Take the question out of the move! We’ve made a list of things to research so you can get to know your new town better
When planning a move the most exciting part can be getting a lay of the new land. Where to eat, good spots to hang out at, where you can buy a decent cup of coffee. It really makes the move real for you and helps you make plans for your new life.
If you haven’t started the new search on your new town, let us help you with what you should be looking for and in a logical order (yea there should be an order).
Before figuring out all the “Fun Stuff” you need to figure out the basics.
Work, schools, grocery stores, public transportations, hospitals and doctor’s offices, these things are the first things you need to figure out. Knowing the locations of these will determine how you exist in your town (e.g. will you be walking or driving to work? What is the bus schedule ect.). The quicker you know the better.
Best resources for this:
Google Maps
City’s official websites
-What is the “vibe” of your town or city?
Are you moving to a quiet small town, an artsy town, or a large city? The difference matters, especially if you want to settle in and find your nitch. Ann Arbor is very different experience from other places in Michigan like Holland and Southgate. Figure out what your neighbors are gonna be like.
Best resources for this:
City’s Official Websites
City’s Official Facebook/twitter accounts
Online Forums (Reddit, Yelp, TripAdvisor, when in doubt google it)
Wikipedia
-What is weather/climate like there?
When you move somewhere, knowing the climate and weather patterns can make a big difference. For example, if you move to West coast of Michigan you will HAVE to learn about the lake effect. People who live on the coast will tell you “Don’t trust the weatherman, he’s always wrong”, and that will make all the difference. With a little bit of research, you can be more prepared for any inclement weather that may happen, and how to prepare for it.
Best resources for this:
Wikipedia (seriously)
weather channel
This is the best part, now you get to find out more about your town and where you can go to have a fun time
-Food/Drink
One of the best parts of moving, trying the local’s best. Food makes for a fun time and the local drink spots are where you can make new friends or find your newest drinking spot. Local breweries, distilleries, coffee shops, and food are what can define a town. So go out and enjoy them!
Best resources for this:
Google searches
Local newspaper’s “Best of” lists
Online Forums
Yelp
-Entertainment
Next, ways to keep yourself entertained! Movie theaters, dance clubs, hiking spots, music spots, and other things you love. Make sure you cross-reference reviews on these spots, though, get the best experience with a little research we always say!
Best resources for this:
Google searches (shocker)
Facebook searches
Online Forums (These things are lifesavers for local information, seriously)
Specific Interest focused website (Hiking websites, Disc golfing websites)
-Meeting People
This one. So one of the hardest parts of moving can be meeting new people. There are resources out there to help, volunteering, classes, and activities that you enjoy (ex. yoga classes, local clubs, etc.)
Best resources for this:
Meetup.com (connects people who have similar interests in activities they enjoy)
Craigslist
We hope this list has helped you get excited about your move. Remember, if you need help with your move across the Mitten State, we here at Men on the Move can help! We’ll give you high-quality service at a price you can afford.
Get your free quote for your next move here!
When moving there are usually important reasons why, for your job, family or to save money. There are always some important steps to keep in mind when you are planning the perfect move. Steps such as setting down roots for your move. What we mean by this is getting familiar with the area you are moving to. You might have visited your new job location, but what about the surrounding areas? Do you know where the schools are? How about the local hospitals or banks?
You may think you have everything covered when it comes to moving. You have it all planned and hired the right movers, such as Men on the Move! But unfortunately, there is always a few things that may get overlooked. Throughout the process, and setting down roots is usually one of them. Making new friends may be a good step to getting to know your new area. Doing things you enjoy such as bowling, yoga or volunteer work, helps you meet new and interesting people.
A common mistake people make is expecting too much too quick, everything takes time, and building a proper community relationship with friends and neighbors will take some time. Of course, once you are finally moved in you should familiarize yourself with everything around you, grocery stores and local entertainment maybe some tings you want to learn quick and of course the internet can always help you!
The most important thing about your new move and feeling comfortable with your new area is not to stress out. Relax and enjoy your new city, before long you will be settled in and welcoming other new residents to the area. Always remember, no matter where you move hiring a professional moving company like Men on the Move, makes moving stress-free and an enjoyable experience.
There is a saying, “All’s fair in love, war, and real estate” and if you’ve ever had to get an apartment in a large city you know this to be true. Large cities such as Detroit have a different approach for apartment hunts versus a mid-sized city or college town. We want to help navigate you through the process of securing your new apartment no matter what kind of move you are looking to make.
No matter how big the city or how small the town is, you have options when looking for an apartment. Options such as:
-The local classified ads
-local renting websites, craigslist
-hiring an apartment locator, or service
-Craigslist and google searches
Trucks with no company names, or logos are a flag for a potential unlicensed illegal movers.
Moving day is approaching, and you may have found that you are in need of some extra hands on the move. If you’ve never hired a moving service company you may be asking questions like “How much is this going to cost?”, “What is the difference between a licensed and unlicensed mover”, or “ Why not use this craigslist guy?”.
First off, we are going to strongly advise you not to use the craigslist guy, just for the simple reason that he probably isn’t licensed. Having a license for a moving company is important for you to the consumer because it ensures a few things:
In the past few years, there has been a skyrocket in complaints against unlicensed moving companies. Many sting operations to shut these illegal operations down (Here is an example story from New Jersey). From items getting stolen to unexpected price hikes, you need a company you can trust. For the Metro Detroit area, there is no better company to use than Men on the Move. You’ve probably seen us on highway helping someone with their move or heard about us on the radio. When it comes down to it, no one does it better than Men on the Move.
We also offer free quotes for your commercial or residential move so you can better assess your moving costs. Finally, we are fully licensed, insured, and always give our award winning service.
When preparing to move out of an apartment in Michigan we recommend giving yourself 6-8 weeks. Giving yourself enough time will reduce stress levels that come with apartment moving, and ensure that everything is prepared for your first day in your new home. If you do not have that much time, its okay, use this information as a guide for apartment moving in Michigan.
Begin your apartment moving preparation by creating a moving journal where you will keep notes 
or important information during your moving process. This is the time in which you will want to decide if you will be moving or hiring a professional moving company in Michigan. Plan your moving budget, if you are moving long distance, moving intrastate, or even moving interstate, and will be shipping items prior to moving, be sure to incorporate that into your Michigan moving budget.
Check with your apartment landlord to see how much notice is required before moving, also check with your new landlord to see any restrictions the complex may have on moving into a new apartment. Look into new school districts, begin the change of address process, and make a list of who you need to notify about your move.
Begin planning how you will arrange the furniture in your new home, this will help if you need to downsize prior to your move. Also, start gathering moving boxes or moving supplies.
Remember that moving companies typically charge based on weight and distance. Use your last 4-5 weeks prior to a Michigan Move to use some of your food, detergents, or other items that you routinely purchase from the store. If you have valuable items that you wish to not have on the moving truck, plan what you will be transporting or shipping. Begin packing your items and continue to make address changes if necessary.
Contact your hired moving company to make sure they do not have restrictions on what they can move. Look over your lease and see what types of cleaning or maintenance you must do on your current apartment to ensure that you receive your security deposit back if applicable.
Call your utility companies and schedule a day to have your utilities transferred to your new residence. This will ensure that everything is livable the day of your move and ready for you the first night in your new home.
Take time to confirm all scheduled appointments, meetings, or child care arrangements. Be sure to include a follow-up call to your moving company to ensure that there are no changes and everything is still on schedule.
Double check that everything around your apartment is ready for your move out inspection. Have a box of cleaning supplies handy in case you need to touch up or realize you missed something. Also, ensure that you keep a priority box out and accessible so that you have what you need for your first night in your new home.
If you have any last minute packing to do, do it. Be sure to do a walk-through of your apartment, turning off lights to rooms you have completed your walkthrough in. Also, turn off your thermostat and any appliances that need to stay in your apartment.
Before the moving truck leaves your apartment to ensure that they have your cell phone number and you have yours to keep contact in case something happens during transit.
When you arrive at your new home directly the movers in which room each box or item goes so that it is easier to unpack and set up your new home.
For more information be sure to check out our printable PDFs on moving tips for Michigan residents. Allow us to give you a quote for your residential apartment move in Michigan today.
Moving can be a large project. Moving with children can add to your moving stress because your child’s entire routine is disrupted. Learn how to make this transition for your children as easy as possible by following the tips below.
The best way to prepare your child for an upcoming move is to communicate and keep them involved. Let them know that the family is relocating and that everything is going to be alright. Children trust parents and depend on them to keep them in a loop with what is going on. If you are unable to take the children with you while searching, show them photos of homes. This will keep them involved throughout the entire process.
If you are moving a ways from your current 
location, you may have to switch schools or doctors for your children as well. Speak with your child’s current pediatrician to see if they have any recommendations to help with the process. You will want to ensure that you have enrolled your child in their new school. Do this prior to the move so that they do not have to miss much school.
When you bring your children to the new house, it is best that you have their room set up. Your child will experience feelings of loss by moving into an unfamiliar environment. Having their room set up when they get there, will help your child to relax and feel comfortable in their new environment.
To help you and your child adjust to your new environment, give your child a tour of the neighborhood including their new school and doctor’s office. If you have not already, make sure to secure their new daycare as well.
The trusted movers at Men on The Move in Michigan are committed to helping you make your move as nonstressful as possible. To make your move easy, we offer free quotes and moving supplies. Hire Men on The Move for your next move, because we are licensed, insured, open 7 days a week, and offer long distance moves. So contact us today.