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Author: Bill Mulholland

Bill Mulholland is the owner of ARC Relocation, a company that relocates thousands of employees annually, to every state in the United States, and more than 90 foreign countries, for organizations like DHL, Overstock.com, GNC, and the U.S. Government. Bill owns a real estate brokerage servicing Maryland, Virgina and Washington DC as well as a title company servicing Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC and Florida

How to Move a Pool Table: 4 Steps to Simplify the Job

So, the pool table is your prized asset in the game room, basement, or garage. No doubt about it. But moving it to your own home is not an easy task at all.

In fact, it is probably the heaviest and largest item in your home that you will move. At the same time, it is also one of the most delicate ones. Now, you can hand over the entire process of transfer to professionals. That is the best way for those who do not have the necessary time for this cumbersome task. 

In that case, a quick search of the “pool table movers near me” will provide you with a list of some companies that move pool tables. Do keep in mind, this is an expensive process. But if you want to make it a DIY project, you need to know the basics of carpentry and have the right organizing skills. 

The reason is, moving a pool table without taking it apart will increase the chances of damage or breakage. This means you have to learn how to disassemble and assemble a pool table in the right manner. In this article, we will take a look at the steps that will answer the question- how to move a pool table?

1. Get the Right Tools and Supplies

Before you start to disassemble a pool table, you need to gather the right tools. Here are some of the necessary tools and supplies that you will need.

  • A power drill
  • A socket wrench
  • A screwdriver
  • A staple remover
  • Cutting tools 
  • Shrink-wrap
  • Carpenter’s level
  • Thick blankets, bubble wrap, packing tape for protective wrapping.

A pool table consists of multiple large and small parts. To make the transfer process smooth, you need the right level of planning and organization.

The best way is to reopen the owner’s manual and find out how every part fits. That way, you will be able to gather sufficient bags or boxes of the right size for storing each item. Keep in mind, the right labeling of the items is also important. 

Now, a pool table’s weight can be close to 1000 pounds. The individual parts can weigh up to 400 pounds or even more. So, this is not something a single person can handle. It is necessary to have at least 3 helpers to help you with the packing and moving process. 

2. Measure the Exits and Entrances

Before you progress further, measure the doorways, staircases, and passages that the table will need to pass through. This way, you will be able to move the table without damaging it. This will also help you to determine the size of the largest disassembled parts. You can also plan about maneuvering the parts in the right manner in advance.

The other important aspect is to find the right vehicle for transportation. The best way is to rent a pickup truck for the move. There are plenty of moving apps that can help you out in picking the right one. Also, don’t forget to measure the destination as well. It’s easy to get caught up in the current location and making sure you can get it out of there but remember to check the new house too. 

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3. Taking Apart the Pool Table

One of the first questions that might come to your mind is- how to take apart a pool table?

Without a doubt, this is a process that will need some skill. You need to disassemble the legs, rails, and felt, and assemble them back in the new location. 

Here are the steps that you need to follow

  • The first step is to remove the ball pockets. These are usually connected by screws or staples. Then, remove the bolts that connect the side rails to the table. Store the pockets and rail in a safe place.
  • The next step is to remove the felt. You should be extremely gentle while removing the felt to avoid any damage to the material. If the felt is stapled, it’s easy to remove. In some tables, the felt is glued. In such cases, you need to rip it off carefully.
  • Once the felt is removed, you can remove the slate pieces. The slate is a piece of rock and is the heaviest part. It is also brittle and can get damaged easily. Since the slate pieces are matched, damaging even a single piece will need a complete replacement. Remove the connecting screws, and lift the slate off the frame of the table. Wrap the pieces carefully.
  • Now, it’s time to remove the legs. Turn the table upside down or on its side and unscrew the legs from the frame.
  • If the frame is pre-built, you do not need to disassemble it. If not, you can take them apart for ease of transportation.
  • Every connecting hardware that you have removed needs to be carefully cataloged. It is necessary to ensure that not a single screw or bolt goes missing. This will also help you to reassemble the table quickly.
  • To prevent damage to the edges of the table, cover them with thick blankets or towels. Use protective cushioning or bubble wrapping to ensure that the parts do not suffer any damage during the move.

4. Reassembling the Pool Table

The only thing harder than disassembly is putting the pool table back together. For this, the best way is to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines about how to set up a pool table. Otherwise, you can simply follow the steps for disassembly in reverse order.

If you have disassembled the frame, start by reattaching the pieces together. Next, connect the pool table legs to the frame. Once this is done, you can place the frame in an upright position.

Then place the slate back on top. Keep in mind, you need to level the state according to the floor. Without a perfectly level surface, the game will be off.

Next, you need to add the felt. The felt has to be perfectly flat and free from any wrinkles or bumps due to air bubbles. A smooth felt is a must for making the perfect shots.

Finally, attach the rails and pockets to make the table ready. Make sure to fill up all the gaps.

moving pool tables

Hiring Professional Help to Move Pool Tables

Are you still wondering how to move a pool table in the easiest way? 

There are multiple small factors during the move that can have an effect on the performance of the table in the long run. We feel taking help from professional companies that move pool tables is the best way. A reputed pool table mover can make the process simple for you while preventing any damage to your favorite table.

Moreover, moving a pool table will need manpower. If you do not have strong helping hands around you, hiring a professional is the only option.

A specialist can take care of the disassembly and assembly process, while the moving can be handled by packers. This will also give you the time to concentrate on moving other items like fish tanks, pet supplies, and even hot tubs. other important items.

Admittedly, doing it on your own is less expensive. However, if you are not experienced with the process of dismantling a pool table, the task can be overwhelming. Even after disassembly, the components of a table are incredibly heavy. The vulnerable parts like the slate can be difficult to move without professional help.

A professional pool table mover can take the right steps to ensure proper transportation. They can also analyze the table for cracks and arrange the packing accordingly. They are also accustomed to leveling the slate in the right manner. Another option is to follow the middle path. You can disassemble the table on your own and hire a professional team for the movement and reassembly. This will help you to cut down the expenses to some extent.

Do You Really Need to Move the Pool Table?

Before you start planning for the move, think about this. Even though you love your pool table, the cumbersome process of moving it to your new location may not be the best choice. 

Considering that the pool table weight is on the higher side, hiring professional movers for a pool table will be expensive. In addition, there will be separate charges for taking it apart and putting the pieces back together. You could even get charged for a moving quote from some companies.

Theoretically, it is possible to do it on your own. Even so, the process will take considerable time, skill, and manpower. Consider whether you have the time and energy to get it done right. Also, you need to consider the safety aspects related to the transfer. You do not want to get anyone injured while handling tools or transporting heavy pieces.

That means you have to consider the effort, logistics, and  expenses involved in the entire process. One practical solution is selling the old table and purchasing a new one in the new house. We suggest you consider all the options before deciding how to move a pool table.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how to move a pool table is sometimes a job better left to the professionals. While you can do it yourself, some things are more trouble than they’re worth. If you agree, it might be time to hire a moving company. Agoyu helps homeowners get free quotes online to find the most qualified moving companies in your area. Click here to get a free moving quote from Agoyu

How to Transport Fish When Moving: Follow These Tips From Expert Movers

If you are wondering how to transport fish in a safe way, there are a few different ways you can do so. Transporting your fish properly, whether for a short or long-distance move, is important to ensure your fish does not suffocate or become overly stressed out. Knowing what to pack first when moving is difficult enough as it is, especially when packing fish is included. Let’s look more into how to move a fish to a new house in the best ways possible.

How to Travel With Fish in a Car 

Knowing how to transport fish in a car is not as difficult as you might think. However, if you don’t do it properly, you are taking the risk of killing your fish. It is important to remember that it doesn’t take much for fish to become stressed, especially when they are inside a moving car for a long period of time. 

If you are planning on bringing your fish along with you for a long distance drive, there is a high chance that your fish might not make it to your destination. If you want to give your fish the best chances at survival in the car, consider these suggestions on how to best transport your fish in a car.

how to bag fish for transport

Keeping Your Fish in the Aquarium

Moving an aquarium with the fish inside is not the best form of transporting your fish, but it can work. If your fish is in a glass aquarium, it is necessary to use extra caution when transporting your fish in the car. Glass aquariums are difficult to travel with, as the water inside the aquarium moves around a lot and they really cannot be secured. 

If you plan on keeping your fish in the aquarium when you travel, be sure to remove enough water so it is not super full, but it should be full enough for your fish to have room. Learning how to move a fish tank can be difficult, so it is important to take the right steps to move it properly. Make sure to take out any decorations or objects inside the aquarium or tank that can move around easily so your aquarium does not become cracked. 

Try Not to Use a Bucket

Using a bucket to transport your fish is definitely not the best idea. This is because there is a high chance of the bucket spilling in the car if you need to hit your brakes quickly or you need to make a sharp turn. If that happens, your fish are going to spill out of the bucket and can die.

It is highly recommended to not use a bucket when transporting your fish, but if you have no other means of transportation for your fish it can be done. Be sure not to fill the bucket up too much and have a passenger securely hold the bucket when in the car to help it from moving around too much. 

Need Movers? Your Move, Your Choice

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Agoyu’s AI technology give you quick, precise estimates. Scan your room, receive instant quotes from multiple movers, and confidently select the best option for you.

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Use a Plastic Bag

This is the best way of transporting your fish in the car. All you need to do is fill up a clear and strong plastic bag halfway with water from your fish tank. Once you do that, place your fish in the bag. It is important to use the same water your fish has been living in from its tank or aquarium since it has the right specifications to help keep your fish alive while outside of its normal home. 

Your fish can only survive in a plastic bag for about an hour due to a limited oxygen supply. If you need to keep your fish in a bag for longer than an hour, you will need to get pure oxygen to put in the bag from your nearest pet store or aquarium store. Check out this video to demonstrate how to properly travel with your fish in a plastic bag.

How to Take Fish on a Plane

Traveling with your fish on a plane can be stressful, for both you and your fish. It is possible to travel with your fish on a plane if you are moving. Fish are allowed as a carry-on item on an airplane but need to be inside clear plastic bags. If you need help packing for your move, check out a moving app like Agoyu to help locate the best movers in your area so you can get the help you might need when packing. If you are not hiring a moving company, take note of these steps to help prepare you for traveling with your fish.

Prepare for Transport

You will need to start preparing to move your fish about five days before you move.  Regularly clean their tank to make sure it doesn’t change color or get dirty. You will need to make sure your fish’s water has the right elements. You can do this by not feeding your fish for one to two days before you are going to move so the water does not become polluted or cloudy.

how to transport goldfish

Pack Up Your Fish

As previously mentioned, use a clear and strong plastic bag to transport your fish.  Make sure to not overfill the bag. You definitely should check in with your local aquarium or pet store to make sure your fish gets extra oxygen in their bag so they don’t suffocate. A pet store can add pure oxygen to your bag to ensure your fish is prepared to stay put in the bag for your trip.

If you have tropical fish, you will need to insulate the bag to keep the water at the right temperature. Goldfish, for example, will do fine without insulation. You can purchase insulated travel bags for your fish at a pet store. Getting your fish through the Transportation Security Administration at the airport can be complicated. Check out this video to learn how to safely get your fish through security and keep your fish as a carry-on item on the plane.

Reintroduce Your Fish to The Aquarium

You can safely reintroduce your fish to their aquarium a couple of different ways. You can pour your fish with the water from the plastic bag directly into the aquarium. Or you can keep them in a smaller tank temporarily until you can see that your fish is not visibly stressed out before putting them back in the aquarium. 

As soon as you arrive at your destination, make sure your fish is the first thing you unpack. The last one is normally the first one you should bring out.

5 Tips for Transporting Fish

If you want to be sure your fish are transported safely throughout your moving process, follow these 5 tips for transporting fish.

1. Have Your Supplies Ready Early

You will need to have everything planned out for transporting your fish tank. It is important to pack your aquarium with care, just like you would pack any glasses for moving.

Everything inside the tank will need to be moved, such as your fish, decorations, plants, and any equipment. To make this happen, be sure to have all your supplies ready. 

  • Plastic bags for your fish to travel in
  • Buckets with water in them to transport any pants from the tank (they need to be submerged in water when transporting them)
  • Packing tape for securing lids on any containers
  • A fishnet to move your fish to the plastic bag
  • Siphon hose to remove water from inside the tank
  • Any other packing supplies you need to pack up the rest of the tank

2. Place Your Fish in Their Container for Transport

This could be a plastic bag, the aquarium, or in a bucket. Be extra cautious when transporting your fish and make sure the water is right.

3. Secure Your Fish

Make sure your fish are secure and all of the belongings from their tank are secured as well. Be sure the tank is completely dry when transporting it and remove the filter.

4. Pack Up The Tank

Handle your fish tank with care as they are very fragile. Wrap the tank in bubble wrap or packing paper to ensure it does not break or crack.

5. Everything is Ready to Be Loaded Up

Load up your fish tank, accessories, and fish gently until you arrive at your destination.

Final Thoughts 

Knowing how to transport fish can be a difficult task, but it isn’t impossible. If you need help packing your fish tank when moving, contact Agoyu to help get a free moving quote today. 

11 Best Moving Apps to Make Your Life Easier: Use These Apps for Moving

Believe it or not, Americans think moving is more stressful than divorce. We can understand why they feel that way because so many things can go wrong; from choosing a sub-par moving company to packing and sorting. Moving takes up a lot of your time and packing up a large home can be a nightmare. 

The best moving apps can do a lot to make your life easier. Whether you need help with packing, sorting, or choosing a moving company. These moving apps have something for everyone. 

The Best Moving Apps: Our Favorites 

These are our top picks for the best moving apps to help assist you with your move.

1. Agoyu 

Simply put, there is no other all-in-one platform that allows you to take the lead like Agoyu does. Its proprietary technology allows you to simply take a photo or video of the items you need to move and receive a quote. You can read customer reviews, compare pricing, and connect with other moving companies all for free. To start using Agoyu, you will need to determine the weight of your shipment.  If you don’t know the exact weight of what you are going to ship, you can use the Agoyu weight calculator or download the app for a quote. You can video the contents you would like to ship and Agou will digitally analyze the video and create a list of all the content you want to ship with a weight estimate. 

Once the weight of your shipment is determined, you can then calculate a price estimate based on your inventory. You will receive accurate pricing, which is based on the weight of your goods and your destination. You will then be able to compare moving companies and their costs. Once you choose the right moving company to fit your budget, you will need to confirm your destination. Be sure to provide the exact address of your destination and specify if it is an apartment, a single-family home, and how many floors your new home will have. 

Once everything is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation number that will be used by the moving company as a reference. Now you just have to wait for the moving company to contact you and schedule a visit. 

agoyu carousel

2. Magic Plan

Magic Plan is a moving app that can create and share sketches, estimates, and field reports. Magic Plan helps you feel connected to your moving team and understand everything that is happening, even if you aren’t there. You will have the ability to sketch interior plans in 2D and 3D to help you visualize what you currently don’t have, but soon will have. You will also have the capabilities of adding photos, 360-degree images, custom forms, notes, and markups to Magic Plan to help create an organized plan without the risk of any confusion. When you are finished adding your images, you will receive an estimate, which is automatically estimated on your mobile device.

Using Magic Plan will help your company work more efficiently and have access to any important data. Having a plan that is easy to sketch, report, and estimate will inspire your employees to get their work done anywhere, making it easier for you.

taskrabbit moving app

3. TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit offers a wide range of moving services, varying from the heavy lifting to the organization, that will help make your move a lot easier. If you need your belongings hauled away for a move, TaskRabbit can certainly help. They also can help with all of your packing services, such as folding, boxing, and organizing. They will make sure all of your belongings are well organized and are packed efficiently, especially anything that might be fragile.

TaskRabbit will help search for a local mover that is decently priced to take some stress away from you. If you need any junk removal from your home before you move, TaskRabbit can help remove it and haul it away so you don’t have to. That makes things so much easier when you are preparing for a big move. Having extra junk around when moving can get stressful. 

When searching for a local mover, make sure to enter the exact street address you are at and then enter the exact address that you are moving to. You will have to enter how large your task is (small, medium, or large) and what kind of vehicle you need for your task, like a car or a truck. This will prompt you to tell TaskRabbit a little bit more about your move and what you need to be done. Prices will then be shown to you once you complete all the necessary steps, making it super simple.

sortly moving app

4. Sortly

Sortly is another great app for moving. With Sortly, you can create a visual inventory of all your belongings, decide what to keep and let go of, and add detailed notes to your belongings. You will be able to place all of your belongings into a category and make tags for them to make it easier for you to locate where they are. You can even label your boxes with QR codes to make it simple for you to scan them and know what is inside the boxes. For example, when packing a box of shoes, you can label it with the QR code instead of writing out the word “shoes”. You can then add detail to what type of shoes are in the box to avoid any confusion.

First, you will start off by creating an organized list of everything you own. Add the item, mark how many of that item you have, and the cost of the item. Sortly will automatically calculate the total cost of your items. You can share this list with your movers to help make moving easier for them and you. 

Instead of labeling your boxes something generic like “kitchen” or “living room”, Sortly will allow you to tag your box and track it. Not only will this help you to avoid any late nights of wondering where your belongings are located, but it will allow you to feel comfortable enough to unpack and relax because you know where everything is.

handy moving app

5. Handy

Handy is great for moving help, especially for office relocation or moving to a new home. You will save time and money when using Handy to book moving help. Handy will be able to connect you with local house movers that are skilled and experienced, making your move run smoothly.

With Handy, you will be responsible for providing a moving truck or van. However, that is the only thing you will have to provide yourself. Handy will assist you in finding professional movers to help move your furniture, help you pack and unpack, wrap your items, and lift anything heavy.  Once you reach your destination, Handy will also help with unpacking to make it less stressful for you.

It is important to note that Handy is specifically for moving help, it isn’t a full-service moving company and no transportation is provided. To start using Handy, pick a time, book your appointment, and then an experienced professional will arrive at the time you chose.

google keep

Need Movers? Your Move, Your Choice

Instant Exact Cost for Your Specific Move

Agoyu’s AI technology give you quick, precise estimates. Scan your room, receive instant quotes from multiple movers, and confidently select the best option for you.

STEP 1 OF 3

1
Enter Move Details


or Have a Top Mover Call Me Now!

Do it the old fashion way! A top mover will call you to provide an instant quote over the phone or at your house!

6. Google Keep

Google Keep is designed to be clean and easy and is one of the best moving apps. The purpose of Google Keep is to capture what is on your mind and later receive a reminder at the right time or place. This is perfect to use when you are moving, since moving is so stressful and chaotic. When you are moving, there are so many things on your mind that you are trying not to forget. With Google Keep, you will be able to organize your thoughts and not forget a thing.

With Google Keep, you can create notes and lists when you are preparing to move. You can create ordinary notes that you physically type out, voice notes, photo notes, checklists, and handwritten notes that you can write using a stylus. All of these options are very cool!

In addition, Google Keep is a moving checklist app that will help organize your notes by allowing you to pin a note for high priority, set a reminder, make copies of a note, share with your friends and family, archive, delete, search your notes, label by color, and sync across multiple devices. For example, if you want to pack your books but aren’t ready to do it yet, make a note with Google Keep to remind you at a later time which books you are ready to pack.  Google Keep is free to download and use with your Google account.

offer up app

7. OfferUp

OfferUp is a very large mobile marketplace for sellers and buyers. It is good to understand that cleaning out your home before you move and decluttering everything will make moving ten times easier for you. Deciding what to pack and not pack when you are moving can be overwhelming. With OfferUp, you will save money by packing fewer items and transporting less of your belongings. You will save time by not needing to pack so many items. You will also be less stressed out because when you clear out your home, you clear out your mind too. 

Once you declutter your home before your move, you can sell anything you are not bringing with you on OfferUp. OfferUp allows you to list your items for sale, specify your zip code, and then the OfferUp app works its magic and will help you sell any of your unwanted belongings in your neighborhood. 

All you have to do is take a picture of your unwanted items, add a title to the picture and select a category, note the condition the item is in, and describe the item briefly in a few words. Once you do that, set a price for your unwanted item and list it. This is super easy and will allow you to make a few extra bucks. When you are settled in your new home, you can use OfferUp to buy whatever you might need with a discount.

sparefoot app

8. SpareFoot

Trythe Sparefoot app for moving if you are looking to store your belongings in a storage unit during your move. It is such an easy and quick way to find, compare prices, and reserve a storage unit for your belongings. SpareFoot has great reviews, with many of them being positive and having a great experience using SpareFoot.

Many of those who are moving, especially those who have a big move, use storage units to help stay organized during the process of packing up their belongings.

nextdoor moving app

9. NextDoor

NextDoor is a great app to use to help connect to your new neighbors and your new neighborhood. It is helpful to use when trying to learn about some fun local events, the best local restaurants, the best doctors in your area, finding a babysitter, and even just asking any question because you are unfamiliar with the area still. 

NextDoor is trusted because they connect to real people in real neighborhoods, making it helpful to you if you are asking a question. There is a local perspective as well, such as if your pet gets out and you can’t find them. Ask NextDoor and you will get immediate responses about your pet’s whereabouts. Your new neighbors that are connected to NextDoor will help you find your pet in no time.

updater app

 

10. Updater

Updater is a great moving app full of many helpful moving resources. Updater is an invite-only moving app and you will need to enter your email to make sure you qualify to use it. Once you get connected to Updater, they will update your address for you and set up mail forwarding.  Updater will also update your address with any businesses and vendors, voter registration, and your driver’s license. 

Updater will keep you updated with many resources in your local area, like child care and information about school. Updater partners with local and national businesses to help supply you with great offers to help you save money. 

With Updater, you can reserve a mover online, get a moving estimate, rent a moving truck, hire movers, ship your car to your new location, calculate your moving expenses, and much more. 

thumbtack app

11. Thumbtack

Thumbtack is great to use to look for professional movers. You will never have to pay to use Thumbtack, but you will receive cost estimates, professional contacts, and a way to book the right moving company. You will need to enter your zip code, allowing all movers in your area to be listed out for you to choose from. Before you book, you will be able to see the cost of the mover, whether it is a long-distance or short distance. 

Thumbtack is a moving planner app that has over one million customer reviews, most of them being positive reviews. You will be able to see the professional mover work history as well, making the decision on who you choose a much easier one to decipher. Thumbtack will definitely be able to help you find the right moving company that can help meet your moving needs. The best part is that it is completely free.

Final Thoughts

Using any of these apps will help you feel much more organized and ready for your move. They can help make many of the stressful tasks of moving easier for you, like wrapping, packing, unpacking, moving your belongings, making lists, and even helping you find some new neighbors.

None of the best moving apps on this list have the capabilities of Agoyu though. With the Agoyu moving app, you can get a free quote by simply taking pictures of your items and choosing the best moving company in your area. Agoyu has comprehensive features to help you whether you’re moving a one bedroom apartment or five bedroom house.

How To Pack Books For Moving: Keep Your Books Safe and Save Money

If you’re a bookworm chances are you have a vast collection of the greatest novels and biographies ever written. The last thing you’d want is for something you’ve spent years compiling to get ruined on your more. Knowing how to pack books for moving will ensure that your books are safe and that the moving company has an easy time transporting them. 

8 Tips for Packing Books for Moving 

When you decide to move, there are many things you can do to make moving your books easier.

packing books for moving

1. Make Your Book Collection Smaller

It is a great idea to carefully go through your book collection and weed out the books you no longer need, especially if you have hired movers to help with your move. You can be charged by weight per box, so it is important to narrow your book collection down to books you must have and books that can be parted with.

If you want the books you are no longer keeping to be put to good use, donate them. Second hand stores, libraries, schools, and churches are just some examples of places you can donate them to. Donating your books gives them a chance at being reused by somebody else instead of being buried in a landfill. 

2. Use the Right Type of Box

Make sure that when you pack your books, you are storing them in the right sized box. The best boxes for moving books are 1.5 cubic foot boxes or a smaller size will work as well. You can purchase these types of boxes on Amazon, at U-Haul, Walmart, Lowe’s, or Home Depot. Book boxes for moving that are bigger than this tend to break because they are not meant to hold the weight of your books and might break open from the bottom. 

3. Know How to Pack Books the Right Way

Your books need to be packed the right way so you can properly store them and utilize the space inside the box. So many people assume that books need to be packed standing up like they would on a shelf, but that is actually the incorrect way to pack them. You should pack them laying down flat and build them up into columns. Pack them binding to binding so the spines of the books can brace each other. If there is any space left in your box, you can fill in the empty spaces with paperback books and fill it right up to the top edge of the box. 

4. Have Lots of Tape and Supplies

Clear packing tape is the best kind of tape to use when packing boxes. It will be sure to keep your boxes closed. However, you can also use masking tape if you are looking for a tape that is easier to remove. The choice is completely up to you. In case you don’t have a lot of paperback books to fill the empty spaces in your boxes, you can use newspaper, rags, towels, or basically anything that you can stuff in there to prevent your books from moving around. Have these things on hand in case you need them when packing your books.

5. Care for Your Fragile Books

If you have books that are expensive, old, or damaged in any way, you should pack them very carefully. Even if you have a somewhat small move from California to Washington, it is important to properly care for your books to avoid any damage. Wrap them individually in either old newspaper or packing paper. Use acid free paper for your really old books so the covers do not get damaged. You even can place bunched up newspaper or bubble wrap on the bottom of the box to ensure that the covers don’t bend or get damaged in any way. 

If you have any old photo books or albums, first edition books, or anything else of great value, put a piece of sturdy cardboard in between each book. This will keep the spines straight and prevent them from moving.

6. Pack Your Heavy Books First

It is important to know how to pack boxes when moving. Pack your heavy books first and put them at the bottom of the box. Stack them on top of each other so they are level. Packing your heaviest books first is best so your lighter books don’t get damaged from being on the bottom.

7. Set Your Favorite Books Aside

Many book lovers can’t imagine a day without reading one of their favorite books. The thought of all your books being packed away inside of a box is tough to think about. Keep some of your favorite books set aside and maybe carry them in a backpack so you have them available to you. Having your favorite books nearby may help you feel some comfort in a stressful time.

8. Place Them Correctly in the Truck

Whether you have hired professional movers or are moving your belongings yourself, it is important to understand where to place your books in the moving truck or van. Besides placing the heaviest boxes on the bottom, make sure your book boxes are not topped with anything heavy like furniture or other heavy items. Load your boxes with care and do not pile them high. 

Best Way to Pack Books for Moving 

Libraries pack and ship hundreds of books across the country every week. For example, if you are moving from California to Florida, it makes the most sense to follow the procedures perfected by libraries when moving our books. Here are instructions to follow on how to pack books for moving.

pack books with care

1. Pack Your Books Into Boxes

Since you have already sorted through your book collection, it is safe to say you are packing your “must have” books. The best way to pack books is to place them in small boxes, placing the heaviest books on the bottom. If you do not have any boxes, there is always an alternative. You can also carefully pack your books in suitcases, preferably rolling suitcases to make it easier to move, or large backpacks will work as well.

2. Fill In Empty Spaces

Once you have your books stacked from heaviest to lightest, fill in the empty spaces with paperback books, packing paper, newspapers, yarn, old clothing, or anything you can think of that you can stuff into the empty spaces. If you are filling in the spaces with paperback books, be sure to pack them with the paper edges facing up so the pages don’t bend. Make sure there is no wiggle room so your books do not get damaged.

3. Seal the Boxes

When all your books are packed, close the box. Use clear or brown packing tape, or you can use masking tape if you want to easily remove the tape. It is important to keep in mind that if you use masking tape, the box might come open at some point. Packing tape is much sturdier, but does not open easily. Make sure to use a few layers of tape to prevent your box from opening up during your move.

4. Label Your Boxes

Write on your boxes “Books” so you know that those specific boxes contain your books. You can label the top of the box, side of the box, or both. Labeling your boxes is important so there is no confusion about what the box holds. In case you have your books separated by category, label the boxes based on the category of your books. For example, instead of “Books”, you can label your boxes “Classic Books”, “Mystery Books”, “Horror Books”, “Adventure Books” and so on.

5. Pack It Up

If you have professional movers helping you with your move, have them carefully place your boxes on the floor of the moving truck. Ensure that they are not placed in a pile or by any heavy pieces of furniture. Placing your boxes of books near anything that is really heavy is not a good idea. If that heavy object were to fall over or slide, it might damage your box of books. It is important to make sure they are not stacked so the boxes do not fall over and cause any damage to your books or other belongings.

Conclusion 

With all these tips, knowing how to pack books for moving should be much easier now. Packing your books is not as difficult as it sounds. The most difficult part might even be parting with the books you no longer need. If you need help packing your books, using a moving app like Agoyu can help you locate the best moving companies to help make the process smoother.

How to Pack Shoes for Moving: You Don’t Have to Part with Your Shoes!

So, you need to know how to pack shoes for moving? Don’t ask my wife because she always has me pack them for her and if you’re anything like her, you’ve got a lot of shoes. Packing shoes is challenging because you want to do it in a way that is economical and doesn’t take up any more space than necessary. 

Quite often, it may seem that the easiest solution is to pack them in a box. But that might leave them damaged or scratched at the end of a long journey.

So here’s how to pack shoes the right way, when moving to your new home. With a little bit of time and ingenuity, you will find the task not so difficult at all.

how to pack shoes for moving

Organize

When was the last time you purged your shoe collection? This is the right time to get rid of the worn-out or damaged pairs to reduce your packing volume. In addition, there can be pairs that you do not wear anymore. Chances are, you aren’t going to wear them in your new home either. If they are in good condition, you can donate them to a charity.

Before throwing your shoes into the trash, check for options for recycling them in your neighborhood. The plastic-based components like PVC and EVA  in shoes take a long time to decompose. However, reusing is better for the environment than recycling.

Once you have decluttered your shoe collection, the final lineup for packing is ready. This will make the entire task easier for you.

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Keep the Shoes Clean and Dry

Before you learn about how to pack shoes for a move, make sure that you clean them properly. For this, you may need to start a while before the actual moving date. Make sure to remove the dust and dirt and repair the shoes if need be. 

Almost all sneakers and synthetic shoes can be cleaned up with a mild soap solution and water. In the case of boots, make sure the soles are clean of dirt or mud and small pieces of stones. You can also use rubbing alcohol or antibacterial sprays to keep the insides free from smells and bacterial growth. 

Once cleaned, you need to dry them properly. Air drying the shoes for the right period of time is the best option. Consider powdering the insides of the shoes to help draw out the moisture Remember, dry shoes will prevent mold formation during the transfer.

It’s also important to eliminate any odors from your shoes before packing them up. Peels of citrus fruits like lemon, lime, and orange, can absorb odors effectively. You can also sprinkle some baking soda inside the shoes and leave it overnight to remove odors. 

Make sure to remove any excess powder in the morning. Any buildup of baking soda can cause damage to leather and suede shoes.

getting ready to pack your shoes

Sort your Collection

Once you have organized your shoe collection, divide them into various categories. You need to categorize your collection in terms of casual, seasonal, sports, dress shoes, etc. Basically, different materials will have different packing and storage needs to prevent damage. Sorting them out will help you to pack them accordingly.

For example, dress shoes or loafers should be wrapped in tissue paper, and packed in the original shoe boxes to keep them protected. Sneakers can be packed more easily as they are not prone to scratches. In case you don’t have the original shoe boxes, the best way to pack shoes for moving is by using any cardboard box or plastic beans. Other than that, you can also use travel shoe bags.

Season shoes can be packed separately depending on the season of your movement. If you are moving in summer, winter boots can be packed in separate boxes. That way you can get around to unpacking them only when the right season arrives.

Keep in mind, the best way to pack shoes for moving is to pack them in pairs. For shoes like sneakers, you can also tie the laces together to keep them together. This will ensure no shoe goes missing.

You need to keep a pair separately for use during the moving week. These will be needed for immediate use once you reach the new location.

Stuff the Shoes 

The next step of how to pack shoes for moving is an important one. You need to stuff the shoes properly with socks, plastic wraps, or packing paper. This will prevent them from getting smashed during a long transit. 

Stuffing the shoes with socks will also help you to pack the socks as well. However, avoid stuffing and packing shoes with newspaper. Printed ink can leave permanent stains on the shoes.

To avoid scuff marks, wrap the shoes on the outside as well. For dress shoes, you can use shoe trees. This will keep them in shape after packing. In the case of boots with high ankles, stuff them till the topmost part to prevent any damage. When wrapping high heels, use bubble wrap to prevent the heels from breaking.

Additionally, you can place fragrant tea bags inside the shoes to keep them fresh. This will add to a good feeling when you start unpacking in your new home.

Distribute the Weight Properly

One of the key aspects of how to pack shoes for moving is arranging the shoes in a proper manner. If you are using a large box, start by placing a cushioning layer at the bottom of the box. Then you can place the heavier shoes first. It’s best to place a layer of cushioning between each layer of shoes you place.

Make sure that you don’t overload the boxes. Tape the boxes and avoid placing heavier items on top of them. Label or mark the boxes to make the process of unpacking easier. Also, consider the weather conditions on a moving day. In case it’s raining, keep the box away from moisture as much as possible.

Avoid using plastic bags for packing shoes. These bags can easily tear during the move and leave your footwear vulnerable to damage. Since plastic traps moisture, it can also result in mold formation and deformation of the shoe materials. However, clean and dry shoes can be stored in plastic containers. Transparent containers will also make it easy to see what shoes are packed inside.

Conclusion

There you have it. We have shared the best tips about how to pack shoes for moving.

The secret of how to pack shoes for moving involves planning as well as the right style of packing. With a bit of extra time and effort, you can make sure that your shoes reach your new home in the best condition.

That said, you will need the help of professional movers to ensure that the entire process of moving works out smoothly. Honestly, picking out the best services at an affordable rate from a competitive market isn’t easy. This is why getting moving quotes online from a variety of moving companies will help you make the right choice. You need a company with experience but also an affordable rate. Agoyu can help.

What To Pack First When Moving: Step-by-Step Moving Guide

Moving to a new location is an exciting experience. No doubt about it.

But where do you start? Do you start with the heavy stuff first? The fragile items? Or do you knock out the simple rooms and move onto the more difficult stuff later?

When you consider the wide range of your household belongings, it seems difficult to point out where to begin.

But with the right planning and timely action, you can finish up your packing in the right order much before the moving vehicle arrives. To make your task easier, we will discuss how and what to pack first when moving so you can get started off on the right foot. 

Begin Packing Well in Advance

Before you decide where to start when packing to move, you need to initiate the process well in advance. Honestly, you don’t want to start packing at the last moment and risk damaging or misplacing your valuable belongings. It needs the right effort and time to make the entire process of packing less stressful.

Obviously, the time factor will depend on the notice period you get before your move. The important thing is not to procrastinate while deciding how to pack for moving house.

Ideally, a month should be sufficient for a small home. For larger homes, two months should be good enough. By starting as early as possible, you won’t have to rush or cut corners at the end of the process.

what to pack first when moving

Taking Inventory of Your Belongings

Before you jump into the process of packing, it’s necessary to know about all the items you have in your possession. So taking an inventory of all your belongings and sorting them out is a must. 

If you have a large collection of items like books, video games, CDs, or kick-knacks, a detailed inventory list will be necessary. You can prepare a comprehensive checklist in a spreadsheet and take a printout.

This will also prevent any items from slipping out of notice. A list will also help you to track all the items more effectively.

Chances are there will be items that you won’t be needing anymore. Spending your time and effort in packing these items will be a waste. This is a good time to give these items away or arrange for a garage sale. The thing is, the fewer things you need to pack, the easier the entire process will be.

In case you have any hazardous materials in possession, dispose of them before packing. These can be flammable solids and liquids, corrosive substances, or explosives. Transportation of such materials might be restricted and will increase the overall cost of moving.

Besides, items like fire extinguishers, paints and varnishes, and auto batteries should not be packed with other items. Leaks from these items can be dangerous during the moving process.

Once this process is done, you can start planning about what to pack first when moving.

Gather the Right Items

The next step is to gather all the items that you need for the packing process. Keeping everything at hand will save you a lot of time and effort. Here are some items that you need at hand.

  • Packing tape
  • Packing paper
  • Ruler to rip the paper
  • Markers for labeling
  • Bubble wrap
  • Scissors
  • A knife

Other than these, you will also need packing boxes of various shapes and sizes. It’s best to invest in some quality moving boxes which will withstand wear and not fall apart during transportation. Make sure not to overpack a box. Ideally, each box should be kept between 30 to 40 pounds to ensure they are easy to lift.

Also, designate an area in your house where you can store the boxes. A place like a garage or a guest room is the best option. Keep separate boxes for items you want to throw away or donate.

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Pack Non-essential Items First

If your question is “what should I pack first when moving?”, the answer is simple. Start with non-essential items like books, magazines, decor artwork, picture frames, off-season clothes, etc.

The uniform shapes of books and DVDs make them easy to pack. Artwork and decor will need careful packing and take more time. Also, pack up other items like mirrors or shelves mounted on the wall at the same time.

In the next stage, pack items like vases, clocks, lamps, and antiques. Since they come in irregular shapes, packing these items can be a challenge. This is where you need to use bubble wraps and packing paper.

Finally, pack up the off-season clothes and shoes. You can also pack away additional clothes that you won’t be needing until the move is complete.

loading your boxes into a truck

Pack Essential Items Next

Now that you know what to start packing first when moving, it’s time to move to the next stage. These include the essential items. These are items that are of regular use and ones that you will need as soon as you reach the new location. Some of the common essential items are listed below.

  • Electronics
  • Utensils and dishes
  • Toiletries
  • Linens
  • Office supplies
  • Cleaning supplies

It might seem difficult to pack some of these items in advance. But once you know where to start you will notice there are plenty of items that you can do without for a few days.

The trick is to separate the essential items that you will need for daily use. The rest can be packed up depending on their category.

For example, you can pack most of your cookware a week before the moving date. You can also pack up the dishes in advance and use disposable plastic utensils for a few days. When it comes to food items, try to consume as much as possible before the day of the move.

Packing up electronic devices comes next. Truth is, it’s best to go without your television and game console for a few days, rather than leave them for the last stage of packing. Electronic items are sensitive and you need to pack them carefully to prevent any damage.

In the last stage, you need to pack the toiletries and cleaning supplies. Get rid of any items that have expired or those you haven’t used for months. To prevent liquids from spilling out of bottles, use plastic wrap for additional sealing.

When it comes to fragile items, pack them with extra cushioning to prevent breakage. When it comes to clothing, roll up the clothes to save space while packing. Delicate fabrics and shoes should be packed separately with special care to prevent any damage.

Start with the Most Difficult Room

It’s best to start with the most difficult room at the beginning. Picking it up in the end when you are tired, can result in disorderly packing. 

In most cases, garages and sheds are the most difficult spaces to pack as they contain items of various shapes and sizes. In case you are taking help from a professional mover, consult them for packing special items.

Beyond that, kitchens and dining rooms are also hard to pack as they contain numerous breakable items. Since these spaces will take more time and care to pack, don’t leave them for last.

In the next stage, you can start with living rooms and bedrooms. Usually, these spaces contain items that are relatively easier to pack.

Once you know where to start when packing to move, the question is whether you go by the rooms or by item category. While this is a matter of personal choice, we suggest packing items one room at a time. This makes it easier to determine which box goes where once you have reached your new location.

Moving is always a challenge and it’s believed that it’s one of the most stressful things you’ll ever do. Make life a little easier with an instant moving quote from Agoyu. You can choose between the best moving companies in your area and get a quote that fits your budget in only a few minutes!

 

Thinking About Moving from California to Texas? You’re Not Alone

Moving from California to Texas is a move that will not surprise your friends and family. Texas has a lot to offer. Whether it be job opportunities, diverse cities or authentic food, Texas is a great place to live. Though California has many rolling hills and a beautiful coastline, it is becoming more and more common to live in Texas to escape the high cost of housing and indulge in the authenticity of Texas.

Cost of Moving from California to Texas 

The cost of moving from California to Texas can widely vary in price. The price depends on the size of your move, when you are moving, how far away it is, and the route you are taking. Having a moving company can help make your move a whole lot easier. However, it is important to keep in mind the cost for this as well.

If you decide to use a moving company to help make your move easier, you should expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000, depending on your circumstances. Renting a truck or renting a moving container for the back of your vehicle will save you money, but it will require a lot more work and you might even have to downsize in order to fit everything in the moving container.

moving from california to texas

Why are People Moving to Texas? 

It is not surprising to hear that many Californians are moving to Texas. Texas is a beautiful state. Also known as The Lonestar State, Texas holds some beautiful sights. Between the peaceful waterfalls, sparkling caves, and surfable sand dunes, Texas makes for one of the most beautiful places to live. Here are some things to know before moving to Texas.

Employment Opportunities

Texas currently has a hot job market. Some of our country’s most popular companies like American Airlines or AT&T have made Texas their home and soon, more top notch companies will – like Google and Apple. This helps make better employment opportunities and provides higher salaries for the residents of Texas. The cost of living is lower in Texas, giving those who live there the opportunity to enjoy their quality of life.

Entertainment and Food

Texas has some of the most authentic food in the country and Texans have so many reasons to be proud of their food. Whether it’s their delicious barbecue, Mexican cuisine or authentic tacos, Texas has some of the best cuisine and is ranked as America’s best food state. When you think of chili, chicken fried state, kolaches, queso, barbeque, or Blue Bell ice cream, Texas probably comes to mind first.

Entertainment and food usually go hand in hand. Austin and Dallas are two of the most popular cities for exciting attractions and for nightlife. There is so much to choose from between nightclubs, live music or amusement parks.

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Sports

Several national sports teams call Texas their home. Some of these teams include the Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Texas Rangers, Houston Texans, Rockets, Astros, Dallas Mavericks, and the Dallas Stars. Also, the Houston Livestock Show  and Rodeo are pretty popular, being the largest rodeo in the world.

Education

Texas has phenomenal higher education, having over 200 colleges and universities. Some of these well known schools include Rice University, Texas A&M, Southern Methodist University, Texas Tech University, and the University of Texas at Austin. These schools are not only great for expanding your education but are great for employment opportunities.

Hospitality

Southern hospitality is at its finest in Texas. This is quite a change in pace for Californians moving to Texas. Texans are known for being incredibly friendly and welcoming and most will go out of their way to show you kindness.

Moving to Texas: Cost of Living 

The cost of living in Texas differs from the cost of living in California. Here are some of the differences broken down into separate categories.

Housing

The median cost of a single family home in California can be as much as $800,000, while the median cost of a single family home in Texas is around $350,000. That is quite the difference in price. Texas is clearly more affordable when it comes to housing.

Rent

Based on the size of the apartment you are renting and what city it is in, your cost to rent will differ. The average cost to rent a two bedroom apartment in Los Angeles, California is estimated to be about $2,900 per month. The average cost to rent a two bedroom apartment in Dallas, Texas is about $1,960 per month. 

Gas Prices

As of September 2021, the average price of regular gas in California is $4.40 per gallon. The average price of regular gas in Texas is $2.82 per gallon. California’s gas price is almost twice as much as the price of gas in Texas, making it much more affordable to purchase gas in Texas.

Taxes

Residents of California pay as much as 13.3 percent in state income tax and between 7.25 and 10 percent in sales tax, depending on local rates. In Texas, residents pay no state income tax and sales tax can range from between 6.25 percent and 8.25 percent. As for corporate income tax, California’s is 8.84 percent and Texas has no corporate income tax. This ties into one of the many reasons why to move to Texas.

California vs Texas Weather 

California and Texas have similar weather, but still differ. On average, Los Angeles, California has about 284 sunny days and Houston, Texas has about 204 sunny days per year. Los Angeles can get around 15.5 inches of rain per year and Houston can get around 53 inches of rain per year. Both Los Angeles and Houston average 0 inches of snow per year. The major differences in weather between the two are that California has more sunny days and gets less rain than Texas.

houston texas

Popular Cities in Texas 

Since there are so many great cities and towns in Texas, it can be difficult to choose one to live in. Here are some places in Texas that we feel are the best to reside in.

Austin

Besides being the capital of Texas, Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” Austin offers a variety of entertainment, is a fast growing city, is very affordable, and is a safe place to live.

Dallas

Dallas is a great city for business and for jobs. Dallas is home to twelve Fortune 500 companies and one of the fastest growing job markets in the country. It is even ranked number four in the top U.S. cities to live in. There are plenty of activities, entertainment, excellent schools, and sports teams in Dallas – making it a great place to live.  

San Antonio

San Antonio offers a multitude of popular attractions. Some of the attractions include Sea World, Six Flags, Fiesta Texas, The Alamo, and the River Walk. San Antonio is a large city with an inviting and relaxed feel. You can indulge in delicious food, learn about its culture, and enjoy many festivals and events.

Houston

Houston is a very popular city in Texas. It is home to the Port of Houston and the Johnson Space Center. Houston tends to attract more residents who are looking for jobs, especially because it has the second most Fortune 500 headquarters in one city, right behind New York. It is affordable to live in Houston, has great schools, and is easily accessible to many Texas universities.

Moving to Texas from California: Should You Move? 

There are a plethora of reasons why you may want to move from California to Texas. Maybe it’s the better employment opportunities, the entertainment and good food, southern hospitality, or the affordability that interests you. Or maybe you are interested in Texas as a change of pace. Either way, Texas seems like a great place to live and has a lot to offer.

Final Thoughts 

Both California and Texas are beautiful states, but Texas is the better option when it comes to cost of living. It isn’t surprising that many California residents are moving to Texas. Get accurate moving quotes online today using the best moving app and let Agoyu help with your moving process.

Moving to Louisiana? Thinking About It? Here’s What You Need To Know

Planning on moving to Louisiana? We have to say the state does have its fair share of surprises waiting for you. Prime ones among them are a colorful culture, fascinating history, and the low cost of living.

Uprooting your existing life and moving to a new location can be a difficult decision. It’s necessary that you do the right amount of research before you take the actual step of moving to Louisiana.

In this article we have included all the important details you need to know about the Pelican State.

Louisiana Facts

Located in the southern part of the USA, Louisiana has a land area of around 43,601 square miles. It has a population of 4.66 million with a population density of 106.9/sq.mile. Baton Rogues is the capital of Louisiana and New Orleans is the largest city.

Since the brown pelican is the state bird, it’s called the Pelican state. The Mississippi River flowing through the state gives rise to plenty of swamps, wetlands, and waterways. The state has spectacular landscapes and a rich wildlife including the well-known American alligator. The state also boasts of more than 400 annual festivals. No wonder, it’s the festival capital of America.

The climate of Louisiana is humid subtropical. Summers are hot and humid, while the winters are mild. The northern part of the state is slightly cooler while the areas closer to the Gulf of Mexico are steamier. Snow is rare in the southern zone and the northern end may receive mild snowfall once in a few years. 

Louisiana is frequently affected by major hurricanes and there are quite a few thunderstorms during summer. Hurricanes mostly form in the period between June to November. On average, the state faces 27 tornadoes in a year. There are also floods resulting from prolonged rainfalls. Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness play an important role in maintaining the safety and security of the public in case of any disasters.

Top Cities in Louisiana

Moving to Louisiana is all about knowing the beautiful cities that are a hub of activities and festivities. Each town has its own distinct charm and stands apart from the rest. Some of the best cities for living in the state are listed below.

New Orleans

Covering an area of  349.85 square miles, New Orleans is the most populated city in Louisiana. A vibrant city with exciting nightlife and delectable Creole cuisine, New Orleans is famous for its annual Mardi Gras festival.

Baton Rouge

Located on the eastern bank of the Mississippi, Baton Rouge is the second biggest city in Louisiana. Apart from being the state capital, it’s also a major educational and industrial center. It’s home to some of the top universities in the state, including the Louisiana State University and Southern University.

Mandeville

Mandeville is separated from New Orleans by Lake Pontchartrain. However, it shares much of New Orleans’s colorful character. With award-winning restaurants and an excellent schooling system, Mandeville has a family-friendly environment. It also won an eCity award in 2013 because of the efficiency of its small businesses in using the internet.

Shreveport

Shreveport is the third most populous city in Louisiana. Together with its sister city Bossier it forms the Shreveport-Bossier City metropolitan area. The city is a major destination for tourists due to the popular riverboat casinos and other places of historical significance.

Lafayette

Lafayette is the fourth largest city in the state and is located on the banks of the Vermilion River. It’s a city with a colorful past and a rich French heritage. Lafayette has a vibrant arts community and a growing tourism industry due to the popularity of its Cajun food and music.

moving to louisiana

Cost of Living in Louisiana

The average cost of living index in Louisiana stands at 89.9. This is lower than the US average of 100. While the rental prices will vary depending on the city and location, the housing cost index stands at 62.1. 

On the whole, it’s cheaper to rent a property in Louisiana than buying. The median monthly mortgage payment is $1,234. The figure is much higher than the median monthly rent is $825.

The grocery and health costs are lower than the US average. It’s the same for healthcare costs. For a 40-year old, the average cost of health insurance in Louisiana is around $596 a month. However, insurance rates depend on a variety of factors.

Coming to transportation costs, the figures are higher than the national average. Apart from personal vehicles, transportation options include passenger trains, car rentals, Amtrak, charter buses, and public bus systems. The food costs are lower than the national average.

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When it comes to income tax, the rates in Louisiana are lower than the national average. Listed below are the income tax brackets against annual incomes.

For Single Filers

  • Between $0 – $12,500: 2%
  • Between $12,501 – $50,000: 4%
  • Above $50,001: 6%

For Married Filing Jointly

  • Between $0 – $25,000: 2%
  • Between $25,001 – $100,000 : 4%
  • Above $100,001: 6%

Louisiana Economy

The most important employment sectors in Louisiana are health care and social assistance, retail, and technical services. Some of the top-performing industries are energy, biosciences,

advanced manufacturing, and aerospace. The per capita personal disposable income in Louisiana stood at $45,988 in 2020. The median income is $25,885

Due to the effect of the pandemic on the sectors like tourism and casinos, the economy was hit in 2020 and there were significant job losses. 100% recovery of the economy is being expected at some point in late 2022 or early 2023. At present, the metropolitan statistical areas in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport-Bossier, and Houma-Thibodaux are experiencing the highest job growth rates.

What is Louisiana like?

One of the best aspects of Louisiana is the vibrant culture and the warm and friendly people. Apart from a large Creole and Cajun population, the state culture is also influenced by a range of other cultures like African, Spanish, French, and Native American. 

Louisiana also boasts of being one of the best culinary destinations in the USA. It has a whole range of flavors that can meet the demands of all types of palates. In fact, various communities have preserved their food traditions through the centuries and it’s a part of the cultural identity. Some of the popular dishes include flavors from Creole and Cajun cooking, seafood, Gumbo, Jambalaya, and Po’boy.

Beyond that, Louisiana is also a state of rhythm. The music scene consists of Cajun and zydeco music, along with jazz, blues, swamp pop, and more. The state has also produced some of the best musicians like Louis Armstrong, Pete Fountain, and Mahalia Jackson. From the streets to the restaurants and inside a concert hall, you will find music almost everywhere in Louisiana.

The state is also a popular destination for fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, boating, and canoeing. There are multiple state and national parks that are a favorite destination for outdoor lovers. Beyond that, there is a wide range of year-round festivals that celebrate food, agriculture, music, and crafts.

Obviously, the iconic annual Mardi Gras celebration on the streets of New Orleans is the most popular cultural phenomenon in Louisiana. The roots of the festival can be traced back to European carnivals of the 17th and 18th centuries. Mardi Gras begins on 6th January and it consists of weeks of festivities including lively parades and street parties.

On the other hand, Louisiana has been consistently recording the highest murder rate in the country. In 2019 the number of violent crimes in the state was 549.3 per every 100,000 residents. This was much higher than the nationwide rate of 366.7.

The high crime rate can be attributed to many factors. These include a high rate of poverty, which is the highest in the US. The other factors include the relatively low quality of education in the state and a higher incarceration rate.

The high crime rate can be attributed to many factors. These include a high rate of poverty, which is the highest in the US. The other factors include the relatively low quality of education in the state and a higher incarceration rate.

new orleans louisiana

Special Laws in Louisiana

When you are relocating to Louisiana you need to know some of the unique laws that exist in the state. Here’s a look at a few weird ones.

  • Louisiana doesn’t allow gargling in public.
  • No reptiles are allowed within 200 yards of a Mardi Gras parade
  • Any unauthorized ordering of a good or service to a person who does not want it is illegal
  • Knowingly creating or attempting to create any human-animal hybrid is prohibited by law.
  • Passing out drunk in any public spot is illegal.
  • Consuming human or animal blood or waste during any ritual is illegal.
  • Theft of timber is a punishable offense.

Final Thoughts

If you are moving from Kansas, Michigan, or California to Louisiana, it may seem like a whole new country. To make the whole process smooth you need the best movers to help you. When it comes to picking professional moving services to make your relocation hassle-free, the all-in-one platform from Agoyu is the best support you can get.

To compare mover prices and customer service for finding the best options for moving to Louisiana, try the free moving app today!

The Best Neighborhoods to Live in NYC in Your 20’s

It can be rather difficult to consider where to live in NYC in your 20s. New York City has an unmatched energy that you really can’t find anywhere else. Between the fast paced lifestyle and the 24-hour attitude, NYC has a lot to offer.

Once you settle on the Big Apple as your destination, you’ll be surprised to find that there are dozens of small neighborhoods dotted across NYC. In this article, we’re looking at what makes each neighborhood so desirable for 20 somethings. 

manhattanManhattan

Manhattan is possibly New York’s most popular borough. It is a long island surrounded by the Hudson River, East River, and Harlem. Manhattan is known for its culture, media, finances, and entertainment. It even served as the United States capital from 1785 to 1790. It can be pricey to live here, depending on which section you are in what your budget is. This moving to NYC blog has some really helpful resources when deciding where to choose from to live.

Murray Hill

  • Location: 4
  • Affordability: 3
  • Space: 1

Murray Hill is a neighborhood on the East side of Manhattan, bordered by the East River. It has an urban feel to it and has tons of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and parks. It is in a super convenient location, as it is a short walk to catch the subway. Murray Hill has a below average crime rate, making it a safe place to live in NYC.

Chelsea

  • Location: 3
  • Affordability: 4
  • Space: 2

Chelsea is a large and fun area of NYC to be in. It is located on the western side of Manhattan and is pretty close to most popular hot spots. It is within walking distance to the Chelsea Market and is a short walk to the High Line. It doesn’t have as much of a neighborhood feel as some other village areas, but it is a beautiful place to live.

Greenwich Village or West Village

  • Location: 5
  • Affordability: 4
  • Space: 4 

West Village is a smaller section of Greenwich Village in NYC. Greenwich is a neighborhood on the west side of lower Manhattan. Greenwich is in a fantastic location with such a nice neighborhood vibe. The streets are filled with character and it is in close proximity to many nice restaurants and cute boutiques. If you are familiar with the TV show “Friends”, this is the neighborhood where the building from “Friends” is located. 

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East Village

  • Location: 3
  • Affordability: 5
  • Space: 3

East Village is a neighborhood on the East Side of lower Manhattan. It is known to be laid back during the day, but has such a fun nightlife. There are tons of bars, restaurants, and even speakeasies. People of all ages live in the East Village, but it mostly consists of NYU students and graduates. It is one of the most fun spots for a younger crowd to reside in.

Upper East Side

  • Location: 4
  • Affordability: 2
  • Space: 5

The Upper East Side is obviously located in the upper East side of Manhattan. Here you will be able to find some of the nicest apartments. This area is known to have more space in its apartments, but is a bit more pricey depending on what your budget is. Living here, you will be close to many amazing shopping options, like Bloomingdale’s. A lot of families reside in the Upper East Side and it is one of the safest areas to live in NYC so this is why a lot of people choose to move here..

Brooklyn

Brooklyn is a borough in NYC that is separated from Manhattan by the East River and is surrounded by the upper and lower bays of New York, the Atlantic Ocean, and Queens. The price to live in Brooklyn has been slowly rising over the last few years. Brooklyn is a great place to live though if you want to be close to the city.

Bushwick

  • Location: 3
  • Affordability: 5
  • Space: 3

Bushwick is located next to Williamsburg in NYC. Being that the price to rent has gone up in Williamsburg, Bushwick is continuing to increase in size and popularity. Bushwick used to be an area full of abandoned warehouses but now it is full of art studios and galleries. It is a cheaper alternative to living in Williamsburg, but is just as cultured.

Crown Heights

  • Location: 5
  • Affordability: 4
  • Space: 3

Crown Heights is located right in the center of Brooklyn. There are excellent restaurants and bars in this area and it is very close to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. If you are interested in art, the Brooklyn Museum is close by, holding nearly one and a half million pieces of art. If you love sports, you are within walking distance of the Barclays Center for Nets and Islander games. Crown Heights is definitely a neighborhood worth checking out if you are in your 20s and want to reside in an up and coming area, which is one of the most popular reasons to move to New York.

Dumbo

  • Location: 4
  • Affordability: 2
  • Space: 3

Dumbo stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. It is one of the most popular hot spots in Brooklyn. Dumbo is situated right under the Manhattan Bridge and its residents have easy access to Manhattan. Dumbo has many great pizza restaurants and is generally populated with a young crowd. Rent can be high living here, so depending on your budget, it may or may not be the best place for you.

Queens

Queens is next door to Brooklyn, with Long Island to the west and Nassau County to the east. Two major NYC airports are located in Queens – JFK International and LaGuardia. The borough of Queens is also home to the New York Mets baseball team.

Astoria

  • Location: 3
  • Affordability: 3
  • Space:3

Astoria is a large and diverse neighborhood in Queens. It originally was an Italian neighborhood, but later on became a place for Greek immigrants to settle. If you take the subway, Astoria is a quick 15 minute trip to get to Midtown Manhattan. It is pretty affordable to live here in this awesome town, with lots of international culture and dining. 

Flushing

  • Location: 4
  • Affordability: 4
  • Space: 3

Flushing is a neighborhood in the north central portion of Queens. Flushing is incredibly historical and is the heart of the Chinese community in NYC. Downtown Flushing is well known for its restaurants, bakeries, Asian specialty stores and easy access to transportation. Flushing has many spacious apartments and condos available at an affordable price.

Final Thoughts

Depending on your budget, where you want to live, and how much space you are looking for, one of these towns might be the right fit for you. New York City, the city that never sleeps, is one of the top 10 cities in America with the fastest growing salaries – making it an incredible reason why to move to New York.

If you plan on moving to NYC, the best moving app can help you identify the most affordable and qualified movers in your area. If you need help with moving, shipping your vehicle, or storage, Agoyu can take the weight off your shoulders so you can make your move an easy one.

Moving to Texas From Florida: Cost, Lifestyle, and Expectations

So, you’re thinking about moving to Texas from Florida? Join the crowd because more than 500,000 people relocated to Texas in 2019 and the trend continues to move in that direction. People have been moving to Texas for years and that’s why Texas is growing at a rate of 16.4%. The only state with more people moving there is Utah. 

If you’re serious about moving to Texas from Florida, there are a few things you’ll want to know. By the end of this guide, you should feel confident about your choice and know whether or not the Lonestar state is the place for you. 

Cost of Moving to Texas from Florida

The cost of moving to Texas from Florida will vary dramatically based on how many things you have, how many people you’re moving, and exactly where you’re going. For example, to move yourself and a studio apartment with a cheap U-haul, you might be able to do it for a little more than $1,000. 

But, on the other side of the coin, moving a four bedroom house and a family of six can cost you upwards of $8,000 or more. Not to mention the cost of lodging, tolls, parking, and food along the way. 

To provide a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay; the average family of four will pay between $2,000-4,000 to move from Florida to Texas. This includes the cost of a professional moving company as well. All you’ll have to do is pack up your belongings yourself. 

Some of the best moving apps like Agoyu can help you get accurate and up-to-date quotes on exactly how much it will cost to move. 

texas

Why are People Moving from Florida to Texas? 

We think the biggest question is, “why are so many people moving to Texas”? While we do agree that everything is bigger in Texas, bigger isn’t always better. Here are some of the biggest things drawing residents out of Florida and into Texas. 

Jobs 

Whether we’re talking about the oil and gas industry, customer service jobs, manufacturing, or technology, jobs are booming in Texas. In fact, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas forecasts a 5.6% increase in jobs in 2021. This is an additional 695,000 jobs added for the Lonestar state. 

Best of all, it’s not just job growth and volume, it’s pay as well. These very jobs pay more in Texas. The average wage in Dallas is $67,500 with a state salary averaging about $38,000. The average per capita income in Florida is around $31,000. So, people are leaving Florida for better job opportunities and higher wages. 

Lower Cost of Living 

We’ll get into this in further detail later on in the article so we don’t want to spend too much time on it but Texas is more affordable. In Houston, the median home price to annual household income ratio is 2.9. In Miami, it’s 8.7. That statistic makes Miami the fifth least affordable city to live in the country. 

When we think of expensive places to live our minds immediately push us to California and New York but the high demand in Florida over the past decade is really pushing primarily South Florida into that equation as well. 

Housing Market 

We all know that the housing market in Texas is really what draws people there. Land is cheap and there is a lot of it. Many of the people that move to Texas do so to find a large piece of land that they can get for an affordable price to build a beautiful home on. The process of land acquisition is much simpler as well with loose regulations, less fees, and easier to acquire permits. Since Texas has fewer regulations, it makes it much easier to build a home.

Family Friendly

Now, this is not to say that Florida isn’t family friendly because we’re sure that there are just as many family friendly places to live there as in Texas but education is what separated Texas from much of the competition for many years. The Lonestar state scored high on national tests in Math, Science, and Reading for decades but unfortunately has seen a dip in standardized test scores over the past few years. Still, Texas is home to some great universities and also has a relatively low crime rate making it a solid destination for families. 

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Cost of Living in Florida vs Texas

Florida offers some of the best living costs in the country but Texas is still the winner with a cost of living index that is actually lower than the nation average. The median listing price of a house in Texas is also $274,500 compared to $300,00 in Florida. Not to mention the fact that Texas has a super hot rental market in new trending cities like Austin and Fort Worth. These have become major destinations from young professionals looking for a place with great incomes, plenty of jobs, affordable housing, and a forward-thinking vibe. 

If we take a look at average gas prices, we’ll also find that Texas has a bit of an advantage there as well. With gas prices at the time of writing around $2.82 versus $3.11, that gives Texas an approximate $.30 advantage. 

The overall theme is that Texas is one of the most affordable states to live in across the country. Florida falls closely behind and is still much more affordable than other popular states such as California or New York. 

Texas vs Florida Weather 

When comparing Florida vs Texas living, both states have great weather. They don’t call Florida the sunshine state for no reason and with an average of 237 days of sunlight per year, it’s great for those looking to take in plenty of vitamin C. Coming in a very close second in Texas with 234 days of sunshine per year

But, there is one major caveat here. When it rains in Florida, it rains, and it does so more often. According to the same data, Florida experiences around 115.4 days of rain per year compared to Texas getting only 77.6. While it might not be good for the crops it’s good for those who prefer dry weather. 

moving to dallas texas

Popular Cities in Texas

As we said, Texas has become a popular destination for younger people looking for an affordable place to live that still maintains many of the “old school” values Texas is known for. Here are some of the top cities people are moving to in Texas. 

Austin – This city is known for a bustling entertainment scene and plenty of neighboring suburbs within close proximity of the city. You can live just outside the city, experience lower home/rent prices, while still enjoying everything the big city has to offer. Austin has become a popular destination for young professionals. 

Dallas – Dallas is a great spot for those who are really focused on the economy and jobs. The job market is booming here, the salaries are nice, and it has a reasonable cost of living for such a large city. You’ll have a nice blend of suburban and urban life here with Dallas maintaining much of that small-town vibe within the confines of a concrete jungle. 

Houston – If Dallas is just a bit too much, try Houston. There’s a strong job market here too, affordable living, and a median salary that is much higher than the national average. Houston offers everything the big city offers with a bit of a slower “southern” pace. 

Corpus Christi – Another popular destination for young professionals is Corpus Christi. The energy business is big here and manufacturing has also put this Texas town in the limelight. There are tons of opportunities for those who want to experience a reasonable cost of living and a suburban lifestyle without having to go more than 20 minutes from the big city.

Moving from Texas to Florida: Should You Move? 

You’ve read the data, you know the facts, and now it’s time to make a decision. Is moving to Texas from Florida the right decision for you and your family? Uprooting a family is never an easy decision but rest assured knowing that Texas is a great place for both families and individuals. Whether you’re a family of four trying to find a better life or a bachelor moving for better job opportunities, Texas has plenty to offer. 

If you’re ready to make the jump, getting packed up and moved out is a big step. Agoyu will help you find the lowest price on moving companies with the highest ratings in your area. Click here to receive moving quotes online.