Are your friends ready to make a move? Why not invite them to consider one of Oakwood's beautiful communities in Central Ohio? For a complete list of our properties, click here. Because moving can sometimes be a little stressful, we have put together 9 tips to make your moving process as hassle-free as can be. Check them out!

And if you'd rather leave the heavy lifting to the pros, Bell Moving & Storage is a reliable moving company in Columbus that's been helping residents with ease for decades.
 

1. Declutter/Donate

The first step to making a move easier is getting rid of as much clutter as possible. The less you have, the quicker it is to pack and unpack! Ask yourself which of your belongings you REALLY need and don’t be afraid to throw out/donate as many things as you can. For more tips on decluttering and living minimally, check out our previous article here.

2. Find some free boxes

Moving often comes with a LOT of unexpected costs, some of which are very unnecessary! One of these is purchasing boxes and containers to pack all of your things in. Clothing and grocery stores often have plenty of free boxes you can use at no cost. The Craigslist free section will also surprise you with how many people are giving away moving boxes. In addition, your place of work may also have many boxes to use that would otherwise be going straight to the trash!

3. Eat your remaining food

Instead of packing even MORE boxes full of items, you can reduce this number by trying your best to eat up all of your food. This will definitely make for some interesting meals as you near your moving day, but now’s the time to test your creativity in the culinary department! And once you’re in your new place, you can use the saved money from eating in to eat out while you’re organizing your kitchen!

4. Pack yourself a “moving day bag”

Having a “moving day bag” can be a total lifesaver. Act as if you are going on a weekend trip and pack a bag for it. A change of clothes, toiletries, chargers and some cleaning supplies are all things that could come in handy during this transition period. Just be sure this bag doesn’t get packed up with everything else!

5. Measure your large items

There’s nothing worse than getting to a new place and realizing your existing furnishings or decorations don’t fit in your space…or even worse…through the door itself! Be sure to measure all of your larger items beforehand to ensure that they can be a part of the move. This will save you from a lot of wasted time and potential arguments.

6. Color code

A common challenge while moving is keeping all of your stuff organized. It can be incredibly difficult to find things once you get to your new apartment. One way to help with this is utilizing a color-coding system that'll let you glance at each box and immediately know which room the contents belong in. You can take these boxes directly to each room without having the extra step of opening them and moving them twice.

7. Cut handles on boxes

It can be hard to pick up a box from the bottom, especially if it's heavy. Do your back a favor–add handles to any box by using a box cutter to carve a triangle with the flat side on top and the point facing down. No trips to the chiropractor after this move!

8. Pack clothes on the hangers

Use your existing clothing storage to your advantage. Rather than removing your clothes from hangers and folding them, only to hang them back up at the new apartment, keep them on the hangers. Simply zip-tie the hangers together and cover them with a trash bag or plastic wrap. Voila–less time spent on your tedious move!

9. Take photos of wired electronics

We’ve all done it–taken something apart and forgot how to put it back together. In particular, electronics such as TVs, have a lot of wires that can be hard to remember what to do with. If you plan on removing the wires to transport them, be sure to take a photo so you know how to put them back together. You’ll thank us later!

The post 9 Tips to Make Moving as Easy as Possible appeared first on Oakwood Management Blog.

Thinking about making a move? Columbus, OH could be the right fit for you! With an affordable cost of living, endless unique activities, amazing food, and a booming job market, Columbus has it all. Ready to pack your bags? Take a look at our top 9 reasons you should move to Columbus:

1. Food
As Ohio’s biggest city and the foodie hub of the area, you can find just about anything you want in Columbus. North Market will keep your eyes and mouth happy with a huge variety of food shopping. Vegetarians and vegans will be surprised and pleased with the abundant options like vegan chili dogs. One of the best places to go for a diversity of food offerings is in the Short North. With casual brunch, fine dining, hearty comfort food, or relaxed, organic options, you won’t go hungry in Columbus whether you stay downtown or venture out to the suburbs.

2. Arts & Music
Columbus remains one of the artsiest cities in the Midwest with its Museum of Art, which features late nineteenth and early twentieth-century American and European modern works of art, and its vast array of smaller art galleries as well. The city is also home to The Ohio Theater. Opened in 1928, this beautiful, Spanish Baroque-style theater hosts the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, BalletMet, the Broadway Series, and other performances and events.

3. Diversity
Columbus is one of the most diverse Midwestern cities. 82% of new residents are foreign-born, and the city has the second-largest Somali population in the U.S. There are also thriving Japanese, Korean, and Indian populations. Columbus has also been rated one of the most underrated gay cities in America. With a large LGBTQ population of about 35,000, it’s very welcoming and ranks as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities.

4. Cost of Living
Columbus has a relatively low cost of living compared to similarly-sized cities such as San Francisco, Austin, or St. Louis. According to the cost of living index at Area Vibes, Columbus, is a solid 11% less expensive than the national average. If you’re coming from another big city, you will definitely notice the prices for common things are a bit lower and that your paycheck is going a lot further!

5. Job Opportunities
The city’s diversified economy allows Columbus to remain a strong employment performer in the Midwest. It is among the top 100 metro areas in the nation, making moving to Columbus a safe and smart option for workers. Along with The Ohio State University and state-related jobs, the city is full of industries in all sectors that attract people from around the country and the world. In recent tech-industry news, Intel has selected Columbus to be home to its new factory that will add over 3,000 jobs to the area. With such professional diversity, anyone looking to move to Columbus will have no issues finding employment within a reasonable time frame.

And if you’re relocating, working with a local moving company like Krupp Moving & Storage can help make the move a bit smoother.

6. Dog-Friendly
Columbus loves dogs! You will find furry friends roaming all throughout the city streets and parks. The city is also home to many dog-friendly patios and local businesses like Jeni’s Ice Cream that offer special treats for your fur babies. All Oakwood communities are pet-friendly (although breed and weight restrictions may vary), so be sure to consider one of our communities if you are bringing your furry friend with you! And for more unique local luxury pet perks in Columbus, check out our previous article here!

7. Close to Nature
Columbus offers a wealth of ways to connect with nature. The Metro Parks system features 19 outstanding natural area parks with more than 230 miles of trails and over 28,400 acres of land in seven Central Ohio counties. Even in the urbanized areas like Downtown you can find shade or bike along the Scioto River at The Scioto Mile, or catch a concert on the green at the Columbus Commons. For the best parks to explore in the Columbus area, take a look at our previous article here!

8. Unique Things to Do
Restaurants, breweries, festivals…these are all things you can find in every city. However, Columbus is also home to some unusual experiences that you can’t find anywhere else! From the world’s largest indoor ropes course to a large-scale art and mixed reality playground, there is a never-ending supply of places to explore. Check out this article for a list of more unique things to do in Columbus!

9. Great Selection of Apartments
Whether you’re looking to live in the hustle and bustle of downtown at River & Rich, Highpoint on Columbus Commons, or Residences at Topiary Park, or you’re looking for the more relaxed, suburban environments of Albany Glen, Asherton of Dublin, or Beulah Place, this city has something for everyone! Development in Columbus is booming right now, so you will be more than certain to find a home that checks everything off your list! Be sure to check out our complete portfolio of beautiful properties located all throughout Columbus if you are considering making the move to Central Ohio. We hope to see you soon!

The post Top 9 Reasons You Should Move to Columbus, OH appeared first on Oakwood Management Blog.