home. Sewer and trash pickup will be billed to the tenant.

Considerations for a Condo

Your third option is usually the most misunderstood dwelling, a condo. Condos are similar to apartments in that they are usually in a building with multiple tenants. Condos have pools and trash services just like apartments but you can eventually own one and any fees are tax deductable. You still have to pay for utilities and they are rarely included in your monthly payments.

The rent in an apartment is subject to change at the landlord’s discretion but the monthly payment on a condo is predetermined and will remain the same until it’s paid off.

To Conclude…

Finding a good place to live depends on many factors, your lifestyle is the main thing that separates our choices.

If you live alone and don’t like to stay in one place for too long then an apartment is the ideal choice for you. A house provides the ideal situations for families with kids and pets. For those that are single and want a permanent place to call home a condo is the perfect fit for you. Once you know what kind of lifestyle you live choosing the right place to live should not be too difficult.

Take it from the moving company Charlotte residents trust most, visit us regularly for more helpful moving tips.

Dealing With Depression When Moving

2010-08-09T15:54:00.000-07:00

People go through various emotions when moving to a new home or town. There is the excitement of new possibility, the joy of having your own home, and the nostalgia of leaving a place that you called home. It is also possible to become depressed and lonely while trying to adjust to a new environment. American Van Lines Charlotte movers would like to offer some helpful advice on dealing with depression when moving.

One of the main reasons people become depressed when moving is because they find it hard to leave friends or family behind. If this is the case you should keep in mind that you are moving away from your home but that does not mean that you have to stop communicating with your friends or family members. By constantly communicating with your loved ones back home you can make your relocation an adventure. Talking about the changes in your life can be fun, just as hearing about all of the changes that are happening back home.

Another great way to deal with the sad feeling of being in an unfamiliar environment is to get active. Exercise may not seem like the ideal way to spend time when you are feeling sad but it is exactly what is needed to help you feel better. By keeping active you will feel more confident and it also helps keep your mind off of your worries. Developing a good exercise routine may also provide a great opportunity to socialize, which will greatly improve your mood.

You can also combat the depression of moving by making your house feel as much like home as possible. Personal items that have a sentimental value should be used to decorate your home. Things like a childhood toy in your bedroom or a family member’s cooking accessory will remind you of good times as you go about your day.

Make plans to do something and you will start to feel better. As the saying goes, idle hands are the devils playthings. Having too much free time can give you enough time to dwell on the worst parts of your move, instead of considering the possibilities ahead. By making plans to go to a movie or shopping for home decorations you feel more at home in your new environment. At times it may seem like it would be best to just give up and leave, but before you call your Charlotte movers again remember, you can always visit your old neighborhood.

Nontoxic Floor Cleaning

2010-07-28T15:14:00.000-07:00

Moving into a new home means that you will have some cleaning up to do. If this is your first home you may be overwhelmed by having a lot more to clean. Because a house is usually a lot bigger than an apartment or condo you will have a lot more floor space to clean if this is the case. Certain floor material is a lot more difficult to clean than others.

American Van Lines, the moving company Charlotte has come to know and trust would like to inform you of some dangers associated with many common household cleaning products and offer some healthy alternatives that work just as well.

Tiled and linoleum floors are always difficult to clean, so most people opt to use abrasive cleaning products to help lighten some of the work load. For families with small children or pets this may not always be the best idea. Most commercial floor cleaners contain formaldehyde which can irritate the skin, eyes and throat of pets and humans alike. Perchloroethylene can affect the central nervous system impairing coordination and other natural motor functions.

Exposure to these chemicals should be avoided at all costs, but cleaning your floors is still necessary. American Van Lines Charlotte movers would like to offer our new homeowners some useful non toxic alternatives to keeping your floors clean.

Most non toxic items that will clean your floor may already be in your home. Baking soda can be used for a lot more than making your teeth brighter. You can actually use it to clean, deodorize and scour many parts of your home. Liquid soap is a lot more reliable than most people realize and can be used to clean floors while safely disinfecting and deodorizing.

The acids that are found in lemons are a very effective disinfectant. Cleaning your floors with boiling water and lemon peels will kill most household bacteria. Borax, while having many uses around the house also cleans, deodorizes, disinfects and softens water. White vinegar is also a great non toxic way to clean your floors because it cuts grease, removes mildew and wax build up. Switching to some of these non toxic alternatives will make it a lot safer for pets and children that like to spend just as much time in the kitchen as you do.

Visit your preferred Charlotte movers regularly for more interesting facts and tips!

Leaving Your Home in Good Condition

2010-07-20T15:42:00.000-07:00

When moving, it’s easy to focus on the details associated with your possessions and the home that you are moving to. Rarely does anyone consider the condition of the house they are moving from. In some situations (especially in rental properties) the condition you leave your home will determine whether you get your deposit back or not or how your property will be appraised. American Van Lines Charlotte movers have some useful tips on ways to leave a home in good condition.

Once you make some of these minor repairs, any potential buyer or renter will have no problem seeing the value of your home. The best place to start would be the cosmetics. Painting the wall, cabinets and doors will dramatically improve the appearance of a home.

You should do your best to replace any hinges or door knobs that may need repair. Be sure to clear anything out of the closets of your home, you just might come across something that you forgot to pack. You should brush and sweep kitchen and bathroom tiles. Tighten the bolts on leaky faucets and have a professional look at any faulty wiring.

Once you have made these minor changes inside of your home you should do the same to the outside. Start by mowing the lawn if needed and picking up any debris that may have been left outside. Spray washing your driveway and clearing your driveway out are also great ways to enhance the look of your home. Leaving your home in good condition will improve the chances of increasing home value if you are selling and will guarantee you get all of your deposit back if you were renting.

Contact the preferred moving company Charlotte residents love for other useful moving advice.

Home Makeover for the Summertime

2010-07-19T14:41:00.000-07:00

A lot of things change in the summertime. The weather is hotter, foliage is in full bloom and people dress differently than the proper season. If everything else changes, why not change your home a bit to reflect the season? American Van Lines Charlotte movers would like to provide some great tips to help you spruce up your home and enjoy all that the summertime has to offer.

Some people will change their whole wardrobe for the summertime; this same philosophy can be applied to various elements of your home décor as well. Brightening the colors around the house will create a lighter, more airy atmosphere.

You should put any winter amenities like blankets, heavy drapes, quilted throw pillows and area rugs away for another season. By putting lighter curtains up you will allow more sunlight and air to enter your home. Putting brightly colored throw pillows or a sheet over the back of dark colored furniture can also make your home feel more like summer.

Changing your shower curtains and replacing shower mats with deck mats will give your bathroom the feel of a beach resort. Bed linens should be replaced with brightly color covers. You should also change the window treatments in the bedrooms to let in more sunlight throughout the day. Scented candles with ocean or citrus fragrances will also add life to every room of your house. With theses simple and affordable tips your home can feel a lot more like summer.

Visit the preferred movers in Charlotte for more fun tips.

The Hard Choices – Love vs. Career

2010-07-16T14:58:00.000-07:00

There comes a time in everyone’s life when you have to choose between your financial well being and your personal life. Although there is no clear cut way of making the right decision for you, American Van Lines, the moving companies Charlotte residents have been using for years come across similar situations all the time. We would like to give you some assistance in weighing out the pros and cons of each side, to help you come to a healthy conclusion that is right for you.

For some, the logical choice is career, but for some people life is not worth living without someone to share it with. You answer just my lie in what you value most. You have to ask yourself what would make you happy. Having a successful career provides all the ingredients to make life more enjoyable. You are free from financial woes which gives you the freedom to explore everything life has to offer. But for some people all the money in the world is worthless if you end up by yourself.

The most important question as far as your career goes is, why do you want to succeed at your job? Do you want to become a business mogul for the sake of conquest or do you want to create a foundation to build a family on? If your answer is the latter, then you can’t have one without the other. If you look at it from a man’s perspective, in most cases a successful relationship is nearly impossible without a successful career. Think about it. Is the person that you want to be with willing to struggle in the name of staying together? On the other hand, a healthy relationship can help to put your life in perspective.

People in relationships tend to be more successful and it may be due to the fact that you have two people working towards the same goal even if their career paths differ. Relationships give you the drive and self confidence to work harder than you would alone. Having a shoulder to cry on after a set back or failure makes it a lot easier to get back up and try again. Relationships also help you learn how to deal with stress in more positive ways. But how happy can a financially strapped relationship be?

Most couples argue over money more than anything. Most women want to feel like they are with someone who can provide for them and give them the world but an unsuccessful mate can’t afford much of the world. Men tend to be insecure when dealing with more successful men around their mates.

It is possible to have both and live a happy and successful life. Maybe weighing who in the relationship has more to lose may be a way to choose. If your mate really loves you then you should be willing to work out some kind of compromise. It would be pretty selfish for a person to willingly hold back their mate from achieving the best out of life, the person that you choose to be with is suppose to compliment you. In the end the only thing that matters is happiness and happiness depends on the person.

Long Distance Moving With a Health Condition

2010-07-14T14:51:00.000-07:00

People move for many reasons whether it’s for work, school or just a change of scenery. The one constant with most people is that we either won’t or can’t leave our loved ones behind and certainly not if they have a health condition. Highway travel can be seriously dangerous for someone with a health condition if precautions are not taken. American Van lines movers in Charlotte would like to offer some useful tips to help you move someone with a health condition safely over long distances.

Many of us have a sick or elderly person in the family that may not be able to make a long distance road trip as easily as others. Many elderly people have diabetes, a condition that can make a road trip a real danger if it’s not properly planned for. The first thing is to make sure you have all of your diabetic supplies together. Things like insulin, syringes and a glucose meter should be kept within reach at all times in case of an emergency. Diabetics should wear loose fitting clothes and shoes to avoid any type of constrictions during a road trip. Diabetics should not sit for long periods of time so you should make frequent stops to prevent blood clots. Be sure to eat regularly and keep snacks handy in case the person’s blood sugar gets low.

Make sure to keep plenty of beverages handy to prevent dehydration, especially if you are moving in warm climates. Too much exposure to sunlight can also raise the body’s temperature and possibly lead to a stroke. One of the most important tools to keep handy is a cellular phone; in the case of an extreme emergency it may mean the difference between life and death.

Not all health conditions are serious but there are a few that are really irritating. Motion sickness also known as travel sickness affects a surprising 33 percent of people in some form or fashion. Motion sickness can make a person feel fatigued or nauseous. This type of travel sickness could be easily prevented by taking some simple steps.

Motion sickness occurs because although your eyes can see that you are sitting still your body tells you that you are moving. This type of conflict forces your body to try and adjust to the motion, making you feel nauseous. One thing you can do is keep your focus outside. Actually seeing things in the distance helps your body confirm that you are moving. Try not to do anything that would cause you to lose sight of the motion outside like watching movies or staring at any non moving objects inside of the car.

These simple tips can make any road trip safe and enjoyable for every member of the family.

Home Safety Check

2010-07-10T07:12:00.000-07:00

American Van Lines is the moving company Charlotte residents have come to know and love. We’re dedicated to helping new residents better adjust to their environment by providing useful moving tips as well as quality moving services. Our Charlotte movers would like nothing more than for you to be safe and enjoy your new home so it is important that you review your new home with safety in mind. It is only natural that when we think of home safety that we think of children, but adults are susceptible to household hazards just as children are. The best thing to do after your Charlotte movers have completed your relocation services is to check each room in your home for potentially dangerous situations.

Check out doors also for any hidden dangers in your yard. Make sure that your walkways and stairwells are well lit to avoid any accidental falls. Make sure that all walkways remain clear of toys, gardening tools and that garden hoses are properly wound up and not laid out in the yard. Houseplants should be researched to find out if they are poisonous or if anyone in your household is allergic to them.

Wooden surfaces such as decks and play sets should be tested for the kinds of treatments used to prevent rot because some wooden decks and support beams are treated with arsenic, which can be potentially dangerous to humans and pets. Keep gas barbecue grills clean to avoid any clogs or attracting any type of wild life. The flex lines that attach the grill to the gas line should be checked before every use for cracks and tears that can usually happen during the winter time, because these may cause a potentially dangerous leak.

Your lawn can be another potentially hazardous area that should be maintained to prevent injury. Lawns should be raked before mowing to remove any hard objects that could become projectiles when mowing. Once you have checked the outside of your home for hidden dangers it’s finally time to do a safety check indoors.

Your laundry room is a good place to start your inspection. The first thing to consider is your dryer vent. Most dryers have a screen cover that is made to keep lint from building up in your dryer, but if left unchecked the heat from your dryer could ignite the lint and become a serious fire hazard that you would not even notice until it is too late. Your dryer vent should be checked and cleaned at least once a year using a vacuum cleaner attachment or you can call a qualified professional. While the dryer is operating, you should try to avoid sleeping or leaving the house.

Trying to keep warm during the winter months can present hidden dangers in your home as well. Fireplaces are a common danger if not properly maintained. Chimneys should be swept clean to avoid igniting any soot or wood debris that can release air born sparks. Avoid leaving carpeting or linens near fireplaces.

Find out the type of paint used in your new home. Older houses were usually painted with lead based paint that can be hazardous even if not consumed. The paint can be inhaled as it begins to wear away. Some of the most hazardous and also most commonly used household items contain dangerous chemicals. Some chemicals to look out for are acetones which can be found in nail polish remover and most heavy duty cleaning fluids, aerosol chemicals can be found in air fresheners and deodorants which are harmless on the skin but can be hazardous if inhaled.

If you keep up with these common household dangers you may be able to avoid potentially hazardous situations that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Helping Your Kids Cope with Moving

2010-07-09T15:20:00.000-07:00

If you ever had to move out of town as a child it may have been a real heart breaking experience filled with questions and worries. Children usually have a hard time dealing with change and moving to a new city can be devastating. Help your children avoid the same kinds of anxieties that were common when we were moving. American Van Lines Charlotte movers have seen this type of situation play out with most families moving to Charlotte and would like to offer our advice to help ease the process.

There are many circumstances that can lead a person to move to a new city; financial troubles or job requirements are the most common. No matter the reason, parents should keep a positive attitude about moving because children tend to take on the views and opinions of their parents so talking negatively about the situation may cause your child to become depressed about the move.

The best thing to do is to include your children in the decision to move from the start so they have enough time to start dealing with the emotions they may feel while they are still at home. Including kids in the moving process gives them the feeling that the move is a family effort instead of a forced relocation from their friends and social lives. You should try to give your children as much information as possible about their new environment, things like pictures and details about various activities in the area can make a child feel like they are moving to a regular neighborhood much like their own.

Younger children are not as complicated as they don’t have any attachments outside of the home. It is still a good idea to include them in the moving process by explaining the process to them as clearly as possible. Let them know that when the movers pack their toys and belongings into boxes that they are not being thrown away. If possible you should try to keep the same furniture until your child gets fully settled into your new home to give them something familiar to come home to.

Although it may be tempting to let your child finish out the current school year at their school, you should try to move right before a long vacation to give your kids time to get acquainted with their new school and possibly make friends. If you must move during summer vacation it would be a good idea to enroll you kids in summer school or a summer program like day camp to help them adjust to their new environment.

Teenagers are naturally rebellious and are usually resistant to change especially if they are involved in social activities or romantic relationships. You should let them know that this is not the last time that they will have to deal with changes in life and that you understand how they feel. Let them know that this move will help them prepare them for college or moving for work.

You should allow your teen to visit with family or friends that may still live in the area or plan as many trips back to the old neighborhood as possible especially for major events like prom or homecoming. It will still take time for your kids to get fully adjusted to their new environment but your efforts should help ease the transition.

Saving Water in the Summertime

2010-07-02T15:12:00.000-07:00

As a homeowner you have many responsibilities on your plate. Everything from decorating to managing the bills are left up to you. With all that you have to keep up with, it would be nice to get a break from some of your bills, I’m sure. Your premier Charlotte movers have great tips on how to reduce your monthly utility bills, specifically your water bill.

It’s finally summertime and that usually means that you will need to use much more water than you were using during the winter season. With the fickle weather and these economically trying times it would be safe to assume that you would want to save as much water as you can.

There is a lot that can be done to reduce the amount of water that you use. If you water your lawn at the peak of hot days you will lose a lot to evaporation and thus have to water twice as much. For starters, resetting your automatic sprinkler system to run in the evening and morning hours will help reduce the amount of times that you have to water your lawn. It is also a good idea to make sure your sprinkler arrangement is adjusted to directly water your lawn to avoid wasting water on the sidewalk or the driveway. Rain sensors will be a great addition to your sprinkler system. You will save water during the rain showers and let nature take its course. Another great option is to plant drought resistant plants that can survive on less water than conventional lawns. You can also try and reduce the area that your lawn covers by adding decorative stones or rock formations to your yard.

Washing dishes can also use a lot of water but changing the way you wash dishes can save you a lot of money. Instead of washing and rinsing your dishes all at once try filling your sink with soapy water and using that water to lather your dishes before you rinse them off. This will allow you to wash your dishes without having to run fresh water for everything you wash.

Doing the laundry also uses a lot of water. It would be in your best interest to replace your washer with an energy star rated washer if you have not already done so. According to EnergyStar.com energy star washers use 50% less water than conventional washers. If a new washer is not in your budget at the moment you can reduce your water usage by waiting until you have a full load to do your laundry. When have to use the washer, you should make sure that your washer is on the proper setting for your load size. If your washer is set to wash a large load and you’re only washing a few pieces of clothing, then you are using more water than necessary.

In the wintertime, people are not usually concerned with the condition of their driveways but in the summertime stains on your driveway are a lot easer to spot. A great way to get your driveway clean without using much water would be to use liquid laundry detergent on the affected area and let it dry, then rinse and scrub the stain away. If you have fresh oil stains, the best way to get rid of them is to apply kitty litter to the stain to soak up the oil for about a day and then simply scoop it up with a shovel.

Your bathroom is the obvious place to try and conserve water. Rather than put a time limit on everyone’s bathroom privileges, making simple changes to your bathroom will reduce the amount of water that each person uses. Low flush toilets are a great way to optimize your bathroom. Adding a new shower head to your bathroom will reduce the chances of having leaks and increase the pressure during use so less water is needed while you’re in the shower. If a low flush toilet is not an option, adding bricks to the reservoir of your toilet will result in less water usage per flush.

These small changes to the way you use water at home will save you a lot of money every month and will definitely help keep you cool for the summer.

Visit your Charlotte movers often for more money saving tips.

A Non Toxic Way to Get Rid of Roaches

2010-06-30T16:16:00.000-07:00

Our Charlotte movers not only take pride in providing quality moving services, but supplying useful tips that may make your stay in your new home a bit more pleasant is welcomed service. Here are some great tips for getting rid of a roach infestation in your home. No one likes to think about roaches making themselves at home in their house, but in most cases any signs of a single roach indicates that an infestation has already reached an accelerated point.

Having roaches in your home can be hazardous to your health. Roaches carry thousands of germs and can travel to anywhere in your home effectively bringing those germs with them. The best thing to do is assess the level of infestation and figure out the best course of action from that point. Spraying one or two roaches with bug spray will not solve your infestation problems. Most commercial roach sprays repel roaches and may cause them to hide into deeper crevices in your home.

You can identify the level of infestation by finding out where they most commonly appear in your home. Look for small cracks where the tiles and walls meet. The spaces where built-in appliances and cabinets meet are another common place to find roaches. You should look for dead roaches, roach skin, and egg cases to find where they are most likely to breed. Roach dropping are a good indication that you are getting close to the nest. You can identify roach dropping by their brown dried appearance that at times can resemble sand or black pepper. Another good indication of roach droppings is that they give off a strong smell.

Once you locate these roaches the best thing to do is begin sealing any openings that may provide hiding spots for roaches. At this point you may want to start developing different habits that will starve any unseen roaches out like cleaning and degreasing ovens and stoves regularly. The area behind stoves, refrigerators and any other appliance that may hide crumbs or food stains are also great locations to keep free of food particles. It is also a good idea to put your garbage outside every night to avoid feeding these creatures any further. These pesky creatures see anything organic as food so things that you may not see as food can feed roaches for a long time.

Roaches feed on crumbs, grease, garbage, cotton, cardboard, wallpaper glue and even crayons. Roaches attract other roaches so it is a good idea to try and treat the problem as soon as possible. They leave a scent that attracts other roaches; these scents are usually left on porous surfaces because they absorb the scent. Look for roaches near cardboard, wood and paper surfaces.

You can keep up with the progress of your efforts by leaving sticky traps to gauge the amount of roaches still occupying your home. Sticky traps should be placed near food and water sources like kitchen cabinets and trash bins. Glue traps designed to catch rats and mice work just as well on roaches, just remember to bait the traps with roaches in mind. Another great way to trap roaches is to clean out a glass jar and grease the inner slope of the jar with petroleum jelly or non stick cooking spray. Put a piece of fruit or sugar in the jar and leave over night. This trap will catch the roaches alive but they will not be able to climb back out of the jar because of the lubricant.

You should try to eliminate any source of moisture like leaky pipes or air-conditioner drips. Starve roaches out by taking away any food sources like greasy countertops, stoves and garbage bins. Eliminate all hiding places buy sealing cracks in windows and between cabinets and appliances. If you keep up with these details you stand a chance of eliminating roaches for good.

Visit the best moving companies Charlotte has to offer for other useful moving tips and tricks to enhance your living environment.

How to Spot a Bad Neighborhood

2010-06-28T15:07:00.000-07:00

Charlotte is fairly low in crime rates but like any other city you can find small pockets of bad areas. Here’s some advice from American Van Lines premier Charlotte local movers: Do a bit of research before choosing your next home. In order to stay clear of a bad neighborhood it is a good idea to know what to look for in a bad neighborhood.

Most signs of a bad neighborhood are easy to spot. Abandoned or poorly kept homes are good signs of a neglected area. Another sign of a bad neighborhood are the actions of the average people you find outside at any given time of the day. If the residents seem to just wander around without a clear destination or purpose then this is a good indication of people with a lot of time on their hands. Do the residents look like they feel safe; are there any children outside, are adults at home during work hours? As the saying goes “idle hands are the devils playground”. If people do not work then how do they sustain themselves?

You can also tell a bad neighbor by the businesses that occupy the area. If most of the store fronts are abandoned or mostly convenience stores and liquor stores then it probably means that there is not much money being spent in this area. It is a known fact that businesses migrate towards areas where the most customers are.

Police presence will also reveal if you’re in a bad neighborhood. Where there’s smoke there’s fire so a large police presence usually means there is a problem with crime in that area. It is only natural to assume that police usually patrol where they are needed the most. Do you see any police officers living in the neighborhood? Most police officers would not risk living in the same are they work in for fear of retaliation.

Beware of well kept areas that are high in crime. Not all crimes are committed in rundown areas. Some areas are just a few blocks away from bad neighborhoods so naturally criminals see these areas as convenient victims who live in the same neighborhood but are better off.

An ever changing population is also a good sign of a neighborhood in decline. If people seem to be rapidly moving to other neighborhoods this may be a good time to ask why. The opposite may also hold true depending on how rapidly the population increases. A boom in population may mean that people who could not previously afford to live in that area are now finding that these homes are now in their price range. No neighborhood is better than another but it is wise to know where you want to live before you end up somewhere you were not prepared to be.

How to Build Your Own Playground

2010-06-26T10:09:00.000-07:00

Have you just moved into your new home? Once you and your family have settled in your kids may begin to get restless. Kids will always make friends but when placed in a new neighborhood it may take some time. Until your kids make new friends they will need something to do and until they do they can be a hand full. A great way to get your children to play outside is to create a play area. Having a play area at home will help your kids get their daily exercise as well as give them something to do when they invite friends over. The average price of a home playground set can be $1,500 to $2,500. As a new home owner you may have other expenses to consider but your kids can still have a fun and safe play area without putting a hole in your wallet.

Your premier Charlotte local movers suggest that buying different pieces of your home playground from different retailers will reduce the cost significantly. There are many companies that specialize in playground equipment such as Detailed Play Systems that design plans for swing sets and even sell key pieces in the form of starter kits. A starter kit can range from $169 to $900 depending on the style and size of set that you plan to build. All of the starter kits feature detailed plans, fort swing sets, ten-foot wave slide, belt swings and handgrips.

You will still need to purchase your own lumber but when you consider buying and processing the lumber to your specification it can cost up to $500.00. The best way to go about getting lumber for a play set would be to visit a wholesale lumber yard like the Lumber Liquidators that sell wholesale lumber at reduced prices and will cut and deliver your order to you. They will guarantee the quality of lumber and offer various types of lumber to choose from so you can be sure that your playground is bound to last.

Once you have all of your material together it could take up to a week to complete. At this point it would be a good idea to add safety features such as rubber stoppers, bumper pads and anti slip strips. When you have completed the construction of your new play set your kids will be happy to have a playground of their own in a place that you can keep an eye on them and you will be happy with the money you have saved doing so.

Securing Your New Home

2010-06-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

Buying your first home is a very exciting event that should be carefully planned out. Once your premier Charlotte local movers have finished your relocation the next thing to consider is the safety of you and your loved ones. First time home owners may not be familiar with the dangers of living on your own. The first thing to consider is that you are completely in charge of everything including the locks and fire alarms. No one is going to keep track of these things for you.

Most new homeowners feel perfectly secure with the locks that were on the house when they moved in. The problem with using the same lock is that most real estate companies use low quality locks because there is nothing to protect so that makes your home easer to break into. The other problem with using the same locks on your new home is simply that you don’t know how many people have copies of your house key. House keys are handled by a multitude of workers such as painters, real estate agents, plumbers and movers. If the locks are changed people tend to focus on style over function opting for the style of lock that goes best with their front door. Outside locks should be made of drill proof steel and properly installed leaving no gaps or spaces between the lock and the house.

Another common mistake is that people only consider the front door locks to be the only point of entry. All of the locks in your home should be replaced with the same quality locks that you would install on your front door. Installing windows that can be locked from the inside are the best choice to deter a silent entry into your home but doesn’t provide much protection from those that would break a window to gain access to your home.

A silent alarm is not a good idea because prevention is always better than repair. If you can convince a criminal that it is not a good idea to break into your home you may never need anything more. Home security systems should have loud alarms to draw attention to anything that happens to your home. You should also inquire about monitored security systems and incident procedures.

Motion sensitive lights are also a good idea for deterring would-be burglars because no criminal wants an audience when they are trying to break into your home. Motion light systems are nothing if the light doesn’t shine where it’s needed the most. Any foliage that provides cover to any entryways should be cut down so criminals have no where to hide. A more cost effective yet long term solution to your security issues would be to get an attack dog. Most of the larger K9 species are just as affectionate as the cute and cuddly dogs but you get the added security of having an aggressive dog. While there is no guaranteed way to secure a home, at least you have a fighting chance with proper preparation.

Moving by Myself

2010-06-21T14:42:00.001-07:00

People have always complained about how hard moving was but I was always one that did not understand how that could be true. I laughed at those people that paid moving companies to do what anybody could do. When I was ready to make the move from New Jersey to Charlotte, North Carolina I naturally figured that I could manage to move my entire studio apartment on my own. I drive a SUV so I figured that moving my tiny apartment would be a breeze.

On moving day I was excited to get going but had not begun packing yet. Once I started packing I had come to find out that I had owned a lot more than I previous thought and a lot of my stuff was larger than I anticipated. The size of my apartment was not that big of a deal because the way I saw it nothing was going to stop me from finishing this job. After packing everything into moving boxes, my apartment looked like a shipping yard littered with boxes and packing supplies.

The more I loaded the more my big sports utility vehicle started to feel smaller and smaller. Eventually the boxes barley left any room my furniture. I had already committed to moving myself so I decided to tie my furniture to the top of my car, I was only able to fit my mattress and box set but had manage to squeeze my computer in the passenger seat. At this point I started becoming frustrated because I was not up for making two trips so I decided to rent one of those moving trucks with the flat rates. After adding up all of the fees the insurance and a vehicle hitch it was revealed that there was nothing flat about the cost of renting a moving truck but at this point I had no other choice.

Once my furniture was loaded onto the truck and my vehicle was hitched onto the back of the truck it was finally time to get moving. Nothing could prepare me for how badly the truck ran or the condition of the cab. Driving was always easy to me but after spending most of the day hauling my belongings back and forth it was starting to feel like a nightmare trying to stay awake.

Amazingly enough the truck made the trip just fine but the vehicle hitch had gotten a flat which had me hours off schedule not to mention the fact that I was completely unfamiliar with the Charlotte area. After finally reaching my destination I was too tired to unload anything and decided to wait for the following morning to finish.

It was time to return the rental truck but the return location was near impossible to find so it was returned late with less gas then I had picked it up. The truck company had a policy that stated the flat rate was intended for customers traveling under a certain amount of miles so I had to pay extra.

While waiting for my final receipt another customer sympathetically leaned over and asked if this was my first time moving as if he already knew what I had gone through. He said that the locals here use American Van Lines Charlotte moving services and that he only stopped by to pay a previous balance. He went on to explain how this moving company had nationwide locations and that they do all of the packing and unpacking for you.

My face was red with regret at the fact that I had not even considered using a professional mover and was now literally paying the price. Trying to move myself was not one of my brightest ideas. From now on I’m going to leave moving to the professionals. I had damaged my computer by trying to squeeze it into my car, scratched the finish on my car trying to tie furniture to the roof and had spent a lot more money on moving than I had originally planned. As the saying goes you live and you learn. Now I know better.

2010-06-19T07:09:00.000-07:00

Are you getting tired of looking at the same old kitchen set up day in and day out? Do you think kitchen renovation is supposed to be expensive? As a courtesy to our customers American Van Lines Charlotte local movers are offering very useful tips on how to brighten up your kitchen on a budget. Rather than demolish your kitchen and rebuild a totally new one, we are going to reveal ways to spruce up your existing kitchen for a fraction of the cost. According to Money Magazine a professional kitchen renovation could run from $5000 to $10,000. But if that is a little too rich for your taste then we have exactly what you need. For most people the problems with their kitchen are the lighting, limited space, and completely unsightly cabinets.

If you are in need of counter space you can add to your kitchen by using a sturdy counter height worktable. A decent work table can cost anywhere from $200 to $1500 depending on the style that works best in your kitchen. Our Charlotte local movers suggest a collapsible table or one with wheels to save space when it is not in use. You can easily find counter height work stations at Ikea.com.

Another way to increase counter space would be to place appliances that are not frequently used outside of work areas like under cabinets. Some appliance manufactures have appliances that can be hung from walls or cabinets. These are a little pricier than the average appliances but the amount of money you save as opposed to completely rebuilding your counter tops all together makes it worth the additional $20 to $30.

Microwaves can take up a lot of valuable counter space. The best way to gain back some of that space would be to install a microwave and vent combo above your stove. These mountable microwaves can be found at most department stores or at Bestbuy.com and can cost anywhere from $200 to $2000 dollars. Anyone using a countertop spice rack should opt for a more practical one that can be mounted inside your cabinet doors.

Once you free up your counter top you should already begin to see a change in your kitchen but your kitchen makeover is not done yet. No matter how efficient your food preparation section is, it’s completely pointless if you are lacking dinning space. The most cost efficient way to tackle this issue would be to install a fold away table so it can easily be moved out of the way when not in use. A fold away table can cost about $20 and can be found at most hardware stores.

People usually have a problem with limited cabinet space but may not notice that their cabinets are filled with items that are rarely used. The best thing to do in this situation is to gather all similar items together. This will give you a chance to inventory exactly what is inside of your cabinets and get rid of unwanted clutter. You will save cabinet space and most of all it won’t cost anything more than time.

There may be nothing wrong with your kitchen but poor lighting can make it look dull and lifeless. Much like any room in your home the right lighting can do wonders for your kitchen. Adding wireless light bars to your existing light fixtures will definitely brighten up your kitchen and can be purchased for around $20 each at Amazon.com. These light bars can easily be mounted anywhere in your kitchen including right above your countertops for added work lighting. Once these simple and inexpensive solutions are in place you will be amazed at how much better a few touch ups can make your kitchen look.

How Safe is Your Vehicle in a Storm?

2010-06-18T15:18:00.001-07:00

Storm tracking technology has made so we have plenty of warning before a storm reaches landfall. After hearing reports of a storm people take all sorts of precautions to ensure that their home is safe and secure but most people neglect to ensure the safety of their vehicles. Some people over estimate the amount of damage that vehicles can withstand during a storm. If you plan on moving to Charlotte, North Carolina or any other part of the southeast, then American Van Lines - your premier Charlotte local moving company suggests that you gather as much information as you can about protecting your vehicle from storm damage.

If you choose to stay home rather than evacuate during an impending storm then preparation is crucial to keep your vehicle safe from storm damage. The first thing you should do is move your vehicle to higher ground to avoid any flood damage. However, moving vehicles to higher ground may not make a difference to those in coastal areas because a storm surge can bring water hundreds of feet past the normally flooded areas.

Floods can bring in salt water and cause severe damage to exterior paint, tires and suspension. Exterior damage is nothing compared to the internal damage that can occur from flood waters. Electrical systems may become corroded when they come in contact with salt water, but the most damage could occur in your vehicle’s combustion system and prevent it from ever starting again.

Most storms can bring severe winds up to 150 miles per hour. In these conditions anything can be a projectile. These are useful tips that will help you better prepare your vehicle for harsh conditions.

Tips…

•Remove everything from the area surrounding your vehicle.
•Avoid parking your vehicle near trees, street signs and telephone poles.
•Tape your vehicle’s windows with masking tape.
•Keep a full tank of gas.
•Make an assessment of any damages your vehicle might have incurred during a storm.

If your vehicle does suffer damage in a storm and your family is safe then it’s a small price to pay, remember anything can be replaced but life cannot.

American Van Lines Charlotte moving companies wish you safety during this hurricane season.

How I Stopped Hating Moving

2010-06-17T17:07:00.001-07:00

As a child I always hated moving because I was leaving my friends behind but the though of packing and loading things all day was just too much. I hated moving so much that I would try to hide so my parents couldn’t move. As I grew older my disdain for relocation only grew with me. If I had to move I would usually sell my furniture so I would have less to travel with.

When my job had relocated me to Charlotte, NC I was hesitant to the idea of moving all of my stuff again. My company had hired American Van Lines Charlotte moving company to help me move but I still did not want to move. When the movers arrived I had barely begun packing because I expected them to be late but they were actually punctual. The movers were dressed in clean uniforms and were much more polite than the movers that I was used to dealing with.

After letting the movers in I returned to packing my belongings so we could move as soon as possible. One of the movers told me that I did not have to touch anything. I went onto explain to him that I was not the one who was paying for their services and a tip was out of the question. He replied stating that packing and unpacking were all part of my moving services.

They seemed to be prepared for everything. I had an old oak wood dinning room table that my grandmother gave to me that I wanted to bring along but doubted that they would be able to get it out of the house not to mention moved across the country. They were quickly dismantled the table and loaded it onto the truck.

My high definition television was only a month old so I wanted to make sure that it would safely make the trip. They had packed into a box that seemed to be just the right size for it. This was way different from my experience of moving with my family, they had answers for every moving related question I had. Once everything was loaded onto the truck and I prepared to leave my house for last time I noticed that the moving truck look brand new. Being a curious person by nature I wanted to know how the trucks were able sustain so much weight. One of the movers responded by explaining that every one of their trucks were using air-ride suspensions that would allow them to remain stable even on bumpy roads.

I booked an early flight to get to Charlotte with enough time unpack and set up my new house. Assuming that the movers were not from the area I figured that I would beat them there but they were at the house waiting when I arrived. Puzzled I asked how they managed to find their way so quickly, one of the drivers simply said he had been here before.

Letting the movers in I prepared to start unpacking but just like before I was told that unpacking and reassembly was part of my services. I could not believe how easy it was to move all the way down south with everything in the same condition that it was back at home. I no longer hate moving and am actually looking forward to my next move.

Building a Personal Gym in Your Home

2010-06-16T15:12:00.000-07:00

As we get older it becomes more and more important to try and stay in shape. It seems like everywhere you look people seem to be working out. The obvious thing to do would be to get a gym membership but you may not have the time to go to the gym and work out. Public gyms offer no privacy and waiting your turn for a machine could slow down your momentum. Unless you are already in great shape working out at a public gym can be intimidating. The cost of driving back and forth to a gym and membership fees could add up over time.

Assuming you have the discipline to actually workout, a home gym would be ideal except for the fact that a home gym can be expensive and take up a lot of room. If you’re moving to a new home this could be a good opportunity to finally build a personal gym. Your premier Charlotte local movers are here to offer great tips on building a personal gym that can fit into one room on a budget.

One clever solution would be to use elastic fitness bands to workout. Fitness bands are affordable, convenient and can produce the same amount of resistance that you would get from using free standing weights. Some traditional weights can work in a small space but you may have to get creative in your workout regiment.

You could try doing most of your standing exercises sitting down or put the weights that are not in use away to ensure you always have enough room. You should also consider getting a power rack. A power rack can hold all of your weights and are usually small enough to fit into one corner.

Multifunction machines are another great alternative to gym memberships. There are a variety of multifunction machines on the market that offer a total body workout yet only require a small amount of space. The Total Gym covers most of your exercise needs and folds up flat for easy storage and compared to a complete weight set its really affordable. You can find the Total Gym at totalgymdirect.

If you are really strapped for cash but still need to workout the best option would be to do resistance exercises. Believe it or not there are a number of exercises that can be done using your own body weight. Beginners stand to gain the most from basic cardiovascular workouts. You can increase the intensity of basic exercises by holding the last position in an exercise. Pushups, squats, lunges, sit-ups, jumping jacks and running can help to build up endurance.

Household items like gallon containers filled with water or a backpack filled with books can provide a good substitute for free weights. If you have a decent sized living room moving your furniture out of the way and following along with an exercise video is a good way to get a full workout and at $20 to $30 the price is right. No matter which option you choose, you hold the key to a healthier lifestyle.

40th Earth Day Celebration

2010-04-23T07:18:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, April 15, 2010 marked the 40th annual Earth Day Celebration. This is definitely a day worth celebrating, since the environment has made some dramatic strides in the right direction due the unrelenting efforts of many proud citizens of the earth and governing bodies.

Perhaps one of the most significant and obvious examples of this positive change is the rebirth of Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River. According to Seth Borenstein, an AP Science Writer, this river was so rancid that it used to randomly catch fire. In 1969, trash and oil slick caught ignited causing the river to burn for 30 minutes. This drew national attention to the water pollution.

Today - 40 years later, the Cuyahoga River is clean enough to swim in. This just goes to show how a little can go a long way. As bad as that river was, it may have been unimaginable to think that the damage was repairable at the time. But now, it is home to 60 species of fish.

We cannot flash forward 40 years from now, but with the intelligence and experience we as a nation have under our belt we should be nothing but hopeful, optimistic, motivated and committed to do what ever it takes to save our environment. The little things we all do have great affects on the future as evident by the progress we’ve made in the last 40 years. Smog levels have dropped nationwide and levels of lead in the air have also decreased almost 100%.

Although we’ve made great strides, there is still so much more that needs to be done. Environmental risks have shifted from what is visible (smog, repugnant lakes etc.) to less noticeable effects like climate changes. Temperatures have climbed an average of one degree annually.

Again, the little things we do will have great impact on our world tomorrow. Let’s learn from the experiences of the past and not wait for dramatic occurrences to force us to change our habits.

Recycling, conserving energy, walking or riding a bike instead of driving are all very small efforts that we can make today to help our world tomorrow.

Specialized Moving Boxes

2010-04-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

Did you know that there are specialized moving boxes, specially made for specific household items? If you’re not using the help of a moving company and plan to move yourself, you should become familiar with the different moving containers that are available, before forcibly packing your life into standard moving boxes.

I felt like a whole new world had opened up for me when I learned about the many different moving containers that were available. Of course I find out about mirror cases, wardrobe boxes and mattress cases after I had moved to North Carolina from Philadelphia.

My friends and I wrapped my picture frames in thick cloth and stacked them into the standard moving box and more than half of my picture frames were cracked before we got here. You can only imagine how upset I was, what the point of packing them up if they were only going to brake in the process?

There just had to be another way I thought to myself after the fact, and then I found out about the various moving boxes.

Click here to learn more about specialized moving boxes