STARTING OVER: HOW TO USE MOVING AS AN EXCUSE TO RE-DECORATE!
So, it’s been a while since we’ve had a new blog – well, we’re back and we want to say thanks for your patience! First off, happy summer to everyone – as you can imagine, lots of people are getting ready to go back to school, and with the month of September approaching, plenty of changes are in store, including big moves from home to dorm-life on campus for some, and relocating to that apartment of your dreams for others. Whatever your situation, at USA Express Moving, we’re here to make your move – whether it’s local in the Phoenix Arizona area or across-country – to be as stress-free as possible, and hope our blog provides you with the useful information you’re looking for when considering any move, big or small. We’ve gotten a lot of great responses from our subscribers so far, and want to thank you for reading – we welcome your feedback and comments!
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Like many people, I enjoy decorating – in fact, if I were to go back to school to get a 2 degree, I’d probably study interior design! I’ve been out of college for quite a few years, and as time has passed, I’ve moved many times throughout New York, from Victorian homes upstate to 2-bedroom apartments in Arizona. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve discovered my own personal preference in home décor and have amassed a collection of sentimental pieces and other decorative items that express my individual style and personality.
However, whenever apartment moving became a reality and I had to start researching the best long distance movers, I’d worry about my furniture and how it would work in my new place: would everything fit through the doorways and stair cases? How would I arrange my floor plan in the oddly-shaped bedroom? Would I have to get rid of stuff? Should I consider long distance moving companies for the bulkier items, or could I rely upon the best local movers in Phoenix Arizona? These are just a few of the things that might pass through your mind when thinking about your next move, whether you’re in Arizona in need of a Phoenix moving company or making a long distance move across country. With that said, I’d like to pass on some helpful tips today to make your next relocation less harrowing and instead, an exciting decorating opportunity to look forward to!
PERSONALIZE YOUR SPACE
Chances are, you may have been faced with (or are about to take on) the challenge of decorating your new apartment or house, but feel a bit overwhelmed – perhaps looking at that big, empty living room makes your head spin. Faced with an endless list of possibilities and options doesn’t have to be scary – instead, it can give you an opportunity to personalize your space and make your new home your sanctuary. Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your décor:
- Create a floor plan: Believe it or not, as soon as I decided upon my new apartment, I was already envisioning where my furniture was going to go. Searching for an area rug even before I had shopped around for long distance furniture movers, I was completely excited about getting a place of my own, and actually drew pictures of each room, imagining where I’d fit the TV, the sofa, the loveseats and so on.
Tip: While creating sketches of your new pad is a good start, it’s also important to take measurements of your existing furniture, as well as the doorways, stairwells and the rooms in your potential apartment or home – you don’t want to decide upon a rental only to find out from your favorite long distance moving company or local movers in Phoenix that your bedroom set isn’t going to fit.
- Add color: Do you want to add color to the walls or leave them white? Painting your walls is a simple yet effective way to transform any room, especially if you choose to use bold colors, faux finishes or wall coverings. Wall paper has made a big come-back in the last decade, so for the adventurous, wall covering treatments might be a great option to customize a bedroom or bathroom. However, white is also a good choice (especially if you’re renting), as it lends a “blank canvas” feel to any space, instantly making the room seem larger and adding a clean, fresh look that allows you to decorate with any color scheme while making accent hues pop.
Tip: When choosing paint, be sure to consider finishes – besides little ones who decide they’re going to play Picasso on your dining room wall, even grown-up fingerprints can smudge an otherwise pristine paint-job. For example, semi-gloss paint is easier to wipe clean in high-traffic areas, while flat/matte-finished paints are better off in occasional rooms or walls that won’t have as much direct hand contact (i.e., above chair-rails, tiles, or in the bedroom). Ask your local hardware or home renovation clerk for more information about the pros & cons of various finishes when choosing your paint.
- Decide upon your style: Even though you may have furniture from your last place, you may decide upon an updated look for your new place. Whether you’re into contemporary, traditional, modern or shabby-chic, determining what type of atmosphere you want in your home or apartment is one of the key elements to decorating. Do you want your place to feel cozy and lived-in? Are you looking to simplify things and keep only what you need? Will you be sharing your space with a spouse or roommate, and if so, do you want to blend looks so that you create a cohesive style throughout your space? Whatever the case may be, it’s helpful to create a checklist of what you want to incorporate into your new space. Before looking for the best movers in Phoenix AZ or reliable long distance moving companies ,do your homework and get organized – less clutter equals less stress. There’s no sense in doing any long distance moving dragging bulky furniture to your new home, or bringing along other unwieldy personal items if they are obsolete.
Tip: Check out sites like About.com for budget-friendly decorating tips, or consult interior-decorating magazines for inspiration when designing your new digs. Also, if you’re trying to keep the cost of decorating down to a minimum, visit your local thrift shops or bargain/dollar-stores to cut expenses – you can save a substantial amount on items such as vinyl shower curtains, blinds, throw pillows, area rugs and bedspreads at your local discount shops. Additionally, your neighborhood Salvation Army is a great resource for knick-knacks such as candle holders, vases, tablecloths and even gently-used furniture, giving your place a personal touch without blowing your budget.
As you can see, decorating your place can be a process, but with the right attitude, shopping-savvy and creative inspiration, you can make a house a home in no time! Once you’re ready to make your next move, USA Express Moving is here to help, giving you more time (and peace of mind) to set up your new space! Whether you’re looking for the best Phoenix movers in the local Arizona region or require the professional assistance of long distance moving services, USA Express Moving is here to take the stress out of your next move, big or small!