Here are a few simple organization and packing tips to help you thoroughly prepare for your upcoming move without sacrificing your sanity.

Start With the Basics: Gather Your Packing Supplies

First and foremost, before you start emptying any dresser drawers or closets, gather all the necessary packing supplies you will need. There are several websites that can help you estimate the number of boxes, rolls of packing tape, and feet of bubble wrap you will need to pack up your home completely.

As a general rule, here are the packing and moving supplies you will need to pack up your home successfully:

• Cardboard boxes, including smaller boxes, large boxes, and wardrobe boxes
• Packing tape and tape dispenser
• Packing paper
• Plastic wrap
• Bubble wrap
• Universal tool set for disassembling furniture
• Plastic baggies
• Heavy-duty trash bags
• Markers and labels

Additionally, there are several supplies that will prove invaluable when the moving truck arrives, including a furniture dolly, furniture blankets, and cargo straps.

Find Cheap or Free Packing Boxes

At some point during the packing process, you will stand back and all yourself, “Where can I find all those boxes I will need to pack up all this stuff?” Luckily, you don’t need to spend a small fortune on boxes – both large and small.

Your local grocery store or home improvement store is a great place to score large boxes. Inspect the boxes to ensure there is no damage or severe staining. Small boxes can often be inexpensively purchased at big box stores, as well. In many cases, the grocery store will let you take as many boxes as you like.

Check your local Craigslist or ask friends and family if they have cardboard boxes they are willing to give away. You can often get free boxes at your local recycling center.

Save on All Your Packing and Moving Supplies

The cost of moving and packing supplies can add up very quickly. If your budget is strained, purchasing bulk packing materials is a great option. Instead of shopping at a big-name home improvement store, you might be surprised to see several packing essentials, including tape and bubble wrap, are sold at your local dollar store.

Rent Plastic Moving Bins

It’s a little-known secret that several moving companies will rent plastic moving bins for moving. There are even companies that specialize in renting plastic containers and boxes. Do your homework to determine if there is a plastic bin or box rental company in your area. Rates will also differ depending on the time you rent the boxes and the size of the bins and boxes.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time to Pack

As a general rule, you need to give yourself at least six to eight weeks to pack. Depending on your schedule and the size of your home, you may require even longer. The last thing you truly want to do is scramble to fill boxes at the last minute.

Declutter, Declutter, and Declutter Even More

No one wants to pack boxes for several hours a day, which is why one of the simplest and most effective moving hacks is to declutter your home before you even pack a single box. The simplest way to eliminate clutter and save space in your moving truck is to separate all your belongings into three distinct categories:

Keep

As a simple rule, only keep items that will serve you in your new home. If you have not touched, used, operated, or even remembered that an item was in your home for the last six to 12 months, you do not need to put that piece of clothing, jewelry, or gadget into a moving box.

Sell/Donate

Any items that are not stained, damaged, or broken should either be sold or donated to a local charity, such as Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Don’t forget to ask an associate for a donation receipt for tax purposes.

Toss Out or Recycle

If anything is damaged, ripped, torn, stained, or simply does not work, the item should either be thrown away or recycled. You can take unwanted and broken electronics to a local recycling center. Check with your city or municipality about how to properly dispose of old paint, car batteries, appliances, or any other bulk items that cannot be thrown into your garage can.

Host a Well Planned Yard Sale to Get Rid of Unwanted Items And Make a Little Extra Cash!

You have a massive pile of stuff that you want to sell but simply don’t want to spend all your free time listing the items on eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Hosting a garage sale is the quickest and most inexpensive way to make some extra cash for your moving costs while getting rid of unwanted stuff.

Here are a few simple and straightforward tips to help you plan a successful yard sale:

Price Your Stuff to Sell Fast

A great way to determine how to price your stuff, from your old coffee maker to baby clothes and jewelry, is to visit other local yard sales. Use these prices as a guide to help you price your belongings. Don’t be afraid to haggle with your neighbors to get rid of your stuff too!

Ask Your Neighbors to Host a Neighborhood Sale

Hosting a neighborhood sale is a great way to connect with your neighbors before you move. More people will visit your sale if several sales are clumped in one area.

Advertise Your Sale

Get creative when advertising your sale. In addition to posting ads in the local paper, on Facebook, and on Craigslist, get your kids involved in creating fun and colorful signs. Post these signs throughout the neighborhood strategically, such as near main roads.

Create a Packing Checklist

Packing in an organized manner is the easiest way to avoid chaos and ensure that the packing process is completed as quickly as possible. Every homeowner is different, so creating a packing checklist that works for you is essential.

For example, you might prefer starting with the attic and working your way down to the basement. Another homeowner might instead pack each room individually. Whatever the case, create a simple checklist to help you stay organized while packing clothes, stuffed animals, and other fragile items.

Several websites offer free, printable packing checklists that will help you stay on task. You can create your own unique packing checklist and give one to each household member. Whatever method you choose, one of the best packing tips is to ensure everyone sticks to the index and knows their role in the packing process.

Set a Timer to Pack For a Short Period Each Day

Let’s face it: Packing can be very dull. There will be several times when you will need to motivate, bribe, or even force your kids and spouse or partner to pack moving boxes. A great way to make packing less of a chore is to set a timer and try to fill as many boxes as possible before time runs out.

For example, set a timer for 20 to 30 minutes each day. Make sure that you are rested and not trying to pack after performing a lot of chores, grocery shopping, or any other time when your family members will not be as motivated to pack boxes. If your family is able to stick to your packing schedule, reward everyone with a special treat!

Put your Linens, Towels, and Toilet Paper Good Use

Instead of spending a small fortune on bubble wrap or packing paper, repurpose your bath towels, dish towels, sheets, or even toilet paper and toilet paper rolls to protect fragile items. For example, you can wrap fragile items or pack glasses in dish towels. Fold your hand towels or bath towels and shove them into the empty space in boxes to prevent damage during the moving process.

Wrap sharp objects with toilet paper or paper towels to prevent the edges from breaking through the cardboard boxes. You can even wrap some more oversized items, such as electronics or even a piece of artwork, in your shower curtain!

Another of the best packing tips out there is to place a single paper plate between each of your breakable dinner plates. Paper plates are an inexpensive way to add a little cushion between the plates to prevent them from breaking while in transport.

Organize a Packing Party

One of the simplest and best packing tips for moving also happens to be a fun way for you and your kids to say goodbye to friends, neighbors, and family: organize a packing party! Grab some moving boxes, craft a charcuterie board, pack a cooler with soda, and ask your loved ones to pack up your home.

Allowing your kids to spend some time with their friends will also hopefully help make the moving process a bit easier too!

The Art of Packing Moving Boxes

You might be very surprised to learn that there is actually a right and wrong way to pack a moving box. Packing the right way will help ensure that the boxes are not overweight, are proportioned, and you can maximize every square inch in each moving box. Here are a few ways you can properly pack each and every moving box:

Roll Your Clothing

Rolling clothing instead of folding is a great way to maximize every square inch inside each moving box. Securing the end of the clothing with a piece of tape and stacking the clothing are two great ways to prevent the pants, shirts, or hoodies from unrolling inside the box.

Pack Larger Items at the Bottom of the Box

An easy way to ensure you don’t overload boxes and to fit as many items as possible into each box is to place bigger items at the bottom. Stack smaller objects on top and seal the package. If there is any space inside the corners of the box, pack the empty area with balled-up packing paper or paper toweling.

This will ensure the weight is evenly distributed inside the box and that they are easier to carry and put on the moving truck.

Wrap Each Item Individually

To prevent damaging anything inside the box, and to ensure every inch inside the box is stuffed to distribute the weight evenly, always wrap each item individually with bubble wrap, newspaper, or packing paper.

Never Skimp on the Tape

Secure each seam on the box with at least two to three pieces of heavy-duty packing tape. If you are going to splurge on any item, purchase the best quality packing tape you can find. This will ensure that even if you accidentally drop the moving box, the contents inside will be as protected and safe as possible.

Utilize a Color Coded System For Each Room of Your Home

One of the biggest challenges of moving is staying organized. Luckily, there is a very simple way to ensure that all your boxes remain organized and that each and every box, tote, and plastic bag winds up in the correct room in your new house: a color-coded system.

For example, only use red tape and a red permanent marker for your kitchen boxes. Blue can be the color you assign to your master bedroom and bathroom. Your daughter’s room could be marked with pink and your son’s with green.

Another cool technique you can utilize is to take pictures of everything in each box. Print out the photos and attach them to the corresponding box or bin. This is a fun extra way to ensure you don’t accidentally put the box in the wrong room in your new home or apartment.

Create a Box of Must Have Items For Your New House or Apartment

In the chaos of moving, planning for that first day and night in your new apartment or house is essential. You want to ensure that you, your partner, and your kids are comfortable and have everything you need without digging through moving boxes. Save time and create a separate box or laundry basket filled with “must-haves” for the entire family, including:

• Blankets
• Snacks
• Toiletries
• Paper towel and toilet paper
• Medications
• Movies and books
• A pillow and blanket for each member of the family
• A coffee pot and coffee!

Do not put this box or bin in the moving truck; instead, bring it with you in your car.

Rent a Temporary Storage Unit

As the final days of packing approach, it is easy to become overwhelmed by all the boxes stacked up in your bedroom, living areas, and hallways. Instead of tripping over boxes, rent storage space to temporarily house your boxes, furniture, electronics, or other bulk items.

At Hercules Movers & Packers, we are your one-stop shop for all your moving and storage unit needs. In addition to providing you with expert commercial, local, and long-distance moving services, we can also help you find the ideal storage unit for your bulky furniture and heavy boxes.

Invest in Vacuum Seal Bags

The best way to save boxes is to invest in vacuum seal bags. These bags are the ideal way to pack and store your kid’s stuffed animals, blankets, quilts, throw pillows, bulky sweaters, coats and jackets, and other bulky items that take up unnecessary space in large boxes.

All you will need is the vacuum seal bags and a vacuum with a hose. Fill the bags as full as possible and attach the hose to the bag’s nozzle and suck out all the excess air. You will be glad you took this extra step when you are not trying to fit bulky blankets, throw pillows, and teddy bears into massive boxes!

10 More Quick and Simple Packing Hacks and Moving Tips

Ready to save money and time on packing up all your stuff? Here are nine simple and helpful tips to help you pack like a pro:

Pack Your Hanging Clothes in Garbage Bags

Instead of taking all your hanging clothes off the hangers and placing them into boxes, save time by storing your dresses, coats, and other hanging items in a trash bag. Cut a hole at the end of the trash bag and slip it over the hangers. You can now put these items in a wardrobe box or right into the moving truck.

Pack Jewelry and Other Light Items in Egg Cartons

Have a few empty egg cartons lying around? Place jewelry, small breakables, and other items that require some extra protection in unwanted egg cartons. Prevent the breakables from becoming damaged and the jewelry from tangling by filling the empty spaces with packing paper or paper towel.

Prevent Back and Knee Injuries With Furniture Straps

One of the best of the best moving tips is also a great way to prevent injury: Invest in furniture straps. Otherwise known as moving straps or furniture-lifting straps, these straps are slipped under heavy pieces of furniture or appliances and used to distribute the item’s weight during moving.

Purchase Multiple Sealable Plastic Bags

If you are disassembling any furniture, purchasing several sealable plastic bags is the best way to prevent any small pieces, bits, and screws from becoming lost. Put the screws and instructions into the bags and label them. This will make the process of reassembling furniture and other electronics much easier when you unpack and organize your new property.

Packed Boxes Should Never Weigh More Than 40 to 50 Pounds

As a rule and a simple way to prevent injury, never allow your boxes to weigh more than 40 to 50 pounds. If you aren’t sure, the easiest way to avoid overfilling boxes and making them difficult to lift is to pull out a bathroom scale and weigh the boxes as you go.

Purge and Pack While Your Kids Are at School

Moving can be a massive change for your kids, and for many, it can be tricky for them to part with their stuff. As a parent, the easiest way to prevent a meltdown and to ensure you don’t bring all your kids’ unwanted and broken toys to their new bedroom is to purge and pack with your kids are at school.

Secure Packed Dresser Drawers With Plastic Wrap

Want to know a neat packing trick that will save you a massive amount of time and hassle? Instead of emptying out all the dresser drawers throughout your home, keep the items inside and secure everything with plastic wrap. If you have a smaller dresser or nightstand, you can also wrap the drawers shut, protecting everything inside and saving you a lot of money on moving boxes.

Whenever possible, Pack Items In Their Original Box

Imagine this scenario: You have arrived at your new house and are desperate for a cup of coffee. Your kids are screaming for bacon and pancakes, and you don’t have time to dig through all your boxes generically marked “kitchen.” A great way to save time digging through seemingly endless boxes is to store anything you can, from televisions to small appliances, in their original boxes.

Keep the Doors Propped Open on Moving Day

This might seem like common sense, but it is critical that when moving day arrives, and you are carrying heavy boxes to the front lawn, the last thing you want is to have the doors shut and locked behind you! Make sure that the doors are open and unlocked throughout the entire process to help avoid an unnecessary disaster.

Research Moving Companies Near You

The most important way for you to prevent unnecessary packing and moving chaos is to choose the right local moving company that understands your family’s unique needs. Here are a few quick and simple tips to help you find the best moving provider for you:

Ask Your Loved Ones for Recommendations on Local and Long-Distance Moving Companies

Your friends and family are the best sources of information about almost any subject- including finding the right moving provider. Go ahead and ask them about their experiences. Did the cross-country movers arrive on time? Was the moving team professional? How much did they pay for the movers? What services did the movers offer? Gathering the most information possible will help you make a more informed decision about your candidates.

Check The Better Business Bureau Website

In addition to scouring popular rating websites, the best source of information on moving companies is the Better Business Bureau, or BBB, website. The BBB is an independent organization that provides grades for businesses and services. In addition to a grade, the website also features complaints and reviews of providers – and if the company took any steps to satisfy the customers.

Ask the Right Questions

Gather at least three to four moving quotes, and while you are talking with a representative from the company, ask the right questions, including:

• How many years have you been in business?
• What type of insurance do you carry?
• Do you transport specialty items, including bulky furniture, pianos, or pool tables?
• Do you have a cancellation policy?
• How can I save money on my moving costs?

A reputable long-distance moving company will not only be glad to provide you with a free, no-obligation quote on all your moving costs but will also be transparent about their policies and rates.

Hire the Professionals at Hercules Movers & Packers to Pack For You!

Ready to start the moving process? Contact the fantastic team at Hercules Movers & Packers. We are a full-service moving company that can help you tackle the most challenging part of moving: packing! Our team offers comprehensive packing services and will provide all the packing materials, from boxes and bubble wrap to packing tape and furniture dollies.

Hercules Movers & Packers also offers custom crates services, which are ideal if you are moving bulky, fragile items that can quickly become damaged, including:

• Artwork
• Glass tabletops
• Mirrors
• Large television
• Pinball and arcade games
• Antiques
• Pool tables
• Piano

In addition to packing all your boxes, our team will arrive at your new apartment or house and unpack the boxes for you!

An Amazing Moving Company With Years of Experience

With several years of experience serving our amazing customers throughout the Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio area, we offer comprehensive long-distance, local, and commercial moving services. Our goal is to create 100% customer satisfaction – and we will always work tirelessly to completely ensure that your moving experience is as simple and stress-free as possible.

Reviews for Hercules Movers & Packers

A Great Team That Helped Me Move from Texas to California

“I was planning an interstate move from Galveston, TX, to San Diego, CA. I had a massive, five-bedroom house and was downsizing to a two-bedroom apartment. The team at Hercules understood my concerns and helped me through the entire process, from packing to moving and unpacking. They are a great team and the most affordable movers in Texas.” – Jenny T

I Didn’t Have Time to Pack, So I Contacted Hercules Movers & Packers

“Between work, school, and the kids, I had no extra time to pack. A neighbor recommended Hercules Movers & Packers, and I am so glad I listened. The packing team came to my home and helped me pack up all my stuff in one week. The process was inexpensive, straightforward, and took a lot of stress off my plate. Thanks, Hercules team!” – Rachel D

The Best Commercial Movers in the Houston Area

“I needed a full-service moving company that could handle all the details of my commercial relocation. I got several quotes from moving companies, but Hercules was by far the best. The crew was very professional, and I was able to move my office space in a few days. If you want to save a whole lot of time and money, contact Hercules Movers & Packers.” – Maria D

If You Need Junk Removal Services, Contact Hercules

“Before I could even start packing, I needed to hire professional junk removal services. I wanted a company that could help me haul away my junk and offer packing services, self-storage, and inexpensively move me from Houston to Dallas. Hercules Movers & Packers offered all those services and so much more!” – June C

A Great Moving Company

“I have had several terrible experiences with moving companies in the past. I had movers who took my money and never showed up. Another moving company broke my brand new television. A friend recommended Hercules Movers. The team arrived on time and ready to work. They took extra care with all my breakables and were friendly and professional through every step of the process.” – Helena K

The post Creative Packing Hacks: How to Fit Your Life into Boxes (and Save Your Sanity) appeared first on Hercules.

The easiest way to ensure that the job of unpacking and organizing your new home is to ensure your current house is packed correctly. Start by gathering the necessary supplies, including:

• Boxes
• Storage containers
• Packing tape
• Packing paper
• Bubble wrap
• Furniture straps and blankets

Start by packing everything not essential for everyday life, including holiday decorations, seasonal clothing, knick-knacks, artwork, books, towels, and extra linens. Mark all the boxes clearly and keep a detailed inventory of everything you pack. This will ensure you are not scrambling to figure out what box goes where when you get to the new home.

Decluttering: Follow the Rule of 5

Another essential step of proper packing is decluttering. Let’s face it: Chances are you won’t need to bring everything to your new house. Remember that broken cordless phone sitting in a back closet? Will you need it in your new place?

Start With a Plan

Create a plan to help you tackle the chore and eliminate everything that will not serve a purpose in your new house or apartment. For example, write down a simple chart and keep track of all the days and rooms you are decluttering.

Start small and clean out a single dresser drawer and move on to a cabinet or shelf. Do not move on to the next room until one room is decluttered. Using an efficient plan will help you stay calm and at peace rather than being chaotic and overwhelmed.

Have You Touched, Worn, or Used the Item in the Last Year?

As you skim through your linen closet, dresser drawers, and bathroom vanity, ask yourself a straightforward question: Have I used this item in the last six months to a year? When it comes to makeup, cleaning products, and over-the-counter medications, check the expiration dates.

Toss out, donate, or sell any items that don’t fit your current aesthetic, are damaged, worn out, or will simply not serve you in your new environment.

Create Distinct Piles

If you read any blog post concerning the art of decluttering, interior design gurus will tell you to divide all your stuff into three distinct piles: Keep, sell or donate, and toss out. Never toss items in the corner. Instead, a great way to keep your items organized during decluttering is to keep everything in plastic totes or woven baskets.

Never Second Guess Your Decisions

Now that you have decluttered your living spaces by implementing the three-pile system, it is crucial to remain decisive. Throw away any items that are damaged or broken immediately. If you donate items to your local charity shop, Goodwill, or Salvation Army – take the totes or bags to the donation center immediately.

Putting everything in boxes and taking it out of your sight and out of your home will prevent you from feeling guilty for donating your unwanted picture frames or the set of unattractive dishes your parents gave you as a wedding gift!

Ask Yourself, “Would I Buy This Again in the Future?”

Creating a clutter-free home means asking yourself some tough questions. One of the most crucial and often overlooked of these queries is: Would I repurchase this item? If the quick answer is a resounding “No,” you don’t need to clutter the organized spaces of your new property with unnecessary junk.

In addition to saving you time at your new house, a few days to declutter can save money on your moving expenses!

Purchase Everything You Will Need to Organize Your New House

The best way to create an organized home is to focus on storage solutions. The fun part of home organization is purchasing baskets, totes, shelving, hampers, and other decorative ways to keep your stuff off the floor.

Search Pinterest boards, ask friends and family for tips, and walk through home improvement stores to determine how you can implement some of these storage solutions in your own home.

For example, one simple solution to keep your kitchen pantry organized is to divide all your food into different categories. Store these groups of foods in plastic totes or bins. If you aren’t moving into a home with a mud room, add a few hooks and a shelving unit to a corner of the house. Use this as a space to store your kids’ backpacks, coats, and shoes.

Create an Essentials Box and Unpack It First

Finally, before the moving trucks arrive, create a box of must-haves that you and your family will need to survive those first few chaotic hours after you arrive at the new apartment or house.

Take extra care when creating this box to ensure you don’t overlook everything your kids will need to develop a sense of calm during the first night in a new house – including a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, and a book to share as a family.

Include these items to ensure the entire family is well taken care of during those first few nights, such as:

• Prescription medications
• Toiletries
• Toilet paper
• Basic cleaning supplies
• Snacks
• A change of clothing for each member of the family

You must not forget the one item you and your partner will need to survive this stressful and harrowing experience: a coffee pot!

Start With Function and End With Decoration

Ask all the professional organizers in your area, and chances are they will inform you to always start with items that serve a purpose. For example, if you bring your appliances, install your refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and washing machine first.

Next, move on to your furniture. Start with the furniture for your bedrooms, and then assemble or put out the furniture for your shared living spaces. Next, find the ideal spot for pieces of furniture that you don’t necessarily need right away, including the kitchen table and chairs and the furniture for your home office.

Only after you have unpacked all the bigger, necessary items can you begin emptying boxes filled with clothing, linens, toys, and other items. Save any decorative items you will hang on the wall or organize on shelves for the last step.

Unpack One Room At a Time

After a good night’s rest, you are ready to start the process of unpacking and organizing your new home. This is the most overwhelming aspect of the moving process for many homeowners. Take a deep breath, grab a cup of coffee, and follow and create an unpacking plan that makes sense.

For example, before you open a single box, move all the boxes to their intended space. Basically, you need to move the boxes marked “bathroom” to the bathroom and the boxed marked “kitchen” to the kitchen!

Kitchen

Start by unpacking the kitchen. Once again, taking the time to inventory all your belongings and label your boxes will make the process of unpacking your stuff much smoother. Chances are your kids will start to complain almost immediately, so unpacking pots, pans, bowls, utensils, and food will allow you to feed your kids while you continue unpacking.

Bedrooms

Once the kitchen is completely unpacked, move on to the bedrooms. Start with your children’s bedrooms. Make it fun by asking your kids to help decide where all of their stuff will go. In addition to helping speed up the process, you can start making unforgettable memories immediately in your child’s new bedroom.

Bathrooms

Next, start unpacking the bathroom and organizing the linen closets. This is the perfect opportunity to maximize the space in your bathrooms and add some storage solutions, if necessary. For example, a simple over-the-toilet shelving unit is an inexpensive place to store towels and toiletries.

Finish With Your Home Office, Utility Spaces, Basement, and Attic

Finally, save the areas where you will spend less time or will act as storage for last. When it comes to your home office, take this opportunity to create systems for all your paperwork, bills, and important documents.

For example, there are certain sensitive documents that you should always keep – including the deed to your home, your social security cards, bills of sale documents, and patent documents. Your bills, such as utility and credit card bills, can be thrown away after a year.

The Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, recommends keeping tax records for three to seven years.

Work With a Professional Organizer

Creating an organized home is an art form, and unfortunately, most people cannot create living spaces that are both functional and beautiful. This is where professional organizers and space planning professionals can become a huge blessing.

If you find yourself creating chaos rather than harmony in your new space, don’t hesitate to contact a professional organizer to guide you through the process of making a beautiful home.

A straightforward way to find a professional organizing specialist in your area is to contact the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals, or the (NAPO). The average cost to work with a professional organizer can range from $400 to over $1200, depending on the overall square footage of your home and the professional.

Get the Whole Family Involved!

Unpacking and organizing while you have rambunctious kids running around can be tricky. One simple way to control the chaos and organize your new home is to involve the whole family, including your children.

For example, turn unpacking their bedroom into a fun game – complete with prizes. Set a timer and give your kids each a box to unpack and organize. If your kids can complete the task in a certain amount of time, they win a trip to the local ice cream shop or a family movie night! You will be amazed at how a little friendly competition and some incentives can motivate your kids to unpack and organize their rooms.

Give your older children more responsibilities in your home. Place your teenagers in charge of unpacking and organizing a guest bathroom, or charge them with creating a beautifully organized pantry.

Ready to Plan Your Next Move? Contact the Professionals at Hercules Movers & Packers!

Are you ready to start packing and want to find the right moving experts who can help you have a positive experience? Look no further than Hercules Movers & Packers. With years of experience serving our amazing customers throughout Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas, Hercules Movers & Packers is a full-service moving team that will guide you through the each step of the whole process – from the initial free quote to moving day and beyond. Contact us today to get started!

Services We Offer

At Hercules Movers & Packers, we offer a variety of services that are sure to meet your needs, including:

Long Distance Moving

Need to move from the Houston, TX, area to any destination in the United States? Whether you are planning a long-distance move from Texas to Vermont or need to pack up your house and relocate to California or Colorado – we can help you manage your long-distance or interstate relocation.

Local Moving Services

Our team of amazing movers can also help you coordinate a local move. Typically, any relocations within 50 to 100 miles from your current location are classified as local moves. We can help you organize your local move and will ensure that the process is as stress-free as possible!

Junk Removal

As you know, decluttering your home and getting rid of all the junk you have been storing for years is a critical step in the moving process. The professionals at Hercules Movers & Packers also offer junk removal services. We can help you eliminate all your unwanted trash – from a broken box spring to an outdated kitchen set or a busted refrigerator.

Commercial Moving Services

Need to move your office space or commercial building? We can help you plan a simple and straightforward commercial moving plan that will not break the bank.

The post From Chaos to Calm: How to Unpack and Organize Your New Home Like a Pro appeared first on Hercules.

Some will make sure their estimates match those of the moving company, but others will leave out details just so they can give you a lower quote, and then you’re left having to pay extra money on moving day. In order to get the job done at a reasonable cost, be sure you are hiring the right company.

There are ways to protect yourself from disreputable firms, including resources provided by the US Department of Transportation. Here’s how:

Why use a broker?

If you can find an honest one, moving brokerage firms can offer some advantages:

Lower pricing

The brokerage will get bids from several companies and can find and negotiate the best deals; just be careful of a “bate and switch!”

Your move is less likely to be canceled

If a truck breaks down or there’s a delay, the brokerage can tap into the capacity of its network and find a moving company near you at the last minute.

More leverage

If something goes wrong, the brokerage can threaten to stop sending jobs to that particular moving company.

Remote area servicing

A moving brokerage has access to a lot of truck capacity, so they can find trucks traveling through less-trafficked regions.

Avoiding moving fraud

All of the above sounds great, right? But what you’ll most likely encounter is a moving scam, especially with interstate moves.

That lower pricing offered is often too low, which means the mover charges increase the day of your move, or the whole moving process gets stopped until you approve a new contract with a new price. Unless you do, your property won’t get unloaded into your new home.

And although your move is less likely to be canceled, many reputable companies don’t want to work through a brokerage, so you can expect a lower-quality mover that will simply cancel your move if something better comes along.

As far are negotiating prices, that sounds great, but if something goes sideways, the mover will blame the brokerage, the brokerage will blame the mover, and no one takes responsibility. This makes it almost impossible to resolve disputes or complaints.

Check the Better Business Bureau

It’s important to do your research. At the Better Business Bureau, you can find information on moving companies and check their complaint history. Also, check with your local business bureau and the department in your state that handles consumer complaints. Some consumers never complain, but you are likely to find reviews from customers on Google and other websites.

Look for a storage association-certified mover

The American Trucking Association (ATA) awards ProMover certification to American moving companies after they pass a thorough background check that includes their operations and work history. These companies agree to operate within honorable business practices, and certification adds another layer of assurance your property will actually arrive.

All certified movers undergo an annual review that ensures that they continue to meet program requirements. You can look up any prospective movers in their database.

Look for red flags

How do you know if you’re dealing with a moving scam? There are many warning signs:

No onsite inspection

Any legitimate brokerage or moving company will perform an onsite inspection to see exactly what belonging you’ll be moving. It’s a huge red flag if they refuse to do an inspection either in person or over a video call. There is no way for them to get an accurate inventory and give you a cost if they never see your property.

They demand a large deposit upfront

A small deposit is okay and normal whenever you have work done, whether it’s a contractor or a moving company. But asking for a large deposit upfront is one of the red flags. Paying a moving deposit is standard with all movers. If you cancel your move, the company will have some compensation. But the deposit should be small and refundable if you give enough notice. If a moving company wants big money, it’s probably a scam.

They demand cash

A legitimate brokerage and the movers they hire will never demand cash. When you pay for something with a credit card or check, there’s a paper trail. Cash leaves none, which makes it more difficult to supply proof when you have a dispute. Protect yourself, and if a mover asks for cash as part of their payment terms, take a hard pass.

Check the FMCSA database

There’s a United States department whose main concern is trucking and safety. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration offers advice on its website for consumers to select movers, but perhaps the most valuable tool is its registered mover database. A brokerage is required to be registered with this United States department, the FMCSA, not just movers. No registration or lapsed registration is one sign of moving scams.

In the database, you can find:

• The headquarters location of the moving company
• Moving company contact information
• The status of their registration
• What type of moving business it is
• Where to file complaints about damaged items, missing items
• Information on safety

Get written estimates

If you decide to use a brokerage, also get a written quote from a few actual movers. It’s a warning sign if you are only offered an estimate over the phone. Any estimate should include an in-person or video inspection of your household belongings and valuable items.

Make sure your moving company has insurance coverage

A mover, by law, is required to offer insurance coverage for your belongings. Make sure they give you insurance information. This insurance coverage usually is in the form of:

• Released value coverage: This is the most basic coverage required by federal law. It should be provided for free. It is based on weight and pays up to 60 cents per pound per item. To protect yourself, you should choose another option. If valuable items or other belongings get lost or damaged, you will spend a lot of your own money to replace them.
• Full value protection: Movers are required to provide this by law, and if they don’t, it’s a sign of moving fraud. This coverage has to be purchased, and it pays for the current market replacement value, replacement with a similar item, or to repair the item. If you decide to purchase full-value protection insurance, get the details of the moving company’s plan so you know how it determines replacement value and so you know what things you might do that can affect the limit of the mover’s liability.
• Other liability insurance: Some offer this for purchase. It’s not required by the FMCSA and is governed by state law. A separate liability insurance policy pays for the insurance amount your purchase minus the basic carrier liability amount – up to 60 cents per pound.

Make sure the moving companies have a local address

The written estimate you get from the brokerage should have the moving company name and address. Make sure it’s a mover with a local address. Call them. Make sure an employee answers the phone in a professional manner.

No address? Possible moving fraud or rogue movers. Shady movers will also make frequent moves to a new location, making them difficult to find. They also undergo frequent name changes, so look for that as well. Also, check that they have a website and all applicable license numbers are listed; otherwise, you might be hiring a rogue mover.

Check your estimates

You always want to make sure to get the best prices, but you also want to protect yourself from that shady mover. Not only check that your estimate reflects what you are actually moving, but you want to get a binding estimate. This means the mover is bound to the estimate and cannot charge more when you take delivery.

Skip the Brokers and Go with a Mover You Can Trust

Hercules Moving and Packing sets the standard for long-distance and interstate moves. Hercules Movers is a fully licensed and insured long-distance moving company.

All of our drivers are long-distance certified, background checked, and have the experience to make your relocation stress free. We even assign you a moving coordinator to make it the best experience possible. We’re family owned and operated and have been providing quality moving services for more than 20 years.

We offer free quotes! Just fill out our form or give us a call at (888) 605-0708 and let’s get moving!

The post How to Protect Yourself from a Moving Broker appeared first on Hercules.

Any reputable moving company will have the proper licensing required through their state. For example, in Texas, long-distance and interstate movers are required to be licensed by the US Department of Transportation, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

If you are hiring a long-distance moving company, they are required by Federal law to provide you with liability coverage. Most movers will provide you with two different types of insurance: released value protection or full value protection.

Full value protection

A more comprehensive form of liability coverage, if you opt for full value protection, the moving company must cover the actual value of any lost, damaged, or stolen item.

For example, suppose the moving company accidentally drops your television. In that case, the movers must either pay to replace that exact TV model, pay to have the television repaired, or provide you with the total replacement value of the television in a cash payment.

Each moving company has its own rules and regulation concerning this type of coverage. If you have several valuable items, it is worth the extra expense of this protection.

Released value protection

Most interstate moving companies offer released value protection at no additional cost. With this type of protection, you will receive a set amount per pound of any damaged, lost, or stolen item during the relocation.

For example, if that same television weighs approximately 100 pounds, and the moving company pays you 60 cents per pound for any lost, damaged, or stolen items, you will receive $60 in compensation.

Many long-distance movers offer separate liability coverage through a third-party insurance provider. If you purchase this insurance, any money that is not provided to you through the released value protection payment will be provided by the third-party insurance company.

For instance, if that broken television is valued at $800, and you receive $18-$30 from the moving company, the third-party insurance will give you the other $770-$782 to cover the cost of replacing the television.

Additionally, inquire about the type of insurance provided to company employees. The moving provider should have their employees covered through worker’s compensation and general liability insurance.

How Long Have You Been in Business?

Don’t be afraid to ask how long the moving company has been providing services to your community. Look for a well-established long-distance provider that has been in business for several years.

The professionals at Hercules Movers & Packers have been proudly serving the Houston, Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio area for over ten years. We pride ourselves on providing fantastic customer service. We are indeed a one-stop shop for all your residential or commercial local and long-distance moving needs.

Does Your Company Provide Binding and Non-Binding Estimates?

Many homeowners do not understand that when it comes to hiring long-distance or local movers, the most critical question to ask is whether the company offers a non-binding or binding estimate.

Understanding the difference between the two options is critical, especially if you need to start planning the budget for your long-distance move.

Non-binding estimate

The more cost-effective option, a non-binding estimate, is based on the weight of your belongings. The final bill can and often is different than the original quote. Any reputable movers will provide you with an accurate non-binding estimate in writing. Legally, the moving company must also explain the reason why the final cost is higher than the original estimate.

Binding estimate

Although it is typically the more expensive option of the two, many homeowners opt for a binding estimate. Basically, when you choose a binding estimate, the price you are quoted at the beginning of the move is what you will be charged at the end of the move.

It does not matter if your belongings weigh more or less than initially estimated. Your final bill will not change.

According to a governmental regulatory administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA, the estimate must be in writing, the long-distance mover cannot add any additional charges without a complete explanation, and any other services, such as packing services and storage services, must be billed separately.

Do your own research to determine if a binding or non-binding contract is the best option for your family and budget.

What Extra Services Do You Offer?

Moving is more than simply getting your furniture, boxes, and precious belongings from point A to point B. There are many other steps involved. This is why it is essential to hire a long-distance moving company that provides all the extras and services you require to make the move as easy as possible.

Packing services

When it comes to moving, many homeowners dread sorting and packing all their belongings, cluttering up their closets, garage, and attics. Why go through all that major hassle if you can leave this Herculean chore to professional movers?

Storage solutions

It is not uncommon for movers to require both packing and storage services. Moving isn’t always so cut and dry, and if you need to store your belongings temporarily, why go through the unnecessary inconvenience and expense of finding separate storage facilities?

Instead, hire a full-service moving company that offers storage services. Also, search for a company that is affiliated with the Self-Storage Association.

Specialty services

Sure, any moving company can relocate your bedroom furniture, kitchen appliances, or boxes filled with children’s toys. However, what if you need a moving company that can handle your pool table, motorcycle collection, or grand piano?

At Hercules Movers & Packers, we offer a wide variety of specialty moving services, including

• Pianos and pool tables
• Hot tub and jacuzzi
• Safe and motorcycle
• Antiques and artwork

The best movers will build custom crates for high-end and expensive items. That way, you don’t need to worry about any special item getting damaged or destroyed during the move.

How Much Will It Cost to Move?

The average overall cost of a long-distance move is anywhere between $2,000 to over $20,000. There are a multitude of details that can impact the cost of hiring local movers or scheduling a long-distance move.

If you are moving less than 50 to 100 miles from your present location, it is often considered a local move. The majority of local moving companies charge a flat rate by the hour. Any relocation that is over 100 miles is traditionally considered a long-distance move.

Typically, a long-distance moving company will charge by the pound, the mile, and the cubic feet of your home or apartment. The longer the relocation and the more your belongings weigh, the more you will pay for your move.

What Are Some Factors That Will Influence the Overall Cost Of My Move?

In addition to the weight and mileage, there are several other factors that will influence the cost of your long-distance or interstate move, including:

The overall accuracy of your inventory

Taking an accurate inventory of all your belongings is a critical step in planning your relocation. Suppose you are inaccurate, and the moving company must take additional time to obtain an exact weight or create a detailed, itemized list of your belongings. In that case, you will be charged extra by most long-distance moving companies.

The number of vans and trucks you require

If you have a larger house with more stuff, you will typically require additional moving trucks and vans to relocate your belongings. Because additional costs are incurred, your final bill will typically be more when you reach your final destination.

The size of the moving crew

Most moving companies and van lines pay their employees by the hour. If you suddenly require additional staff to complete your interstate relocation, you will be charged extra.

The time of year

You might be amazed to learn that the season has a significant impact on the total cost of your move. For example, if you relocate during the peak season, which is typically the summer and early fall, you will pay more for both local moves and long-distance relocations.

The complexity of the move

There are several hidden fees that many moving companies do not disclose and that you should be aware can impact the overall cost of your move.

For example, did you know that the moving team will charge you extra if you have a flight of stairs, narrow hallways in your home, or an elevator in your apartment building?

Moving companies also charge an extra fee if the crew is required to walk a greater distance from your home to the moving truck than is expected. In the moving industry, these fees are referred to as ” long-carry fees,” As a homeowner, you should be aware of them when hiring movers or moving long distance.

How Can I Save Money on Hiring Long Distance Movers?

Moving cross-country can be expensive, and you want to save as much money as possible. Luckily, there are several simple ways you can save big money by hiring long distance movers.

Although it may seem counterintuitive, you can actually save big money by securing packing services. When you factor in the packing supplies and moving supplies and the time it takes to pack up all your belongings, you will quickly realize that including packing in your moving contract is one of the additional moving services that can actually save you money.

Remain flexible with your moving and delivery dates. Securing a delivery date during the off-season, such as winter or spring, is another great way to save big money on your moving process.

Finally, make sure to leave all your packing and moving needs to the same company. Working with different companies to relocate your belongings and store your belongings is not only a serious hassle, but it can also actually cost you money.

Does Your Company Require a Deposit to Hold the Moving Date?

It is at the discretion of the moving company whether or not to require a deposit to hold the moving date. Some long-distance movers will ask for a small deposit upfront, especially if the relocation is scheduled during the busy season or you are moving your belongings a significant distance, such as cross-country.

Be aware of a local moving company or long-distance movers that ask for the entire cost of the move upfront. Reliable movers will only ever ask for a reasonable deposit. If the moving company requires you to pay in full upfront, and cash is the only payment method the company will accept, consider this a red flag.

The right movers will not only provide you with a thorough and accurate estimate, but they will also accept several different payment methods and give you a receipt.

Do You Have Any Rules and Restrictions Regarding Moving Boxes Used?

If you decide to sort and pack your belongings on your own, be aware that some moving companies will not accept items packed in moving boxes that are damaged. This is because once the moving boxes are placed on the moving truck, the safety and security of these items become the moving company’s responsibility.

Make sure that any moving boxes you use are in good shape, and most importantly, remain open until the moving company can verify the items stored inside the box and provide you with an approximate value for insurance purposes.

Can You Show Me References?

You want a moving company with a proven track record of stellar customer service. Don’t be afraid to ask the moving company to provide you with some references and recommendations from several past customers.

In addition to this, do a little research on your own. Look for a moving company and van lines that have stellar online reviews and happy former customers. One great place to check is the Better Business Bureau or BBB. This federal organization’s job is to oversee business practices and inform consumers about any complaints filed against any one company.

Do You Provide Long-Distance and Local Moving Services?

Moving can be complicated, and if you are moving within 50 to 100 miles away from your present location, you might not know if you require the services of a local moving company or if you should hire a long-distance moving company.

Many moving companies offer both services, but it does not hurt to ask. Otherwise, you might wind up with an unexpected surprise and a much larger bill if you work with long-distance movers and only need to hire local movers.

What Is Your Cancellation Policy?

There is no moving industry standard when it comes to a company’s cancellation policy. Always ask before hiring a moving company, especially if there is any chance you will change your delivery dates or you may need to cancel the relocation altogether.

Inquiring about the cancellation policy is one of the most important questions to ask both a local moving company and long-distance moving companies. For example, one company may have a two-week policy allowing you totally cancel the move and receive a 100% refund.

Another company may require you to cancel the move at least one month in advance. Additionally, the policies of certain companies may differ depending on if you are securing long-distance moves, as these moves tend to be more complex and require an additional moving truck.

How Does Your Company Handle Disputes and Complaints?

Accidents happen, and despite the quality of service provided, it is still possible that one of your items will be damaged, lost, or stolen during the move. Because of this, another of the most crucial questions to ask a potential provider is about the company’s policies when handling disputes and complaints.

Reputable moving companies will have clear-cut policies and procedures in place that will make it very easy to file an official complaint if any of your belongings are damaged in transit or while on the moving truck.

Most moving companies will handle the complaint internally, meaning you will not need to file an additional complaint with the Better Business Bureau, American Trucking Association, or the FMCSA.

When Should I Start Planning My Move?

Every situation is different, and the best time to start planning long-distance moves is around two to three months before your intended moving date. This will provide you plenty of time to start packing up boxes and coordinating with the relocation company.

However, while it is best to start planning your move at least two to three months in advance, you should start the actual process of moving at least one year before you decide to relocate. This year will give you plenty of time to research moving companies, research a new city to call home, find a new house or apartment, and sell your old house.

Two months before your relocation, start decluttering your space and deciding what you are keeping, selling, donating, or throwing away. Create a detailed inventory of all of your belongings while you declutter. This will save you serious time down the road.

There are several things you can procrastinate on in life, but moving is not one of them!

Why Should I Hire You Instead of Other Moving Companies?

There are several moving providers in the Houston area, so don’t hesitate to ask one deceptively simple question: Why should I hire you instead of one of the other hundreds of moving companies in my area?

A reputable moving provider can quickly list off the reasons why they are heads above the rest. Here are some qualities to look for in your next moving provider:

Transparency

From the timeline to the available rates and cancellation policies, look for a company that is completely upfront and transparent about its business practices. If the company is unwilling to provide you with even the most basic information about their policies and services, consider this a red flag and keep looking.

Reliability

Relocating is a long and complicated process. There will be instances when you have questions and concerns about the move. A stellar company will always be available to answer these questions and provide you with fantastic customer service.

Efficiency

No one wants to organize a move with a chaotic moving provider that does not have all their ducks in a row. Look for a moving company that is clear about the process of moving, meets all your deadlines, and is known for being on time and ready to work when moving day arrives.

A company that can meet your unique needs

No two families are alike, and no two relocations are the same, either. You have unique needs, and you want to choose a relocation company that understands the challenges that come with your relocation.

Watch Out for Obvious Red Flags

The majority of moving companies are reputable, upstanding, and ready to meet all your needs. Unfortunately, there are a few unscrupulous providers out there, and recognizing the red flags early will help you steer clear of a moving company that is simply out to make a quick buck.

For example, remain wary of a moving provider that does not have a website, a commercial address, or a phone number. Most home-based or disreputable moving providers who are interested in making a quick buck will not have the licensing and insurance you require to protect yourself and your belongings.

Stay away from a moving company that asks for payment when providing an estimate or moving quote. The initial quote and walkthrough of your property should be professional, thorough, and, most important, completely free.

At the very least, an honest moving company will give you the option to choose a binding or non-binding contract. If the provider only offers non-binding contracts, you might wind up paying far more than you had initially expected at the end of your move.

Finally, the best way to ensure you do not sign a contract with an unscrupulous moving company is to read the online reviews. If the reviews are overwhelmingly bad, or you cannot find any reviews about the moving company, keep looking.

Give Hercules Movers & Packers a Call

Are you ready to start a new life in a totally new city? Moving can be stressful, and you want a provider that can guide you through the process.

When you are ready to hire a moving company with years of experience that can provide you with a variety of moving services, from packing to storage, pick up your phone and give Hercules Movers & Packers a call!

We are licensed, insured, and ready to handle all your commercial or residential local and long-distance moving needs.

The post 15 Most Frequently Asked Questions for Long Distance Movers appeared first on Hercules.

New Mexico is a beautiful state, and there are so many things about it that contribute to its beauty. It is located in the southwestern area of the United States. It shares a border with Texas and has Colorado, Arizona, and Oklahoma as neighboring states. Moving from Texas to New Mexico, you don’t have to travel too far – that certainly depends on where in Texas you are traveling.

There are approximately 2 million people in the state of New Mexico. New Mexico’s population differs considerably from the whopping 29 million in Texas. The New Mexico population has continued to increase and grow more diverse than ever! More and more people are choosing to flock to NM from Texas and various other states nearby for a multitude of reasons. The scenery is to die for, the people are welcoming, and the state is a little more laid back than what you find in the south. If you are moving from Texas to New Mexico, there are quite a few things you may want to know…

New Mexico Has A lot of History

New Mexico truly has a rich history with such diverse culture and community. There is a long history of civilization in New Mexico. New Mexicans have been around, and there is proof of human habitation for up to 10999 years ago. You can visit the Bandelier National Monument to see the cliff dwellings and petroglyphs dating back thousands of years.

New Mexicans are Diverse

New Mexico is a melting pot of different cultures. Sitting incredibly close to Mexico, there are many Mexican, Spanish, and Indigenous influences in food, art, and living. You can learn about new cultures and immerse yourself in different experiences. The Spanish and Mexican flags have flown in this state, and nearly 30% of New Mexicans are fluent in Spanish. It may be time to Aprender Espanol! New Mexico’s history dates back thousands of years, and all that history has provided a diverse culture that residents enjoy!

Cost of Living

Home prices have been on the rise all across the United States. With costs of living, groceries, and gas all rising, it is essential to know precisely what kind of expenses you will obtain when renting or purchasing a home.

Is Texas Cheaper than New Mexico?

The median home value in New Mexico varies according to where you live and the total square feet of the home but tends to average 300,000. If you are looking to rent, a one-bedroom apartment costs about $1000.00 per month.

This is comparable to the Texas market, but the homes are a bit cheaper overall. Rent is also a bit more reasonable, with the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Texas at $1400.00, and the median home value is a bit higher at 315,000. The median home value is slightly higher in Texas but comparable overall to New Mexico. You will get more for your money in New Mexico, whether renting or buying!

New Mexico to Texas Moving Costs

The cost of moving to New Mexico is undoubtedly a factor in making the jump. Moving costs can vary depending on the volume you are moving and the distance traveled. Moving companies are seeing more and more people travel outside of Texas to surrounding areas like New Mexico.

If you are making that move, please feel free to reach out to Hercules – we can provide you with a quote and allow you to compare quotes with us. Hercules is here to provide you with the best price while providing quality moving services!

Cost of Living Compared to the National Average

New Mexico’s cost of living is lower than the national average. Housing is about 14% lower than the national average. Utilities and groceries are also about 8% lower than the national average, and even clothing is about 8% lower. Overall, New Mexico sits lower than the national average on all significant living costs. You can save some coins by moving to New Mexico!

Taxes

New Mexico is considered one of the more tax-friendly states! Property taxes are meager compared to the rest of the US, Texas. Their average property tax sits at .7%. Texas local tax areas control all property taxes, which varies according to county, although the majority is much higher than what you see in New Mexico. Sales tax is slightly different, with Texas averaging 6.2% and NM at about 7.5%.

Texas, however, does not have to deal with income tax, which New Mexicans have to live with. In TX, you never have to deal with personal income tax being taken out of your paycheck!

Best Places to Live in New Mexico

New Mexico cities and suburbs all have their personalities, with one even being named after a radio show! Whether you move to Truth or Consequences just for the name or the feeling you get when you’re there, you will find a place you can call home in one of them!

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is one of the most popular cities, and not just in New Mexico! There is so much beautiful nature or wide open space to explore and enjoy! Santa Fe is also one of the larger cities in New Mexico, and the cost of living in sits with the rest of New Mexico’s average. The median household income varies but is comparable to the overall population. The median home value is much higher than the state’s average at about $550,000. Santa Fe runs on tourism and is a hot spot in New Mexico.

Santa Fe sits at a high elevation, about 7000 feet above sea level. This differs from anywhere in Texas and may take a little while to get used to, but it certainly gets chilly in the fall and winter months. Property crimes and the crime rate are low, and there are many fabulous places to eat, great schools, and unique culture. It is a gorgeous city to raise a family or live a single life!

Albuquerque

Albuquerque isn’t just known for its balloon festival; it is known for its film production. Breaking Bad was filmed here alongside many other Hollywood productions! Albuquerque is another one of the larger cities in New Mexico and is located in the northern part of the state. It is filled with tourism which fuels the economy and develops many job opportunities.

Albuquerque is a city of art and an artist’s haven! There are so many various art galleries and co-ops to visit and explore. It is truly something that makes the city unique and beautiful. There is a very low unemployment rate in all carrier fields, and the job market is hot!

Las Cruces

Las Cruces is south of Albuquerque and a neighbor to El Paso, Texas – it is only about an hour’s drive! It sits approximately 4000 miles above sea level, so coming over from Texas is a climb, and the altitude takes some adjustment.

Las Cruces has a small-town feel to it. There are many small businesses and family-owned establishments all over town. Locals support locals in Las Cruces! The great outdoors is undoubtedly the most remarkable feature, with Organ Mountains, Desert Peaks National Monument, and White Sands National Park nearby. There is plenty of hiking, biking, camping, and exploring available. The clean air, clear skies, and friendly atmosphere make it the perfect place to live.

Los Alamos

Los Alamos is a place you do not want to pass up! It is close to Santa Fe and not too far from Albuquerque. When moving to a new location, it is vital to consider where exactly is the right fit for you and Los Alamos has the best of all worlds.

Los Alamos has incredible outdoor recreation, great food, and excellent schools. You can adventure at Bandelier National Monument or Valles Caldera National Preserve. Las Alamos also continues with the artsy environment – downtown, there is the Los Alamos Creative District, and nearby is the Los Alamos Little Theatre, where tons of performances take place!

White Rock

White Rock is a smaller town in New Mexico and a bit more expensive than the average rates for the state. Home values are higher as well! The average home prices are around $470,000, and the average rent is $1200.00. The median household income in White Rock is $135,000. There is undoubtedly more home ownership than renters in the area, so if you are looking for a place to buy a home – there are plenty of properties to view.

There are plenty of good schools and places to visit outdoors in White Rock. The town is family-friendly, with plenty of playgrounds, open spaces, and nearby parks. The crime rate is very low in White Rock, but it is where a car is needed as the public transportation options are slim, and the walkability scores are low, but the quality of life is next to none!

Nob Hill

Nob Hill is a very sought-after neighborhood in New Mexico. It is a beautiful and eclectic place with lots of interesting people. Young people flock to Nob Hill because of its booming nightlife, fine dining, and everything there is to do!

The list of restaurants and breweries in the Nob Hill Neighborhood is endless. The arts and music scene is highly adored, with live music offered at places like; Monte Vista Fire Station or Two Fools Tavern. The public transportation is pretty good in this neighborhood – you can efficiently utilize public transport and take the ART to get around the entire area and even down route 66! If you are a single person or a family person -it is a very trendy place if you are into good food and fun!

Rio Rancho

Rio Rancho is one of the hottest suburbs in New Mexico and has grown like wildfire, with tons of people moving to the area over the past few years. It maintains a tight-knit community feeling that is low in property crimes and next to no violent crime.

The cost of living is excellent; Rio Rancho is one of the more affordable neighborhoods in New Mexico. The unemployment rate is very low as their economy thrives, and the job market is hot! There is a little bit of everything in Rio and while living in New Mexico is a massive difference from Texas – Rio Rancho will make it feel like home and provide security and community.

Job Market in New Mexico

New Mexico has a booming job market, and plenty of jobs are available throughout the state. The state’s job market has grown with the rate of tourism over the years, and all the lovely festivals and celebrations that occur year-round certainly support that. The living index has also increased, the more famous cities you will see a higher cost of living than other cities but overall – there are many jobs available!

Tourism in New Mexico

Tourism has created a ton of new job opportunities seasonally and year-round. Many fiestas are held every year, and the history of various cities in New Mexico has brought tourists from all over the world! Texas also has tourism, but its economy is based largely on other industries. Tourism is a part of New Mexican’s thriving economy and the jobs that have been produced due to those circumstances.

The service industry benefits from tourism and has become one of the largest growing industries in New Mexico. Restaurants and retail alike are always hiring. Not only does this boost the job market but also the local economy. New Mexico has developed a strong economy, especially in recent years, and with that strong economy, the job market has been relished.

Other Job Opportunities Living in New Mexico

The job market in New Mexico has continued to grow in recent years alongside the population. Many of the jobs are located in the healthcare industry. Medical care is always needed in all walks of life, and many hospitals are also growing. Major hospitals in the area, such as; Presbyterian Healthcare Services, Mexico VA Health Care System, and Lovelace, are leading employers in NM.

Construction and general contracting positions have grown in the past years and offer positions. The finance field is also a growing field in the area that is in search of employees. The job market is on the upswing, and if you are searching for work, there is certainly work available!

Even the Schools Are Cool

There are plenty of different schools to choose from in New Mexico, and you can find a fit for any student. The New Mexico Department of Education has ensured education is for everyone. There are over 4500 schools available in New Mexico at all levels and all different types of education available. There are about 1500 private schools and charter options as well.

Public Schools

Living in New Mexico gives you over 800 public schools and districts to choose from. If you are interested in reviewing the schools in advance, you can search availability by district – it also provides their star ratings, demographics, and unique education information.

Higher Education

New Mexico State University is one of the largest universities in New Mexico, but it is one of many forms of higher education offered to locals. Higher education is valued by New Mexicans and Texans alike! There are many options for higher ed available:

• The University of New Mexico
• Eastern New Mexico University
• New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
• Western New Mexico University
• Institute of American Indian Arts
• Navajo Technical University

Those are just to name a few. There is an array of 2-year and community college options alongside trade schools.

The Weather is Great in New Mexico

The weather in New Mexico is not always sunny. Depending on where you are located, you will experience all four seasons and have the ability to enjoy it year round! It is often assumed that New Mexico is just desert land, and surely, there are some areas with a whole lot of desert. It can be scorching due to the sunshine, but they also see chilly days.

Texas Vs. New Mexico

Texans are used to the hot heat and a ton of humidity! Texas has much less sun than New Mexico throughout the year. New Mexico also has meager humidity rates, even when the temperatures are high. In New Mexico, you get less humidity and more sunshine -what could be better?

On the contrary, New Mexico can be very dry, which Texans need to get used to. There is a lot of desert in New Mexico, and surely that is the dryest part of the state, but when there is a drought, it is impossible not to notice.

New Mexico Will Wrap Everything in Tortillas

New Mexico takes a lot of influence from its population. They are a diverse state with a predominant community of Hispanics, Native Americans, and African Americans. They are sitting pretty close to Mexico, just as Texas does, and Mexican cuisine is on every corner.

Just about anything and everything can be eaten or wrapped in a tortilla! Any type of cuisine can also be eaten with it; whether you have a traditional Native American dish, you can probably wrap it in a tortilla. You can find fresh tortillas at the local grocery store or supermercado, and there are quite a few locals that will sell their tortillas fresh every day!

Red or Green Chili

The biggest question you will be asked while out to dinner in New Mexico is – red or green? Red or green chili is served EVERWHERE, and it is a big deal. This is even offered at drive-thru restaurants. You also have the option of choosing both if you would like!

It Wasn’t Named After Mexico

Moving to New Mexico, many transplants assume it was named after Mexico. Contrary to popular belief, it was not! The great state is actually named after the Aztec Valley.

The first settlers to New Mexico were Native Americans. They remained there for tens of thousands of years before the Spanish and European explorers. The Pueblo, Navajo, and Apache tribes settled in the New Mexico land and lived peacefully when the Spanish discovered it. The federal government has reserved many of the areas Native Americans were initially settled in to preserve the history. They named it after the Aztec Valley of the Rio Grande River. It was a part of Mexico for quite some time but not named after it, after all!

New Mexico Has Great Amenities

There are so many different things to do and places to explore when you are moving to New Mexico! From river rafting to skiing and snowboarding, you will find it all. Moving to New Mexico offers all kinds of new adventures you cannot find back in Texas.

• You have the Santa Fe Opera house if you are interested in seeing a show in the great outdoors!
• The Carlsbad Caverns are a natural wonder in the Southern part of New Mexico. There are over a hundred caverns to explore and several trails available.
• Riverbend Hot Springs is a beautiful and relaxing hot spring in the city of Truth or Consequences. These hot springs are known to be healing, mineral hot springs that can be booked by the hour or night!
• The Taos Ski Valley is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New Mexico. Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and snowmobiling are available in the winter, and hiking in the summer!

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Isn’t the Only Thing To Do

There are many fiestas and attractions year-round in New Mexico. People go across America and beyond to attend these events every year! The Albuquerque Balloon festival is one of the largest celebrations in New Mexico and certainly something you must attend with moving to New Mexico. It lasts for nine days, with over 500 balloons hit to the skies.

They Burn Away Their Worries

Every year New Mexicans practice the art of burning away their worries and troubles. Zozobra is a local tradition sacred to New Mexico and its natives. The people gather together once a year, the weekend before labor day in SF. You can write down any negative events or occurrences in your life and burn them alongside the giant Zozobra himself!

UFOs

There are whispers of UFOS and things beyond human when moving to New Mexico, but one of the more significant events is the UFO festival! It happens in Roswell, New Mexico, every year. Roswell is overwhelmed with tons of UFO enthusiasts and alien experts. They come together to celebrate the UFO crash that occurred in 1947 and to explore everything outer space related.

Gathering of Nations Pow Wow

The gathering of nations pow-wow is a one-of-a-kind event. This happens in Albuquerque and is completely open to the public. Performances, music, and traditions take place to raise money for scholarships for Native American students.

Adobe is Everything

You may see Adobe in Texas here and there, but when moving to New Mexico, you will see it everywhere. They are mud bricks used to build homes and have been most helpful in New Mexico, specifically in the desert environment.

Adobe is an exceptionally thick wall; it can store heat while keeping the home’s interior cool. There is tons of beautiful architecture preserved by the state in various historic districts.

Earthships

Earthships are a more modern way of designing and developing a home, and there is an Earthship community in New Mexico. Earthships are built and designed to be self-sufficient. They are produced by reusing and recycling old materials, developing their energy using thermal or solar power, and creating food processing and filtering water. They are unique. If you are interested in your own – you can visit and invest in one of your own in New Mexico. There is quite the Earthship community forming!

The Landscape Offers A Million Adventures

There are so many places to explore in New Mexico, and the landscape is magical. There are places so beautiful you wouldn’t believe they are real.

• The Shiprock Rock formed a mountain in the middle of the desert. It is supposed to have magical properties and looks like an actual ship.
• White Sands National Park is a fabulous place to visit. The white sands are miraculous, and the dunes can be traveled for miles.
• Bandelier National Monument has been around since people settled in New Mexico. It is a historical site filled with ancient houses that were once inhabited.
• El Malpais National Monument was developed naturally within nature. It is the home of the Ventana Natural Arch.
• Gila Cliff Dwellings is a national monument. The cliff dwellings in that area were built inside caves, and the Mogollon people once lived there.

The People Are Laid Back

New Mexico has a relatively low crime rate, which can be linked to how laid back the people are. This is a massive change from what you experienced with Texas. The culture is all work and no play, whereas in New Mexico – they would certainly rather play any day. That is, in part, all the fiestas and fun nearby; how could you not? New Mexico is a place to enjoy your life and work to play, not live to work.

Wine is Taken Very Seriously

Everyone loves to have a glass of wine now and then, but New Mexicans take wine seriously. There is some context to that, though – New Mexico is in the business of producing wine.

New Mexico creates about 1,000,000 bottles of wine annually. There are wineries all over the state to visit that help alongside this wind production.

Star Gazing is a Hobby and Past Time

New Mexico does not take kindly to light pollution. The stars are a place of solace, and this is truly the place to stargaze! The night sky is like nothing you have ever seen or will see. There are tons of observatories in the area to visit, not to mention that it is a hot spot for UFOS. Keep your eyes peeled toward the sky; you may witness something you weren’t expecting.

It is Not All Desert

New Mexico is quite a bit of desert, but not all of the state is that way. The dry climate is typical throughout, and the sun shines nearly every year, but many different types of terrain are found in New Mexico.

But You Should Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car

You should make it a point to be prepared when driving in New Mexico because there are long stretches of road you will sometimes go through where there is nowhere to stop or no one for many miles. It is crucial to be prepared for any situation and remain proactive for your security.

Now It’s Time to Find A Reliable Moving Company

If you are looking for the best moving company in Texas, look no further! New Mexico is one of the top five states Texans are currently moving to, so you will certainly be greeted by your kind of transplants and all the friendly New Mexicans.

New Mexico ranges as one of the top places for Texans to move, and it has become popular with the rest of the US. If you are looking for affordable and reliable New Mexico Movers – do not delay your efforts and contact Hercules Movers and Packers today!

The post Moving to New Mexico from Texas appeared first on Hercules.

Texas and Texas cities are enormous. There is tons of space and a population constantly on the rise. Iowa is a little different – it has that small-town feel that most people enjoy and can benefit from. Texas to Iowa is a big move, and the whole state of Iowa has many differences from the DFW area, but it also has a lot to offer.

Iowa is located in the Midwestern area of America and is considered an excellent and affordable place to move. The population sits at 3 million – about 20 million less than Texas. Iowa is somewhat underrated and provides many benefits to anyone moving in. Similar to states like South Carolina, it provides a tight-knit community where everyone knows your name. Before making plans for Iowa moving, you must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of doing so.

Pros of Moving to Iowa

Texas has incredibly large cities such as – San Antonio, Austin, Houston, North Texas, and the DFW Metroplex. Iowa cities are smaller but provide a community you can rely on. The cost of living differs significantly, with Iowa being incredibly affordable compared to places like Austin or San Antonio.

Iowa has so much to offer its citizens – from the community to the experiences it offers. Here are some of the best things.

Cost of Living in Iowa

The Hawkeye state has a low cost of living. Things are exceedingly affordable for single people and large families. No matter the household size, you can find something that works for you. The average cost of living is 15% lower than the national average according to all categories of the living index. It doesn’t cost much to own a vehicle or home.

Paying more than 80% of your income to make rent or your mortgage is what the majority of Americans are doing. In Iowa, the average cost of a studio apartment is $650.00. A studio apartment may not be all the space you need, but the rent cost won’t put a dent in your income. The average price of a studio apartment in Austin, TX, is $1200.00. You won’t have to live paycheck to paycheck in Iowa cities.

Housing Costs and Home Values

The housing costs are where Iowa will blow your mind. The average cost of a home is $199,000. Texas has an average of nearly double that at $316,000. That is a massive difference in the total cost of living and provides many people the ability to purchase a home when they previously did not have that opportunity in Texas.

Owning a home in Iowa is nearly half the national average cost. Owning a home is also affordable and accessible here versus in Texas. The general cost of living in a place like Houston exceeds the national average. Big cities and a growing population can be good for that city’s economy but bad for its citizens. It cannot be easy to work for something you may never have the ability to have. Owning a home is a significant milestone in life. Many people save money their entire lives to ensure they are capable of doing so. In Iowa, it is possible!

Property tax is something you may be worried about…the state has a total average of 1.5% on all properties. It is above the national average but nothing compared to Texas. Texas has a sales tax regulated by the county and no property tax. Income tax is an entirely different story. This is certainly something that should be considered when buying a home in Iowa.

Iowa’s Job Market

The job market in Iowa is a significant advantage it provides. Texas has a booming job market as well. You can rely on this similarity and constant if moving to Iowa. Texas may have a higher cost of living, but the job market is something everyone should be able to rely on.

You don’t need to reside in a big city to have big opportunities. Iowa’s job market is filled with opportunities in all different fields and career paths. Des Moines is one of the largest cities in Iowa, and that also includes some of the highest salaries. Many manufacturing, banking, and even technology positions are available when moving to Iowa.

Largest Employers in Iowa

The largest industries in Iowa are biosciences, finance, and manufacturing. The manufacturing business is huge in Iowa. Advanced manufacturing is a common career path in Iowa. It is one of the largest employers providing over 230,000 jobs. Renewable energy and fuel are also one of the largest employers next to biosciences.

Finance and technology are also advancing fields. Iowa is a fabulous place to start your career in technology and communications. They can pay a reasonable salary and the training and schooling you need to advance in the field. Companies such as – IBM, Google, and Microsoft all have data centers based out of Iowa.

Best Places to Live in Iowa

The low cost of living and accelerating job market in Iowa is absolutely beneficial when moving from Texas. Moving to Iowa from a large city like Houston or Austin – can be a great change. These kinds of changes can be difficult to adjust to, but they also provide new experiences and new relationships you wouldn’t have had otherwise. It is essential to explore the cities in Iowa before making a permanent decision.

Iowa City

Iowa City is a popular city to live in Iowa. It is charming, quaint, and kind – if a city could inhabit a personality. Just about anyone could live in Iowa City because there is a nice mix of rural and urban areas. The cost of living, when compared to cities in Texas in Iowa City, is incredibly low. The average price of a one-bedroom apartment is about $600.00, and if you are looking for a house, you can find one for $90,000 and up.

Public transportation is a plus in Iowa City. It is easy to get around using the ICT, and there is so much to do. Expect the unexpected – fabulous food, great music, and lots of fresh air! You cannot beat a performance at the Englert Theater in Iowa City, nor can you miss any of the festivities going on nearly every weekend in the downtown area. The phrase “you get what you pay for” certainly applies here, but the fun part is you don’t have to pay a lot to spend quality time with your friends and family in beautiful Iowa City.

Des Moines

Des Moines is the capital of Iowa and right in the middle of everything, not too far from Iowa City. The city is busy and a great living place! It is known for being one of the large cities in Iowa and popular amongst transplants. The cost of living in Des Moines remains low – this is certainly not the California price. The average person or family household will only spend about 1/5 of their money on basic needs, rent or mortgage.

Des Moines is an excellent place for education. They have fabulous schools and an even better job market for teachers. The tech industry and start-ups are big in this area. You can make that come to life in Des Moines if you have a bright idea.

Sioux City

Sioux City is known for being a “river town.” It has a rich history and a close community. There are lots of fun things to do there, and it is absolutely worth exploring! It is smack dab in the middle of three states – Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. You can hop in your car and be over state lines in minutes.

It used to be a large meat packing community, but that has changed, and they are not returning. The education available and the colleges in the area provide everyone the opportunity to live out their dreams. Locals support locals in this town. There are a ton of mom-and-pop shops and amazing family-owned restaurants in the area that you just have to try yourself!

Ames

Ames, Iowa, is a long way from Austin, Texas, but it has a little country and a little more rock and roll. They love to have fun in Ames with an emphasis on schooling. Iowa State University is located in Ames and is also one of the biggest employers in the city. Iowa State sports are a big deal. Everyone gathers together to cheer on the basketball and football teams.

Ames also has a lot of outdoor recreation. There are plenty of open spaces and trails for hiking, biking, and running – whatever floats your boat. Ames is a place for living life to the fullest instead of making plans.

Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids is a city to consider if you are moving to Iowa. The job opportunities are plentiful, the schools are great, and the cost of everything remains low. You don’t have to pay top dollar to have a prestigious neighborhood and a safe place to live.

The downtown area has incredible restaurants, theatres, and beautiful housing available. There is almost always something going on. This also brings many career opportunities. If you are interested in the service industry or arts scene – Cedar Rapids has a lot to offer.

Education and Opportunities

We can all learn more throughout our life, and Iowa has the schooling available for everyone. The school districts are wonderful, and the educators truly care. No matter where you land, you can rest assured that the schools available are top-notch.

High Schools

Secondary ed is the preparation for universities. High school is taken very seriously in Iowa. It is the place where students are provided with tools for adulthood and their career paths. There are over 400 high schools, including public and private schooling. High school sports are taken seriously as well, especially high school football. Texans should understand this sentiment well!

Higher Education

This extends to universities as well. If you want to further your education for personal reasons or a specific career path, options are available. The great hawkeye state values each and every citizen and the betterment of those people through learning. Iowa is similar to Texas in that way, and they have a multitude of universities available:

• Iowa State University
• The University of Iowa
• Drake University
• Coe College
• University of Northern Iowa
• And 100 + more!

Low Crime Rates

People in Iowa are more worried about the speed limit than the actual crimes in the area. Iowa has meager crime rates compared to Houston, Austin, and even California. Generally speaking – all forms of crime and corruption are low and very safe compared to other states in America. Sioux City is one of the safest places to live in the United States!

There are still violent crimes and property crimes that take place. Crime rates are lower than the national average, but crime certainly occurs. Texas is a place that is much higher in crime than Iowa, but Iowa is not completely exempt. There is actually a larger amount of violent and property crime in the rural areas of Iowa. Still, property and violent crimes have decreased in numbers over the past year.

Traffic is Not a Problem

If you are driving from Dallas to Austin or anywhere in Texas, you must prepare for loads of traffic. It exists no matter what time of day. In Iowa, traffic is nearly non-existent. You do not have to plan and expect delays due to traffic. If you need to get somewhere, you can just hop in your car and go!

Traffic in Texas has become an increasing problem. It has been rated as one of the worst states to drive in. Not only due to the jams but also the drivers alone. They don’t obey the speed limit or stop signs; instead of defensive driving, you will experience a lot of road rage. That could be due to the frustration of sitting in a line of cars or can be blamed on the other drivers. It is certainly more laid back in Iowa. You will have peace of mind knowing the traffic flow is steady, and the drivers around you are paying attention to safety.

Cons of Moving to Iowa

There are so many good things about moving to Iowa and Iowa as a whole. There is great weather – for the most part. Living is low cost, and within the past year, it has gotten even lower in certain cities. There is good food and live music, just like you would find in Texas, but…there is also a downside. You must consider these things when packing up your stuff, hopping in your car, and moving across the country.

Texas has something to do with each and every square mile of the city. It provides great amenities and plenty of outdoor space. Texas is a whole world within a state, and Iowa offers different benefits and disadvantages.

High Income Tax Rate

Taxes are a bad word to some people, but they are important at the personal, state, and federal levels. Taxes can be stressful, but if you know about them, you can better prepare for how they will affect your income.

Texas does not have any state income taxes. Therefore, you will never see that coming out of your paycheck, but you also will not see a return come the season for taxes. Taxes can be confusing, but in Iowa – they are pretty straightforward. Iowa has an incredibly high state income tax and is even local in some instances. The state income tax sits at 6%. That means that 6% of your paycheck every pay period is gone before you even see it. The local taxes are typically around 1% – combined, which puts you at 7% in total. Paying 7% of your paycheck to the state feels like a punch in the gut! Not so tax-friendly and certainly not as friendly as Texas.

The Weather is Crazy

The weather in Iowa is mostly sunny, with a chance of crazy. You will have the chance to experience summer, spring, fall, and winter, but once you get to the cold seasons – it can really dump on you. Now don’t get me wrong – you should be able to enjoy the 4th of July and a white Christmas. The weather most of the time is great until it isn’t.

Texas VS. Iowa

Texas is familiar with all four seasons and the humidity of summer. Texans also avoid the idea of going out in the snow. Iowa also understands humid and wet summers, but their winters are freezing and very windy! July is typically the hottest month of the year, and January is the coldest.

It Can Become Very Severe

The weather can become very extreme. Iowa is prone to tornados, wind, and other severe weather conditions. The state can be hit with dozens of tornadoes every year. This is something you have to be prepared to ensure your family’s safety. It is not in the middle of tornado alley, but you would sure think they were!

Winter brings along a lot of wet conditions, snow, and wind. The snow and wind together can create dangerous situations. It is a safety issue to drive and even to be outside. Temperatures can go 50 degrees below zero!

July is the hottest month and brings along a ton of humidity and rainfall. The extreme heat and humidity can make it hard to even go outdoors at times. Texas knows similar heat but certainly does not have to deal with the same conditions year-round.

Limited Recreation

There is not much to do in Iowa, which is one of the major downsides if you are an on-the-go person. There are still options available, but they are much slimmer than you would find in big cities like Austin or Houston, TX. Iowa doesn’t have as much outdoors to offer, and the available outdoors can be seen as less than exhilarating.

There is no coast nearby. There is no access to oceans or beaches. The state is primarily flat; therefore, there is no access to mountains. You will have to get creative if you want to adventure in Iowa.

But there are State Parks

If you are interested in visiting a state park in Iowa, there are still many places to go. Big Creek State Park offers multiple campsites, a large lake, and dining. There are also many trails in the area. You also have the Mississippi River to float if you want to brave the waters. Plenty of recreation areas and other parks are available to the public, such as:

• Clear Lake State Park
• Backbone State Park
• Cedar Rock
• Honey Creek Resort and State Park
• Badger Creek State Recreation Area
• The great lakes are not too far away. If you are searching for some kind of getaway, you do not have to far to travel. You can easily spend the week in Michigan and or Milwaukee.

Lack of Diversity

There is an absolute lack of diversity in Iowa. This is a stark difference from Texas and may even be a bit of a culture shock. Texas is close to Mexico and has a large Hispanic and Latino population. It is so large, and the population continues to grow, so it has become a melting pot of different cultures and people of various ethnic backgrounds.

Iowa is a whole lot of white people. There is no way to get around it. The makeup of the population is not diverse at all. There are still people that come from different cultural and religious backgrounds, but overall – that is few and far between. According to the United States Census Bureau, about 4% are African American, 2% Asian, 6% Latino, and under 0.6% American Indian and 0.2% Native American. 90% of the population is white. There is a lack of understanding of other cultures because there is no exposure to anything else. This is certainly something that should change as the population continues to grow, but it is a significant downside to Iowa.

And there is a Lack of Privacy

There is also undoubtedly a lack of privacy in smaller towns. Texas is humongous. It is all about the hustle and bustle; generally, people are concerned about themselves and their own families rather than others. There is also quite a bit to do outside of work; therefore, people are busy and have plans.

In a smaller community, people know each other deeply, and that can undoubtedly be great until it isn’t. Iowa is known for being a tight-knit community, and everyone has their own friend groups within those circles. It is a great thing to have meaningful relationships, and it helps human beings to thrive, but sometimes those relationships don’t turn out as planned.

When things go wrong – the gossip begins. In a small town, everyone knows everyone and everyone is also in everyone else’s business. This is partially because they have nothing better to do but also just the general culture in small towns. This kind of behavior can quickly become toxic and wear down a person’s mental health and well-being. Iowa maintains that small-town feel, and these negative things can come along with the positive. It is crucial you are conscious of the relationships you develop, but you also have to understand there isn’t much privacy in Iowa.

Lack of Landscape

We already reviewed that there isn’t always much to do in Iowa, but there is not much to look at. Unlike Texas, Iowa is flat, and there aren’t cities as large as Houston, Dallas, or Austin. There also are not a ton of places to go that have much pazazz to them.

The landscape is rural for the most part unless you are in a downtown area. The rural parts of Iowa are just what you would expect – corn fields for miles. Driving around Iowa is easy to do, but it is not necessarily exciting to look at. There are parks and places to visit for entertainment, but beyond that – you will not always be exhilarated by your surroundings. The neighborhoods are cute and quaint. Most places are quiet and well-kept, but it is important to note that this may uphold every community’s safety.

Low-Income Issues

Iowa is generally low-cost – the houses are cheap, and it is not difficult to find a job. There are still major issues when it comes to income in Iowa. The median income in Iowa is $32,000.00 annually. This is very low on a national scale, although it is on the rise from previous years. The income rate has increased by approximately $1,000.00 from last year.

Many citizens in Iowa work multiple jobs to get by. There are also people that are heavily reliant on government assistance to ensure they have groceries, healthcare, and child care. You may have to take on a second job delivering food, providing a ride service, freelance positions, or brand ambassador work. Iowa has lower incomes overall, but luckily, the living expenses are also low.

Finding a Moving Company in Texas

If you are thinking about leaving Texas for Iowa, we hope this information was helpful in your decision. Making any kind of move is something you should consider carefully, and weighing out the pros and cons allows you to organize your thoughts better.

Iowa is a friendly place that would be sure to welcome you to your new home there. Departing from Texas may be hard, and everyone is leaving for different reasons, but regardless of the reason – if you are making the move to Iowa, do not hesitate to reach out to us for your moving quote. We will provide you with a fair quote and the best quality service as long-distance movers. What are you waiting for? Call Hercules Movers and Packers to receive your free moving quote! We will walk you through the moving process and provide the support you need.

The post Moving to Iowa from Texas appeared first on Hercules.

One of the most spectacular places to live in Texas, Dallas is so massive that it is the ninth largest city in the United States and the third largest metropolitan area in the state. Dallas is situated in North Texas, and because of the city’s close proximity to another major city in Texas, Fort Worth, the two cities are often synonymous with one another and home of the Texas Rangers baseball team.

Cost of Living

Local data about the cost of living in Dallas might surprise you because, unfortunately, the average cost of living in Dallas is around 4% higher than the national average and a whopping 13% higher than the rest of Texas.

It is really that surprising that the cost of living is this high, considering this is a common occurrence in big cities across the country, including in Texas. The median household income in Dallas is $54,747, which ison parr with the national average.

Additionally, the cost of other essential goods and services is higher in Dallas than in other parts of the state, including the cost of utilities, food, and healthcare. However, the cost of transportation is lower in Dallas than in other cities in Texas.

Several large manufacturers have factories in north Texas, which means there are several job opportunities available in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Young professionals are flocking to Dallas because of the ample job opportunities.

Average Cost of Rent/Home Costs

Everything is bigger in Texas; and unfortunately, in the case of Dallas, the rent is more significant than in other parts of the state. The average person can expect to pay around $1,568 in rent. The median housing price in Dallas is $397,399.

If the prices seem high, remember that you are paying big city prices in order to enjoy extensive big city amenities in downtown Dallas.

Best Schools

There are a whopping 920 schools in the Dallas metro area. This includes 417 public elementary schools and 156 public high schools. With all of these schools in the city limits, it can feel overwhelming trying to determine the best school for your bashful little one or strong-willed teenager.

When it comes to high schools, there are several top choices, including the prestigious School of Business Management and the School for the Talented and Gifted.

Best Neighborhoods

Dallas is certainly one of the best cities in Texas, and this is because of the city’s unique neighborhoods. If you want a small-town feel while still being able to enjoy the amenities that come with big city living, including amazing coffee shops, nightlife, and restaurants, Prestonwood is an excellent option.

Known for its reasonable house prices, excellent public schools, and low crime rates, Prestonwood is a very sought-after neighborhood in the Dallas metro area. Another great option in the area is the beautiful suburb of Trophy Club, Texas!

Fort Worth, Texas

Another fantastic city in North Texas, Fort Worth is known for its great rodeos and unforgettable live music scene and the Fort Worth Zoo, the home of several beautiful flamingos. Known for its thriving Hispanic culture and fantastic employment opportunities, Fort Worth is more than just a prosperous suburb outside of Dallas.

Cost of Living

The average living cost for one person in Fort Worth is around $1,908. A family of four can expect to spend approximately $4,561. Unlike other Texas cities, the living costs in Fort Worth is actually lower than the average, 4% lower, to be exact.

However, when you break down all the numbers, you can still expect to pay more for some necessary goods and services, including utilities, than other large Texan cities.

Average Cost of Rent/Home Costs

The average cost of rent in Fort Worth, Texas, is comparable with other Texas cities. The average renter can expect to pay $1,423 a month for a modest apartment in the metro area. The average home prices in Fort Worth are slightly less than in nearby Dallas. The average cost of a house in Fort Worth is $329,047.

The median household income in the Fort Worth area is $65,356, which is well above the average, and another famous nearby Texan city: is Dallas.

Best Schools

Much like Dallas, there are several excellent schools to choose from in Fort Worth, Texas. The metro area boasts an impressive number of public schools and private schools, including 263 elementary schools and 94 high schools.

Some of the best schools in Fort Worth include Tanglewood Elementary School, Eagle Mountain Elementary School, and the Young Woman’s Leadership Academy.

Best Neighborhoods

Known as one of the top safest cities in Texas, you will not have any problem finding a fantastic neighborhood to call home. Many residents live in the downtown area because it is such a cultural melting pot and boasts some of the most outstanding nightlife and restaurants in the city.

If you would rather live in an area with a quieter, more down-to-earth feel, consider calling Far South, Far Northwest, or Arlington Heights home.

San Antonio, Texas

A city that is known for the historical monument of the Texas revolution, the Alamo, the San Antonio Spurs, and very low crime rates, the area is a fantastic place to spend hot summers with your friends and family. However, while it is a great place to visit and catch a basketball game, should young professionals call San Antonio, Texas, home?

Cost of Living

San Antonio, Texas, is a very financially reasonable city in Texas to call home. The cost of living in the city is 8% below the national average. Additionally, you can expect to spend an impressive 18% less on rent, 10% less on groceries, and 11% less on utilities than other comparable cities in Texas, including the Dallas Fort Worth area.

The low median household income in San Antonio is a very respectable $53,420, which is only slightly below the national average.

Average Cost of Rent/Home Costs

Many young professionals are quickly flocking to the area because the rent is so reasonable, especially when you compare it to other major Texas cities. The average person moving to San Antonio will pay approximately $1,281 each month. The median housing price in San Antonio, Texas, is $345,114 and is rising at an average rate of 19% per year.

Best Schools

San Antonio, Texas, is known for its top-rated schools, and because it is the safest city in the area, it would make sense for a family with school-aged children to call San Antonio home.

There are several amazing public and private schools to choose from in the area, 1,138 to be exact. The city boasts a whopping 487 elementary schools and 173 public high schools in the metro area. The city is also the home to several universities and colleges, including the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Best Neighborhoods

If you want to live in Texas and are considering this area, there are several excellent neighborhoods to choose from. This is because this area could be viewed as the safest city in Texas. Some of the top neighborhoods include Beacon Hill, King William, Tobin Hill, and North Central.

El Paso, Texas

A Texas city that is synonymous with the Lone Star State itself, El Paso, Texas, is surprisingly known for all of its haunted tours and as a place that the notorious outlaw Billy the Kid once called home. El Paso isn’t the largest city in Texas, but you will feel like you are living in a central metro area that is tucked into a small town.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in El Paso, Texas, is very reasonable and is an impressive 10% less than the average cost of living in the rest of America. Housing is very reasonable in El Paso, and you can expect to pay 30% less on your rent than in some cities in the Lone Star State.

The median household income in this Texas city is a modest $43,332, which is less than the Texas average of $54,727. Some of the hottest employment sectors in the area include healthcare, education, and retail.

Average Cost of Rent/Home Costs

If you want an outstanding place to call home in Texas that is also affordable, look no further than El Paso. The average rent in the area is only $978. If you would rather rent a home, you will only need to pay around $1,671 each month. The median housing price in the area is $203,290.

Best Schools

There are several exceptional schools to choose from in this town that is considered one of the best cities in Texas. Among these schools include the top-rated Mission Early College High School and the Silva Health Magnet High School. The city is also home to the University of Texas and Southwest Career College.

Best Neighborhoods

The crime rates in the city are very low, which is why you won’t have any trouble finding an amazing neighborhood in the metro area to call home. Some of the best include Castner Heights, Mesa Hills, and North Hills.

Corpus Christi, Texas

A place where spring breakers flock every year, Corpus Christi provides you with a taste of island life on the mainland. Known for its unique Southern culture and because the city is only a hop, skip, and jump from an amazing island on the Southernmost tip of Texas, South Padre Island, there are many ways to enjoy a day in a cowboy hat.

Cost of Living

The median household income in Corpus Christi is $57,387. The average cost of living in the area is $1,514 for a single person, and for a family of four, the cost of living is around $3,395, making it one of the most expensive cities in Texas.

Luckily, although the overall cost of living in the area is expensive, you can still expect to pay approximately 6% less for rent and 13% less for groceries than in other comparable cities.

Average Cost of Rent/Home Costs

The average rent for a modestly sized apartment in this area is around $1,149 per month, which is on par with rent in cities of similar size in Texas.

The typical home value in Corpus Christi is $219 190. You can expect to spend around $280,000 for your next home in the area if you decide to move to what is arguably the fastest-growing city in the area.

Best Schools

Corpus Christi, Texas, has some of the most top-rated schools in the entire state and Southern Texas. Amongst these schools are Calallen Wood River Elementary School, Smith Elementary School, and London High School. The area is also home to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and Del Mar College.

Best Neighborhoods

If you want to live in Texas, and in this amazing southern area specifically, you want to ensure the neighborhood you and your family call home are both safe and near amazing shopping, culture, performing arts, and restaurants.

Some of the top neighborhoods in this city include Central city, Flour Bluff, and Calallen.

Houston, Texas

What is arguably the fastest growing city in Texas and is the home of countless tributes in southern culture, a historic river walk, and a historic jazz festival? Houston, Texas, is an amazing city in Harris County and the biggest city in the greater Houston metro area.

Houston could be the right place for you and your family, one of the biggest cities in Texas too. Let’s consider the variables:

Cost of Living

When you do not factor in the cost of rent, which will be discussed later, the average cost of living for one single person in Houston is around $800. For a family of four, the cost is $2,900. The median household income in this amazing area is $53,600.

Houston’s overall cost of living is 6% less than the average cost throughout America. You can expect to pay 18% less for housing and 4% less for groceries than other comparable city in Texas and the United States.

Average Cost of Rent/Home Costs

The median housing price for a modest home in Houston is $272,473. The average cost for a new home in Houston is nearly $400,000, which is much higher than in recent years. As far as rent, a family or single person can expect to pay $1,304 each month.

If you want to live in Texas and in Houston specifically, you will often pay more in rent than other comparable cities in other states.

Best Schools

There are several amazing public and private schools, as well as top-notch colleges and universities in Houston. Among them are DeBakey High School for Health Professions, Carnegie Vanguard High School, and Challenge Early College High School.

The University of Houston, Rice University, and Texas Southern University are just a handful of outstanding schools in this amazing city.

Best Neighborhoods

Houston is full of many of the unique neighborhoods in all of Texas. If you want to enjoy the low crime rates in some of Houston’s top neighborhoods. The typical home value is high in some of these areas; however, you will get several amazing amenities and great neighbors if you choose Midtown, Memorial, Montrose, or River Oaks.

New Braunfels, Texas

One of the best cities and fastest growing metropolitan areas in all of Texas, New Braunfels was established in 1845 and is known as one of the most historical places to visit in the state. The site is filled with museums, shopping, restaurants, and live music venues.

If romance is something that piques your interest, New Braunfels is filled with wineries and quiet bistros where you can spend a quiet afternoon gazing into your spouse’s eyes.

Cost of Living

The average cost of living for a swinging single is $1,663. For a family of four, get ready to spend around $3,895 for rent, utilities, groceries, and other incidentals.

The overall living costs in the area are 8% less than the average costs across America. As far as utilities and groceries, get ready to spend 4% to 6%, respectively.

The median household income is a very impressive $71,274, which is well above what a household can expect to earn every year.

Average Cost of Rent/Home Costs

This is a beautiful area of Texas, which is why you will pay slightly more for rent. On average, expect to pay approximately $1,503 each month. The typical home value of a property in the city is an impressive $423,267. These prices might seem steep, but because New Braunfels has such a high average household income, you will be able to afford the slightly higher average housing costs.

Best Schools

If you want to live in Texas, and in this area specifically, you will have several special school districts to choose from. There are a total of 69 schools in the city, including the highly rated Hoffman Lane Elementary School, County Line Elementary School, and Alamo Colleges – Memorial Early, Co.

New Braunfels is technically a suburb of San Antonio, which means you can enjoy that city’s amazing school district and universities, as well.

Best Neighborhoods

Finally, if you are ready to pack up and move to New Braunfels, there are several notable neighborhoods to choose from. Far and away, River Chase is an amazing place for you to raise a family. Highland Grove, Manor Creek, and Pecan Crossing are other beautiful choices.

Austin, Texas

If you want to live in Texas but still want to feel like you are living in a truly unique city, then look no further than Austin, Texas. Dubbed the “Live Music Capital” of the country, Austin is located in central Texas and the only city in these United States to have a unique blend of rock-solid political movements, music, restaurants, shopping, and an amazing river walk.

Cost of Living

The city of Austin is one of the fastest growing in the entire state. However, despite all of this growth, the cost of living in Austin is very reasonable. As a matter of fact, it is much lower than several of the other major cities in Texas.

For instance, the cost of utilities is 12% lower than the rest of the country, and the cost of transportation is also much less than in other big cities in America.

Additionally, the median household income in Austin is an impressive $80,954, which is much higher than in Texas and the rest of the United States. If you want to find an amazing place to live in Texas, you cannot go wrong with calling Austin home.

Average Cost of Rent/Home Costs

Many people who decide to live in Texas, and in Austin specifically, can expect to pay around $1,826, which is much higher than cities of comparable size in Texas and the rest of the country. In addition to higher rental costs, the median housing price in Austin is $649,900.

This number has risen around 16% over the last few years and, unfortunately, is expected to keep growing.

Best Schools

If you choose to live in Texas, you want to ensure that the school system is competitive with other areas. In Austin, there are several amazing school districts to choose from. The city boasts 750 total schools, with 329 public elementary schools and 109 public high schools.

If you are college bound and want to bask in the unusual energy of Austin, you can choose from St. Edward’s University, Huston-Tillotson University, and Concordia University, Texas.

Best Neighborhoods

There is any number of great neighborhoods in Austin to call home, including the downtown area, Cherrywood, and North Loop. However, if you want to truly want to enjoy all the metropolitan amenities of Austin and enjoy more peaceful family life, look into the suburb of Round Rock.

Round Rock is an amazing little town that is known for its museums, art scene, many festivals, and scenic views.

Where Do People Live in Texas?

There is just seriously no getting around the fact that Texas is huge, and with all the amazing cities and small towns to choose from, it can be challenging to make a final decision. In addition to the cities discussed, there are also cities along the Mexican border, including Eagle Pass, Laredo, and El Paso.

Fort Hood military base is also located in Texas, just outside Killeen, Texas. Killeen has a population of 153,095 people and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and, thanks to the military base, a booming economy.

If you want to live by the sea, along a slow-moving river, or are thinking about retiring, you can find an ideal location to call home almost anywhere in Texas. The Texas Hill Country is known for its temperate climate and is a place that retirees are flocking to.

The Rio Grande Valley on the shores of the Rio Grande is known for its exotic and amazing wildlife, beautiful weather, and abundant citrus groves.

If you are heading to colleges, there are several universities and community colleges found throughout Texas. This includes Baylor University, Southern Methodist University, the University of Houston, Texas Tech University, and Rice University.

If you are a university student or simply a kid at heart, there are several attractions across the state to spend a few hours, or let’s be realistic, a few days.

This includes Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Space Center Houston, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and of course, AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys!

Is Texas a Good Place to Live?

Now that you have read the facts and weighed your option, chances are you have one final question: Is Texas a Good Place to Call Home? The answer is a straightforward one: Yes! Texas is a very diverse, massive state where you can find a safe place to raise a family or a fun place to spend an afternoon.

If you are a young person looking for a top-rate college or university or a recent graduate looking for a new job opportunity, there are several places that you can explore. For families with young children, there are many cities with low crime rates, excellent school systems, and affordable housing prices.

Finally, if you are an empty nester ready to retire, the weather combined with the restaurants, museums, bars, and nightlife make Texas somewhere to buy a new house or condominium.

The post Where would you live in Texas? appeared first on Hercules.

One of the most popular destinations that Hercules Movers and Packers routinely helps people move to is Colorado. With its bustling, growing economy and bountiful employment opportunities, Colorado has become an increasingly beloved hotspot for families and businesses alike to relocate to. If you, your family, or your business are looking for such a wondrous and new opportunity, there may be no better fit than having the Hercules Movers and Packers team guide you to Colorado.

All About Colorado

It isn’t difficult to see why so many Texans have found Colorado to be the perfect relocation destination. So much of Colorado preserves the elements that many Texans hold near and dear to their hearts about Texas, from its warm sunshine and plentiful outdoor activities, while offering even more opportunities.

While Colorado and Texas are quite close, geographically speaking(their state lines are only a stone’s throw away from being connected if you squint hard enough!). Colorado does offer a much richer and fuller breadth of seasonal changes with its gorgeous and diverse landscapes truly experiencing all four seasons.

This is not to even mention the fact that this mountain state features some of the very best outdoor concert venues in the entire country, as well as one of the most historically successful NFL football teams of all time with the Denver Broncos.

So if you’re looking to move somewhere that preserves all that you love about Texas while also offering you a more diverse climate and landscape, even greater entertainment options, and one of the most prolifically booming economies in the United States, then the team at Hercules Movers and Packers knows that Colorado is the place you need to be.

Most Popular Cities to Live in Colorado – The Centennial State

Once you’ve decided on Colorado as your destination of choice, the question, of course, becomes: exactly where in the Centennial State are you looking to move to? With its storied and varying landscapes, many of Colorado’s most popular cities offer numerous opportunities specifically unique to them.

Hercules Movers and Packers knows that for as trying as the relocation process can be, you want to make sure you only have to do it once and get it done right the first time around. So let’s break down precisely what each of Colorado’s most popular cities has to offer to ensure you get everything you need and more from your new home.

Denver: The Mile-High City

With a population of over 700,000 residents, Denver is far and away the largest city in Colorado, nearly double the size of even its closest competitor. To pair with this, Denver also sports some of the best healthcare facilities in the country, with this city’s incredible healthcare measures playing an integral role in Colorado’s healthcare routinely placing in the top ten rankings for all U.S. states. So if you’re looking for big business within one of the states and the nation’s most predominant major cities, Denver may be just the place for you.

And if you’re worried about it being all work and no play, fret not, for Denver also offers some of the most iconic entertainment options Colorado has to offer. Whether it’s watching the Denver Broncos bring home yet another incredible victory at Empower Field at Mile High or seeing a concert at one of the most historically awe-inspiring best outdoor concert venue in the country at Red Rocks Amphitheater, Denver has plenty to offer.

Colorado Springs: Little London

With nearly 470,000 residents, Colorado Springs is the second-largest city in Colorado. While its population is nearly half the size of Denver’s, it is also more than double the size of its closest competitor. So if you’re looking for a larger city, but perhaps the hustle and bustle of Colorado’s largest city feels like a bit much, Hercules Movers and Packers knows that Colorado’s own ‘little London’ may be just the perfect fit for you.

Referred to as ‘little London’ because of its prolific British heritage (at one point, over twenty percent of the population of Colorado Springs was from a British bloodline), Colorado Springs offers a much more scenic landscape than that of Denver and serves to highlight the sheer diversity of terrain within the state as a whole. From the Garden of the Gods, a National Natural Landmark whose towers of sandstone tower over 300 feet above its guests, to Pikes Peak, the single highest summit of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in the country, Colorado Springs has awe-inspiring scenic beauty and majesty to spare.

The People’s Republic of Boulder

Boulder sports a residency of over 110,000 people. Having less than half of the population of Colorado Springs and less than a fourth of the population of Denver, Boulder is a noticeably smaller city, but one that might prove itself to be precisely what you’re looking for.

Boulder has routinely been ranked number one on U.S. News & World Report’s list of “Best Places to Live” thanks to the way in which the city’s terrain is able to capture the beauty of Colorado’s natural scenery, the plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities and entertainment, and its great schools. Boulder also features astonishingly low crime rates and an absolutely booming economy, all of which contribute to it also being named one of the “Best Places to Live for Quality of Life” and the “Happiest City in America” by similar research studies.

So while other moving companies may advise you to take your family or business to one extreme or the other (either the biggest cities or the littlest ones), the team at Hercules Movers and Packers knows that sometimes the truly miraculous finds lie somewhere in the middle. And with Boulder, it’s a pretty stunning encapsulation of all that Colorado has to offer.

Castle Rock: The Outlet Town

With a population of just over 65,000, Castle Rock offers an even more intimate locale to consider within Colorado. Much like Boulder, Castle Rock routinely rates quite highly on research studies of “Best Places to Live,” thanks to its eclectic mix of big-city entertainment thrills and small-time Americana hominess.

Known affectionately as the ‘outlet town,’ Castle Rock features many shopping options that bring in great business to the city, such as the famous Outlets at Castle Rock as well as the highly-regarded WineFest, which brings nationwide attention with it each July and is one of the most popular and affluent wine-themed festivals in the country.

Aspen: America’s Canar City

This city’s population is the smallest of any on this list, with only just over 7,000 residents. Much like Castle Rock, Aspen has become quite famous across the country partially due to its overabundance of luxury shopping experiences. The town is nestled high up in the Rocky Mountains, at a level of about 8,000 feet, resulting in the city being covered in snow for nearly half of the year. This prolonged winter and high altitude make it one of the premiere skiing destinations in the country.

From its luxury shopping opportunities to its unique weather conditions to its skiing fame, Aspen is a world of its own that features some of the best of Colorado, and as a result, it attracts a great deal of traffic from celebrities as well. So if you’re looking to be star-struck by some of Hollywood’s own modern mythic men or simply interested in selling to them, Hercules Movers and Packers know Aspen could be the perfect, secluded spot for you.

Fort Collins: The Napa Valley of Beer

With a population of over 170,000 residents, Fort Collins is a good deal more populated than some of the last few entries on this list, and it only takes one word to explain why: beer. The home of more than twenty of the most famous and award-winning craft breweries in the nation and the home of one of the largest breweries in the entire world with Anheuser-Busch’s local brewery, Fort Collins truly earns its name as the Napa Valley of Beer.

This city, much like Boulder and Castle Rock, also ranks quite highly on many lists of “Best Places to Live,” with it also ranking routinely as one of the top ten “Best Places to Raise a Family.” Between its bustling economy, its vivacious city life, and the scenic beauty and splendor of Colorado it still offers, Fort Collins is yet another incredibly viable option for great living as a Colorado resident.

The Colorado Rocky Mountains

One of the most famous landmarks in the entirety of the United States, the Rocky Mountains have blessed Colorado with natural beauty, and the cities of Colorado have responded by cultivating unique thrills and entertainment options within the peaks of these beautiful mountains.

From world-class ski resorts to mountain biking tours to highly-regarded institutions such as the Rocky Mountain National Park or Estes Park, the Colorado Rockies are a singular sight and an undeniable highlight of Colorado’s beauties.

Taxes: Texas Vs. Colorado

While scenic beauty, bustling nightlife, and wondrous weather are all delightful, if you’re considering moving to Colorado, Hercules Movers and Packers knows that some of the questions weighing heaviest on your mind are going to be relating to the financial pros and cons of the move. So let’s discuss the differences in taxes between Colorado and your home state of Texas.

State Income Tax

Colorado has an individual income tax of 4.5%. By contrast, Texas does not even have an individual income tax because the Texas Constitution outlaws such a tax.

Sales Tax

Colorado has a sales tax of 2.9%. Meanwhile, Texas has a sales tax of 6.25%.

Property Taxes

Colorado has some of the lowest property taxes in the U.S. Texas is one of the states with the highest property tax in the country.

So while Texans avoid income tax, you can clearly see how it is more than accounted for in just how high the sales tax and property taxes are in Texas. Colorado, on the other hand, has income tax but also sports incredible lows for both sales and property taxes. So please, don’t let the presence of an income tax scare you away from moving to a state with some of the most lenient taxes in the country.

What You Should Know about the Weather Before Moving from Texas to Colorado

While Texas is warm and sunny nearly year round with its desert climate, Colorado does have a full four-season calendar and is therefore going to get substantially cooler than Texas in the winter times.

The average annual temperature in Texas is 65.3 degrees. The average annual temperature in Colorado is 43.5 degrees, a full twenty degrees colder. While that may sound shocking, it’s crucial to keep in mind that these figures are averages for the entirety of each state and that huge swaths of Colorado are highly elevated mountain areas that are naturally colder with fresh snow. These areas drastically affect the average of the state’s temperature overall.

Colorado absolutely does feature a wider range of weather conditions than Texas does, but an average day in average terrain in Colorado is not nearly as different from an average day in Texas as these figures might make it sound.

Texas to Colorado Home Prices

For as wonderful as Colorado is, Hercules Movers and Packers never want to misguide you and is intent on being as upfront and honest as possible with you. With that in mind and knowing how important the larger financial figures of a move can be, you should be aware that the price of a home in Colorado is, on average, substantially more expensive than it is in Texas.

Colorado’s average home price is $580,275. In stark contrast, Texas’ average home price is $355,000. Major factors that play a role in this include Colorado’s booming economy and the current fluctuating marketplace, which could soon see home prices drop.

Cost of Living Index Changes When Moving from Texas to Colorado

While there are many factors that undergo consideration when measuring the cost of living in any given state, such as vehicle registration, your current driver’s license, or your average rent, generally speaking, Colorado is also substantially more expensive than Texas. Using Dallas and Denver as base-level cities for each state, Denver is 26.5% more expensive than Dallas.

There are other factors as well, such as the fact that Colorado has various incentives that will pay you to move there under certain circumstances (such as if you are disabled or if you are buying your first home). It’s also important to keep in mind that even with these averages, both Colorado and Texas are above the national average.

Comparing the Job Market between Texas to Colorado

The job market is an area in which both Texas and Colorado positively excel. Both offer plentiful job opportunities, reasonable rates per hour, and easy access to entries into various fields. Texas specializes much more in retail and service-based industries than Colorado and is routinely rated a great place to enter a new job field. Colorado, meanwhile, is routinely ranked as one of America’s hottest job markets and has re-employed the over 350,000 individuals who lost their jobs due to COVID in the last two years.

How to Prepare for Long-Distance Moves

That’s all a lot of information to take in and consider. Relocations are difficult, and the moving process itself is often tedious and time-consuming, more so than it is exciting.

Search for the Best Long-Distance Moving Companies

Whenever you find yourself in the position of preparing to move long distance, you should always look into the most well-respected and highly-regarded moving services in your current area of residence.

Once you’ve found some moving services you trust, schedule your free in-home estimates with them so that not only can the teams of these companies better understand you but also so that you can get a better understanding of their work ethics. Always schedule multiple quotes, at least three, so that you have a better understanding of what is and isn’t fair. This way, you never have to feel backed into a corner or done wrong by an underhanded deal.

Get Information About Other Moving Costs

On top of the traditional fees, moving also comes with other, perhaps less expected expenses. From flight ticket prices to hotel expenses to gas prices, depending on the exact distance of your drive in Colorado, it all begins to add up in unpleasant ways. That’s why you should always ask your moving company if they offer any incentives that would allow for further coverage of these additional charges.

The team at Hercules Movers and Packers wants to help save you time, money, and heartache in absolutely any way they can.

Get Information About Other Moving Costs

Do you know the exact distance from Texas to Colorado Denver? Before you decide if you’re driving to Colorado, you may want to check flight ticket prices; otherwise, you will encounter additional hotel expenses along the way.

Commonly Asked Questions

Is it Cheaper to Live in Texas or Colorado?

Texas has cheaper home prices and cost of living but higher taxes all around.

Why are Texans Moving to Colorado?

For its gorgeous landscapes, great weather, and booming economy.

Is Moving to Colorado a Good Idea?

It’s all relative, but Colorado does routinely rank as one of the best places to live in the U.S.

How Much Money Do I Need to Move?

It all depends upon where exactly in Colorado you’re looking to move to, so study up, and Hercules Movers and Packers will help you calculate the rest!

Where is the Best Place to Move to in Colorado?

Speaking strictly based upon its routine ranking as the happiest and best city in America, apparently Boulder. But it’s all relative to your specific situation.

How Much of Colorado is Owned by Texans?

A not insubstantial amount.

The Conclusion if You’re Moving from Texas to Colorado

If you’re looking for a change of pace and scenery, you can’t go wrong with a move to Colorado. Just remember to do your research ahead of time, both on the state itself and on the moving process, so that you know what to expect and can plan accordingly! And if you need a free quote for your long-distance move, don’t hesitate to reach out to Hercules Movers and Packers!

The post Hercules Movers and Packers’ Ultimate Guide: Moving from Texas to Colorado appeared first on Hercules.

Way back in 1607, English settlers numbering a mere 100 arrived in what we now call Virginia. They founded a fort known as Jamestown on the southern shore.

Today, the State of Virginia encompasses 42,775 square miles and has a population of 8,642,274 per the U.S. Census Bureau, pretty evenly divided between males and females. A total of 90.3% have a high school education, and 39.5% have a bachelor’s degree or more.

Virginia has a number of official animals:

• The state dog is the American Foxhound
• The native Virginia Big-Eared bat is the state bat
• The Cardinal is the state bird
• The Tiger Swallowtail holds the title of the state insect
• The state snake is the Eastern Garter snake

When it comes to plants, since 1918 the Flowering Dogwood has been the official flower when it beat the Virginia Creeper by a single vote. State songs include “Our Great Virginia,” “Carry Me Back to Old Virginny,” and “Sweet Virginia Breeze.”

The most influential Native Americans were the Powhatan Confederacy, which controlled most of the Tidewater region where they were farmers. The famous Pocahontas was a Powhatan.

Virginia’s Rich History

Virginia’s history is America’s history. Did you know the state was named after Queen Elizabeth I? It proudly boasts the first permanent English colony, formed in 1607 and named Jamestown. It became one of the original 13 states in 1788.

Its place in American history was assured when it became home to founding fathers, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George Mason, and Patrick Henry. No less than four United States’ first presidents came from Virginia. The capital, Richmond, was also the capital of the Confederacy.

Virginia’s history is still alive, and many spots have become destinations for both residents and tourists. Here are some fun, historical places you can visit once you live there:

1. Mount Vernon, just south of the city of Alexandria, was the home of President George Washington. However, he spent little time there, busy as he was with the American Revolution and participating in the French and Indian War. Daily tours are available.
2. While Edgar Allan Poe never lived in the “Old Stone House,” it commemorates his time in Richmond. Filled with Poe memorabilia, it also is the oldest building in Richmond.
3. First Landing State Park was where the initial settlers of what was then the Virginia Colony landed in April 1607. Historical markers point out essential details while there are plenty of trails and abundant wildlife.
4. Fans of the Carter Family will enjoy the A.P. Carter Museum. This tribute to the musical Carter Family has clothes, photos, books, and other items donated by June Carter and Johnny Cash.
5. Monticello is famous as President Thomas Jefferson’s plantation home. An innovator and inventor, Jefferson designed his house, taking cues from the Italian Renaissance. Furniture takes up unnecessary space, he thought, and you can see that in his placement of beds, tables, and other items.

1. Patrick Henry famously declared, “Give me liberty, or give me death!” inside St. John’s Church. Since his speech in 1775, it’s become an enduring symbol of patriotism.
2. Bridge enthusiasts will enjoy Humpback Bridge in Covington. It’s the oldest surviving bridge in Virginia, dating back to 1957, and has a unique curved shape.
3. The British came, and then they surrendered. A mix of French and American forces led by George Washington prevailed in 1781. The Yorktown Victory Center sits on his historic site and provides outdoor exhibits, films, and other information marking the path to the country’s freedom from British rule.
4. Architectural fans will love Bacon’s Castle in Surry. Constructed in 1665, the mansion’s style is Jacobian, and it’s the only example left in America. Named for Rebel Leader Nathaniel Bacon, guided tours can be had from March through November.
5. A small wooden house stands as a tribute to Booker T. Washington in Hardy. He was born and raised here, and where he formed his thoughts on emancipation.
6. Jamestown is a place of much mystery, as well as the first Virginia settlement. A knight’s gravestone was found embedded into the floor of a church, and bones have been found that were laid out in a formal English style. Mysteries aside, Jamestown today offers historical reenactments, Powhatan village recreations, English ships, as well as a colonial fort. Take a trip back in time!
7. Civil War enthusiasts will want to visit the Appomattox Courthouse. This is where General Lee surrendered to end the Civil War, and General Grant graciously accepted. You can visit this building as well as others in this National Historical Park.

Of course, there are many other historical sites in Virginia, but this list should give you a great start. But what’s it like to live in Virginia today? I’m glad you asked.

Living in Virginia

If you’ve lived all of your life in Houston, you are missing the joys of having four discernable seasons. Summers in Houston are hot and humid. Winters in Houston are humid, cold, and rainy. There’s no real Spring or Fall. Texas is a big state, so getting anywhere, such as the Texas Hill Country, takes hours. Houston has no beach, no mountains, and no winter sports.

That’s enough of what Houston doesn’t have. Let’s talk about what Virginia does have that makes moving the state so appealing.

Four Seasons

Yep, you get four instead of two. We’ll do a deeper dive into Virginia weather later, but just know that winters are cold, spring is filled with blooming beauty, summers are hot, but there are plenty of beaches, lakes, and rivers, and fall is filled with color.

You’re at the Heart of the East Coast

So much is so close! You’ll never lack for day trips. If you’ve ever wanted to visit Washington D.C., you’re 1:40 away from things like the Lincoln Memorial, the Smithsonian, and the Capitol, among other treats. Want to visit New York City? It makes a great weekend trip about five hours away.

You Love the Mountains and the Beach

Virginia is filled with mountains. McAfee’s Knob along the Appalachian Trail offers panoramic views. Visit Shenandoah National Park, Morning Star to see the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains or Hawksbill Mountain, the highest peak in the park.

If you’re more of a beach bunny, Virginia has plenty of beautiful beaches just a short drive away. You can even see wild ponies at Assateague Island Seashore!

These are just a few of the many things that make moving to Virginia appealing.

The Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Houston is slightly less than in Virginia, but it depends on where you live. We’re using the capital, Richmond, as a baseline.

Rental Prices

The cost to rent a place is pretty comparable. You’ll spend an average of $1,459 for an apartment in Richmond, and $1,381 average for the same apartment in Houston. Of course, prices in both places depend on the neighborhood.

Renting a three-bedroom home is less in Richmond: $1,492 vs. $1,518 in Houston. If you want a four-bedroom house, the gap is even larger: $1,787 in Richmond vs. $1,949 in Houston. Just keep in mind that the rental market is tight, with only a 2.5% vacancy rate.

Home Prices

The median home cost in Houston is $220,000, and in Richmond, it’s $282,800. The housing market in Richmond is more competitive than in Houston, with an average of six to seven offers. This means you might want to take advantage of the cheaper rental rates while you find your perfect home at the ideal price.

Transportation

Moving from Houston to Virginia will save you 48% on transportation.

The Economy in Virginia

You’ll be happy to know that Virginia has an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is lower than the country’s average 6.0%, and job growth is expected to be 34.9%. The median income exceeds the U.S. average at $64,792 vs. $53,482.

Most people in Virginia work in:

• Healthcare and social assistance
• Professional, scientific, and technical services
• Education
• Retail
• Hotel and food service
• Manufacturing
• Construction

The Educational System

If you’re looking for a good education, Virginia is the place to be. Compared with Houston, Richmond:

• Spends 32.5% more per student
• Has a lower (38%) student-to-teacher ratio
• Has 8.5% more people who have graduated high school

Virginia’s school systems are superior in every way to Houston’s. The U.S. Department of Education’s National Assessment of Education Progress names it among the top 10 states, and students outperform the average in almost every subject area and grade level.

Virginia also has a statewide system that supports and holds accountable all public schools, and has a Standards of Learning with quality standards.

Virginia is also home to notable universities that include:

• George Mason University, which has four programs among the top 100 in the world, including business, computer science, engineering, and nursing
• The University of Virginia is considered one of the best universities in the country and has highly-ranked graduate programs in business, education, engineering, applied science, law, and medicine. Fun fact: UVA has one of the 25 remaining original copies of the Declaration of Independence in its library.
• William & Mary is the second oldest college in the country, founded in 1693 by King William III and Queen Mary II of England. It has more than 30 undergraduate and 10 graduate programs. It’s home to the renowned Marshall-Whythe School of Law, which was the nation’s first law school, as well as the Mason School of Business.
• Virginia Tech is a former military technical institute. It has graduated two Rhodes Scholars, four Marshall Scholars, 38 Goldwater Scholars, and 131 Fulbright Scholars. It also counts among its alums three Nobel laureates. That’s just a partial list of what Virginia Tech students have accomplished.
• The University of Richmond is a private college that ranks as one of the country’s most innovative schools. It was founded in 1830 and is one of the best liberal arts colleges and one of the best value schools in the United States.

Education is essential, but keeping healthy is, too. Let’s explore the healthcare system in Virginia.

Virginia’s Healthcare System

A federal government report recently ranked Virginia among the top 10 states for healthcare quality. The state came out strong in effective treatment measures and ranked first in acute care measurements, while placing seventh in the nation for chronic care.

U.S. News recently released their latest rankings for the best hospitals in Virginia, and they include:

#1 – Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church for specialty and children’s specialty, including a number of cancer surgeries and cardiology and heart surgery.

#2 – University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, which ranks highly in several pediatric and adult specialties covering 14 conditions and procedures that include treatments for cancer, cardiology, diabetes, and endocrinology.

#3 – Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk is a real performer in cardiology and heart surgery, as well as gastroenterology and GI surgery.

#3 – Tied at number three is VCU Medical Center in Richmond. It holds a national ranking for one adult specialties, and three pediatric specialties. These include cancer, cardiology, gastroenterology, and GI surgery. It also scores well in geriatrics and orthopedics.

Overall, healthcare in Virginia ranks 12th, so you can be confident you’re getting great care.

The Military in Virginia

Virginia has two state military components–the Virginia Defense Force and the Virginia National Guard, according to the state’s Department of Military Affairs. The state has 27 military bases, and every military branch has at least one. These include:

• Langley Air Force Base, Hampton
• Fort Belvoir Army Base, Fairfax
• Fort Eustis Army Base, Newport News
• Finance Center Coast Guard Base, Chesapeake
• Marine Corps Air Facility, Quantico – this is where the President flies from
• NAB Little Creek Navy Base, Norfolk

Virginia Beach, per its economic development department,  is known to have the largest number of military personnel aside from the Pentagon. There are almost 90,000 active-duty military members. There are also 52,240 civilian employees and another 279,000 connected to the military. This, of course, has an enormous impact on the economy; in 2019-2020, this was nearly $16 billion, with an annual payroll of $13 billion.

Virginia is for Foodies

Virginia isn’t just for lovers. The Food Network sings the praises of Virginia’s iconic foods that go back to its founding days. Yum! Let’s take a look, and then you can taste when you arrive. Bet you can’t wait!

• Pimento cheese. Okay, so you might remember this from your childhood, but it’s definitely gotten an upgrade with the addition of things like roasted red pepper and shallots. The cheese itself is a Southern classic that is often served with pickles and Ritz crackers. You can find this at Pasture in Richmond.
• Fried Pies are another Southern staple that can be found across Virginia. You can find an Apple Bourbon Sorghum Caramel Fry Pie with a warm thyme custard at The Shack in Staunton.
• Oysters. Virginia is the leading East Coast oyster producer. The Merrior restaurant in Topping harvests these babies daily.
• Peanut pie. Those big peanuts you see? They come from Virginia, where they’ve been grown since the 1840s. Located in the heart of peanut country in Sussex county, the Virginia Diner puts a whopping half-pound of peanuts in their gooey pie.

• Macaroni and cheese. It’s a fact: in the 1790s, Thomas Jefferson got a pasta machine in Europe and liked serving macaroni to his guests. The Virginia Restaurant in Jefferson was established in 1819 and carries on the tradition. Their Stumble Down Mac N’ Chees is a favorite of students at the University of Virginia, which is nearby.
• Brunswick stew is a Southern icon that several Southern States–Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia–claim to be its birthplace. However, the Grey Goose in Hampton sells up to 10 gallons of this chicken stew during the colder months.
• Last but not least, Peanut Soup. The restaurant 1776 Log House in Wytheville is located in a log cabin built in 1776. Their peanut soup recipe is adapted from one served at the Hostel Roanoke in the 1880s.

Iconic dishes aside, there are over 15,000 establishments for eating and drinking in the state, so finding something delicious is easy. Virginia is also home to 300 wineries, with trails and tours.

Traffic

Getting to work, school, or any of the fun things to do in Virginia likely requires some driving. And like anywhere, driving in the larger cities, particularly when driving near Washington DC, traffic can be a bear. Rush hours are incredibly stressful. And a study by Insurify puts Virginia on the list of the most dangerous states for drivers.

Fortunately, several public transportation systems provide buses so commuters can stay off the highways and byways. The Department of Rail and Public Transportation offers a transportation navigator so you can connect with local transit.

Virginia’s Weather

Virginia has both beaches and mountains, so the weather varies depending on where you are, but it is officially labeled a humid, subtropical region. Summers are humid near the coast, and dryer in the mountains, with temperatures that average 10 degrees cooler.

It’s a state of microclimates, including Tidewater, Piedmont, Northern Virginia, Western Mountain, and Southwestern Mountain. This means you can enjoy skiing or snowboarding and then leave the mountains and play a round of golf.

In Richmond, the average temperature in January is 47 degrees. Spring finds temperatures in the 70s, Summer in the 80s, and Fall back in the 70s.

When it comes to natural disasters, like most states, Virginia has its share of severe storms, floods, wildfires, extreme heat, landslides, and tropical storms. And hold onto your hat–Virginia actually has earthquakes! Per Virginia Tech, there have been over 160 since 1977, although only 16% were felt.

Plenty for the Beach Bunnies

While Virginia has only 112 miles of coastline, it’s packed with great beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. Here are a few Virginia Travels recommends:

Sandbridge in Virginia Beach

Choose this beach if you want some quiet time. It’s popular with locals but is rarely visited by tourists. It’s located south of the Virginia Beach main drag. There are no hotels, but there are beach rentals and condos. There are lifeguards along certain parts and food stands in Little Island Park.

Virginia Beach in Virginia Beach

This is the beach most people think of when they think of beaches in Virginia. It gets 19 million visitors annually, so the beach is often packed. It’s family-friendly with restaurants, theme parks, and a boardwalk. For those looking for souvenirs, a variety of food, and lots of things to do, it’s perfect. For those who want some alone time, you’re better off skipping it.

First Landing State Park on Chesapeake Bay

Known for its history, camping, and gorgeous beaches, it’s also the home of rainbow sheen swamps. Don’t worry–the sheen doesn’t come from an oil spill. It comes from the natural oils released by vegetation as it decays. You can explore the park or visit the beach where the first English settlers landed in North America. This park is also home to some great hiking trails.

Croatan Beach in Virginia Beach

Surf’s up! This beach south of Rudee Inlet and just north of Camp Pendleton has been the host of the East Coast Surfing Championships since 1982. There are two dedicated surfing areas and plenty of lifeguards. Whether you already surf or want to learn to surf at a surf camp, it’s the place for you.

Buckroe Beach in Hampton

This is one of Virginia’s oldest parks and recreation areas, founded in 1619. It was used as a fishing camp up until the Civil War. This is one of Virginia’s most family-friendly beaches, and you can rent kayaks, umbrellas, and lounge chairs. You’ll also find ice cream, plenty of food, and a pavilion that holds regular performances.

Things to Do in Virginia

History, of course, is everywhere in Virginia, but that’s not all there is to do. Let’s look at some of the top-rated attractions that will help you explore all f the wonderful things your new state has to offer.

Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive

If hiking or driving in the mountains is your jam, you’ll love this park in the center of the state. Skyline Drive runs along the crest of the Blue Mountains and has points to stop and take in the views that include the old Cave Cemetery below Dark Hollow Falls as well as President Hoover’s summer house.

October fall colors make this the most popular time for hikers. Luray Caverns, just a short drive away, has a plethora of stalactites and stalagmites for those spelunkers among us.

Luray Caverns

It’s like an alien landscape with all of its calcite formations. Highlights include Titania’s Veil, Double Column, interior lakes, and a spectacular one-of-a-kind musical instrument named the Stalapipe Organ. This organ creates music using stalactites.

There’s also a museum exploring the history of the Shenandoah Valley. It’s composed of a seven-acre village from the 19th century with authentic and reproduction artifacts as well as buildings. In addition, there’s a Car & Carriage Caravan Museum & Toy Town Junction with a toy collection and train set from the 1940s.

Colonial Williamsburg

Stand in the footsteps of Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson and have a meal in the same place George Washington ate. For recreating the American Revolutionary period, Williamsburg can’t be beaten. Many original 18th-century buildings are still standing, while others have been reproduced.

Interpreters in costume show what life was like for different strata of society, including gentry, farmers, and enslaved people. Re-enactments are one of the popular attractions that bring history to life. It’s an excellent place for a family visit. Aside from the above, there are two decorative and folk art museums along with many colonial gardens.

Arlington National Cemetery

This is the place to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, carved of white marble and containing the remains of soldiers from World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War. It’s faithfully attended by an honor guard 24/7/365.

The cemetery is home to some famous graves. It’s also the home of the Women in Military Service Memorial, the Iwo Jima Memorial, and the Seabees Memorial. Also on the grounds, which encompasses 600 acres, is the Arlington House. It was built by George Washington but is most famous as the home of Robert E. Lee until the Civil War.

Unusual Attractions in Virginia

For those looking for things out of the ordinary, Atlas Obscura has some attractions for you! Let’s take a look at a few.

• President Heads in Williamsburg. There are 42 20-foot busts of U.S. presidents in a field.
• Dinosaurland in White Post. This park has over 50 poorly-proportioned homemade statues of not just dinosaurs, but King Kong and Jaws. It also has an extensive gift shop.
• Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond. A gorgeous cemetery above the James River makes this a popular site for photographers. Presidents James Monroe, John Tyler, and Confederate President Jefferson Davis are buried here.

You can also see the mausoleum of W.W. Pool, vampire. In 1929, legend has it that a man-like creature with jagged teeth covered in blood with falling-off flesh was seen going into this mausoleum. Of course, this has been debunked, but it’s still a favorite with visitors.

• The Pinball Museum in Roanoke has over 50 classic pinball machines. It’s located in downtown Roanoke. Every exhibit can be played, including the Screwball, dating back to 1948.

Virginia Museums

History imbues most Virginia attractions, but there are plenty of other attractions, museums among them, that are worth a visit once you get settled.

• The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
• The National Museum of the Marine Corps
• Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia
• Taubman Museum of Art
• Virginia Aquarium and Museum Science Center

There are also interactive museums for kids, including Explore More Discover Museum in Harrisonburg and The Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond.

Festivals

The festivals in Virginia run almost year round and run the gamut from state and county fairs to Summer and Fall festivals to film festivals. Here are some of the most popular according to Trip 101.

• Virginia International Tattoo in Norfolk is a celebration of music and the military, with 1,000 performers from eight countries. It takes place from April to May of each year.
• Norfolk Harborfest happens for three days each June. It’s perfect for the whole family, with rides, games, fireworks, and tasty food.
• Virginia Highlands Festival has taken place in July in Abingdon for almost 80 years. It aims to preserve the culture and heritage of Southwest Virginia. It showcases local art.
• Norfolk NATO Festival has been going on since 1953, when NATO central command established a base there. It’s a military showcase for NATO member states and is an opportunity for cultural exchange. It takes place from April to May.
• Old Fiddlers Convention in Galax happens in August each year. It’s a weekend of fun, fiddles, competition, and family-oriented activities. You can even camp on-site.
• Hot Air Balloon Rally in Lexington is your opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride or watch the balloons take to the skies. It’s a fun time for a good cause–all proceeds go to charity.
• Chautauqua Festival in Wytheville is all about art of all kinds, from music to crafts to painting. It takes place from July to August.
• Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival in Newport News happens every year in April to honor the “First Lady of Music,” who just happened to have been born in Newport News. Fans can enjoy various artists performing Fitzgerald’s tunes.
• American Music Festival takes over the Virginia Beach Oceanfront each Labor Day weekend. It features local bands as well as big names.

There’s no lack of festivals in Virginia. These are just a few. Others include the Richmond Folk Festival, the Neptune Festival, the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival, and FloydFest, held in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Attractions

As you can see, there’s plenty to do in Virginia! Let’s explore some exciting and fun things to do with the whole family or group of friends.

• Kings Dominion and Soak City is a 400-acre theme park just 20 miles north of Richmond. It has more than 60 rides that including 12 famed roller coasters. The largest enclosed dark tube slide in the world is a feature of Soak City. It’s 20 acres of water fun.
• Busch Gardens© and Water Country USA has an international flair, with foods, landmarks, and entertainment that puts you in a different European village. Water Country USA has water slides, a free-floating river, and Surfer’s Bay with waves you can surf!
• Great Wolf Lodge is an indoor water park that can be used year-round and is a great family getaway. It also features rope courses, a 3D movie theater, an arcade, and a bowling alley.
• Massanutten WaterPark is another indoor water park with a multi-story interactive fortress. This fortress features water slides, waterfalls, cannons, and a large surf simulator. It’s open from Memorial Day until Labor Day.

Is Virginia A Good Place to Live?

Virginia residents have an excellent quality of life. U.S. News & World Report ranks it among the top 10 states to live in the country. The things that are most important to people were measured, including health care, education, the economy, infrastructure, and opportunity. The equation includes fiscal stability, crime and corrections, and the natural environment.

Virginia ranked #7 overall, and among the highest category ranking was for opportunity, looking at affordability, economic opportunity, and equality. World Population Review also has a high opinion of Virginia, ranking it seventh in quality of life, with one of the top economies in the nation. CNBC even named it the best state for business.

Is Virginia a Good Place to Retire?

If you’re exploring retirement options, you should take a look at Virginia, Kiplinger’s seventh best state to retire. While the overall cost of living is high, seniors have a high household income, 11.3% more than the national average.

Healthcare costs are lower than the national average, and retirees can expect to pay 3.4% less than the average in the U.S. Also, Virginia doesn’t tax Social Security and provides a nice income tax credit, and has low crime rates.

Some of the best places to retire in the state include Virginia Beach, Arlington, Alexandria, and Winchester.

Virginia is a Great Choice

Virginia has a low crime rate, a fabulous healthcare system, a prosperous economy, and you’ll never lack things to do. Stir into the recipe a heaping spoonful of history, and you can see why many find Virginia one of the very best places to live.

The post Moving To Virginia? Here are the Things You Should Know. appeared first on Hercules.

Home staging is the method of preparing a private residence for sale in the real estate marketplace. Home staging is a form of real estate marketing that aims to entice the most significant number of potential purchasers to a property, resulting in faster and higher sales.

Although home stagers typically work with vacant properties, some work with occupied homes as well. Occupied homes present unique challenges for home stagers, who must work with the homeowners’ possessions, decor, and way of life to create an appealing space that is still comfortable for the homeowners.

10 Tips For Staging Your Home

1. Depersonalize your space. Homebuyers will want to visualize how it would feel to live in your house. But that’s hard to do if it is filled with personal photos and mementos. Put away anything that resembles a home that is “lived-in.” Allow the buyers to imagine how their personal effects will look in your house.

2. Declutter. A cluttered house can deter a potential buyer, making the home feel cramped and less attractive. Decluttering is an opportune time to throw out or give away anything that is of no use to you anymore. If you have items that you’d like to move with you, box them and place them in the garage.

3. Put away personal items. In addition to decluttering, you’ll also want to put away any personal items that might be out in the open. This includes things like medication, toothbrushes, and toiletries.

4. Clean, sparkle, and shine. A clean home is a welcoming home. Make sure to dust, vacuum, and mop every surface in your home. Ensure the kitchen cabinets are wiped down, and the countertops are cleared off. Bathrooms should sparkle and shine, and the sink vanity should be cleared.

5. Let in some light. Flood your home with light by opening the curtains and flipping on the overhead lights. Potential buyers love walking into a room that’s inviting with natural lighting.

6. Create a focal point. In each room, you’ll want to create a focal point that will catch buyers’ eyes. If you have a fireplace, dress it up to look warm and inviting. Putting some candles on the mantel or even a lovely bouquet or greenery can add a touch of elegance. If your living room is the focal point, add some throw pillows and a throw blanket, and make sure the coffee table is clean and clutter-free.

7. Arrange furniture strategically. You’ll want to arrange your furniture to make the space feel open and inviting. Avoid putting furniture up against the walls and create conversation areas. If your current furniture is not up to par, consider renting some quality pieces and staging your house properly. The arrangement of your home can play a role in how potential buyers view it.

8. Add some greenery. Plants are an excellent way to make a home look more inviting. They add color and life and can make a space feel homier. If you don’t have a green thumb, no worries! A quick run to a nursery can take care of that. A few plants around the house can make a significant impact.

9. Stage the outdoors. The first thing buyers see when arriving at your home is the door, so make sure you take the time to stage it. This could involve power washing the siding, painting the front door, or planting flowers. Make sure to mow the lawn and that the hedges are trimmed. A new welcoming mat can also make a big difference.

Creating a great first impression is key!

10. Prepare to present your property at a moment’s notice. You never know when a buyer will want to see your home, so it’s essential to be prepared. Make sure that all the rooms in your home are clean and presentable. You may even want to keep a stash of cleaning supplies on hand, just in case.

Following these ideas will assist you in staging your home for sale and boosting the likelihood of selling fast and at a high price.

What Are Some of the Advantages of House Staging?

Over the years, house staging has become more and more popular. Realtors have noticed that when potential buyers enter a room set up for function and aesthetic appeal, they can picture themselves in that space more quickly and are likely to put an offer on the house.

What Does House Staging Cost in Houston, TX?

Home staging is vital when trying to sell your home. The average home staging cost in Houston, TX, is $1400. The final price tag varies depending on how much furniture you require or what type of embellishment you want.

The fee for a home staging consultation is about $200. Home remodeling costs can range from a few hundred dollars to upwards of $10,000, depending on the project.

If the home is vacant, a home stager’s starting price is around $2500. Most home stagers will charge 1% of your home’s selling price.

Add Pleasing Scents to Your Home.

Studies show that when you step into a home, the scent is one of the first things you notice. The scent of the house may encourage a potential buyer to make an offer. Many realtors will ensure a scented candle is lit, or a diffuser is running before a showing. A bouquet can also do the trick; incorporating lilac and jasmine scents calms the mind, and a citrusy smell can boost energy. The right scent can make a big impression, even if it seems like a minor detail.

Give Your Home a Personality With Color

When you’re staging a home, make sure you have a pop of color that runs throughout the house. Studies have shown that people gravitate more towards the color blue. So, if your home has neutral colors and you want to stage it with a more colorful personality, consider adding blue to your palette. A colorful throw pillow on the couch, or even paint a small wall for some pop of color.

Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal by Hiring a Professional Landscaping Company.

Staging your home is important for selling your home, but curb appeal is what will get buyers in the door in the first place. Potential buyers may not even bother walking through the front door if your home’s exterior is not up to par.

While you may be able to take care of some landscaping tasks on your own, it’s worth hiring a professional company to give your home’s curb appeal a boost. Studies show that landscaping is worth the investment since it can increase your home’s value by up to 20%. 

Staging an Empty Home in Houston TX

Many houses in Houston, TX, are enormous, so staging an empty home can have challenges. The intelligent thing to do is employ a moving company to assist you in bringing in the furnishings you’ll require. A consultant can help you choose the best furniture and decor for your home staging needs and even have a moving company deliver.

Staging Your Back Property in Houston TX

Many homes in Houston, TX, have pools in the backyard. If you are lucky to have one, ensure it is clean and inviting. Floating flowers in the pool can also give your backyard some personality. If you don’t have a pool, consider setting up an outdoor living space. This could include a table and chairs, an umbrella, and some potted plants. Creating an inviting outdoor space will make your home more appealing to potential buyers.

Reduce the Use of Window Coverings to a Minimum

Natural lighting is the first thing people look for when buying a home. When you have too many window coverings, it makes the space appear small and uninviting. You want to make the outdoors feel like it’s part of the indoors. Make sure your windows are cleaned both in and out and consider removing any heavy drapes.

Update Your Carpet and Flooring

If your home has old or dirty carpet, it will turn potential buyers off. Many homebuyers are looking for a move-in-ready house, and if they see that they’ll have to replace the flooring, they may not make an offer. The same goes for any cracked or chipped tile.

If you can’t afford to replace wood flooring, get a professional to sand and refinish it. Also, consider renting a carpet cleaner and giving the carpets a deep clean. You can also choose engineered wood flooring or vinyl and replace the flooring yourself.

Mirrors May Be Used to Add Space to a Small Room.

The right size mirror can take your home staging to a new level. Placing a mirror in the right place can create the illusion of a larger space. Mirrors reflect light and make a room feel brighter and more open. They may also highlight certain features in a room, like a fireplace or piece of art.

If you’re using a floor-to-ceiling mirror, place a small table in front with some accessories to make it look like a vignette. This will help break up the reflection and make the space more inviting.

Use Area Rugs to Define Space

Area rugs are a fantastic way to define space in an open-concept floor plan. They can also add color and personality to a room. When choosing an area rug, make sure the colors are subtle yet complementary to the room. You don’t want a busy pattern that will compete with the furniture and decor in the space.

Repaint The Walls

Not everyone likes an accent wall or a wall that is a different color than the rest of the room. When you’re staging your home, keeping the walls a neutral color is best. This will help possible buyers see the space as more versatile and easy to personalize. If you paint an accent wall, make sure it is a subtle color that won’t be too overbearing.

If you’re unsure which color to use, shades of gray and beige will work great.

Remove Any Traces of Your Furry Friends

If you have pets, removing any traces of them is essential before showing your home. This includes pet hair, toys, food bowls, and litter boxes. You also want to ensure that there are no pet odors in the house.

Many people are allergic to pets or don’t like them, so you want to ensure your home is pet-free. Make sure the couches and chairs are cleaned as well as the bed covers in the bedroom. Keep all windows open to let fresh air in, and consider using a diffuser with essential oils to help eliminate any pet odors.

Change the Lighting in Your House

A new and modern light fixture can change the look of a room. It can also brighten up a space and make it feel more open. Pendant lighting can be a great way to add interest to a kitchen or dining room. LED lighting is also a popular choice as it is more energy-efficient.

How To Properly Stage Book Shelves

Consider taking some of your books and adding tokens to the shelves if you’re a frequent reader and have stacks of books. Keeping shelves less cluttered can help achieve an open concept feel to a room. Add a small plant or a succulent, a couple of candles, or even frames.

To Fill in Empty Spaces, Use Huge Potted Plants.

Plants don’t just provide oxygen and clean the air; they work great for filling an area of the house that looks a bit bare.

Potted plants come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find one that will fit perfectly in the space you’re trying to fill. Having a tall plant with wide leaves can make a room look larger. Snake plants are also an excellent choice to use for staging. If you don’t have a green thumb, plenty of artificial plants look realistic and require no maintenance.

Make Sure Your Clothes Are Neatly Folded

Closet space is essential when people are looking to buy a home. They want to ensure their clothes will fit and that there is enough space for their belongings. To stage your closet:

1. Start by removing any clutter.
2. Ensure that your closet is clean and your clothes are hung properly.
3. If you have folded shirts, stack them neatly on the shelves. You can also utilize baskets or bins to hold items like socks and underwear.

Dusting the Ceiling Fan and Floor Panels

It might not seem necessary to clean a ceiling fan since it’s not something people usually see, but you can be sure that buyers look at everything. It’s essential to make sure the blades are dust-free. The same goes for floor panels – ensure they’re clean and free of dirt or debris.

Replacing Hardware in Kitchen and Bathrooms

Sometimes it’s the little things that will make a huge difference. You can upgrade the room’s look without paying a lot of money by simply replacing the hardware in your kitchen and bathroom. Choosing new hardware can also be a great way to add a pop of color or change the room’s overall style.

Virtual Staging in Houston TX

If you want to sell your home but don’t want to go through the hassle of having someone come and stage your home, then Virtual Staging, such as 3D Stagers is the perfect solution. Virtual staging is when a company comes in and takes pictures of your home and digitally stages the house with furniture and decor.

This is a great way to get top dollar for your home without having to do any work. Prices range from $30-$55 per room. If you don’t want anyone coming to your home, you can take pictures of the rooms and E-mail them. Within 24-48 hrs, they will provide you with staged images you can use when listing your home.

Benefits of 3D Virtual Staging Vs. Real Staging

Using 3D virtual staging to sell your property is almost always a good idea and, in most situations, will result in a higher sale price. An empty home on a website will not sell as fast as a furnished home. With virtual staging, you can choose which living room layout or bedroom style you prefer. You can ask for a modern look or a rustic farmhouse look. With just a few clicks, you can enhance any room in your house with beautiful artwork, arrangements, vibrant flowers, and sophisticated area rugs.

Actual staging will require you to have someone come to the house and move around your furniture and, in some cases, even buy new pieces of furniture. This is a costly and timely endeavor with no guarantee that the potential buyer will like what you have done. With 3D virtual staging, you can make as many changes as you want until you find the perfect look for each room, and it only costs a fraction of the price.

Within 24 hours after sending pictures of your home, a team of experts will provide you with staged photos. Every little detail gets included in the staging. An empty house can look lived in using all the modern furniture looks of today’s style.

If you’re still living in your home and want to list it but don’t want the hassle of staging, you don’t have to buy anything. You can take pictures of your home as is, and an expert virtual stager will replace your furniture with new furniture in your chosen style.

3D virtual staging has become a trendy way to showcase a property for sale, and it’s not hard to see why. Virtual staging can make any room look bigger, brighter, and more inviting. It’s a great way to add value to your home without spending money on physical staging. If you’re selling your home, virtual staging is definitely something you should consider.

Before and after pictures must be included in a listing to avoid misleading potential buyers.

Is Virtual Staging Worth The Investment

According to research, over 80% of potential home buyers find visual staging helpful when evaluating whether to purchase a property.

Out of the surveyed group, 41% said they were more likely to enter a home they saw online if it was already staged.

With that being said, the apparent answer is YES! Virtual staging is definitely worth the investment if you are looking to sell your home. Not only can it help your home sell quicker, but it will also help you sell it for a higher price.

Which Room Will Benefit More From Staging?

Not every room needs staging. Focus on what potential clients will see first walking into a home.

Kitchen: The kitchen is always the focal point of the house. The proper lighting, cleared countertops and a set table in the kitchen make a difference. Keep the kitchen decluttered and put away any dishes.

Living Room: The living room should feel warm and inviting. A cozy couch with some throw pillows and a coffee table with a few books or magazines creates a relaxed feeling in this space. The TV should be turned off, and cords should be hidden.

Bathroom: Having the bathroom shine is important. Ensure the mirrors are cleaned, and the vanity is cleared of toothbrushes or soaps. Have a matching bath mat and towels to bring the look together; lighting a scented candle can add to the ambiance. Make sure the toilet seat is down.

Bedrooms: The bedrooms should look like a place where someone can go to relax. Keep the beds made, and any clothes put away. Add a few pieces of furniture like an armchair or a small table and lamp to make it feel cozier. Use a thick comforter and a plush throw to give the room a comfortable and relaxing feel.

Hiring Movers in Houston, TX, to Stage a Home.

When you are ready to stage your home for sale, there are a few things you will need to do to ensure that the process goes smoothly. One of the most important things you can do is hire professional movers in Houston, TX, to help you with the process.

Many people try to save money by moving their belongings, which is often a mistake. Not only is it physically demanding to carry your belongings, but it can also be very stressful. This is why hiring professional movers is such a good idea.

Movers in Houston, TX, have the experience and expertise to safely and efficiently move your belongings. They’ll also be able to give you tips and advice on how to best stage your home for sale.

Don’t know where to start? You can ask your realtor for recommendations. Chances are, they have worked with professional movers before and can give you a good idea of who to contact.

Moving companies in Houston Offer Storage Solutions

If you’re planning on marketing your house, you may be wondering what to do with all of your belongings. After all, you will need to stage your home for potential buyers, which may mean getting rid of some of your furniture.

One option is renting a storage unit. This will allow you to keep your belongings safe and out of the way while you are trying to sell your home.

If you do not want to go this route, you can ask your moving company about storage solutions. Many long-distance companies in Houston offer storage services for an additional fee. This option is a perfect alternative if you want to keep your belongings close by but do not want them taking up space in your home.

Movers Can Also Pack Your Belongings

Another benefit of hiring professional Houston Movers is that they can also pack your belongings for you. This option can work great if you are pressed for time or do not feel comfortable packing your things.

Packing can be very tedious and time-consuming, so leaving it to the professionals is often a good idea. Movers in Houston, TX, have the experience and expertise to pack your belongings properly so they are safe and protected during transit.

Congratulations! You Sold Your House. Now What?

You’ve done it! You’ve sold your house. Congrats! But now what? Now that the process is (hopefully) over make sure to call your moving company and schedule a time for them to come and pick up the rest of your belongings and combine them with your other belongings to get them all in one place.

Are Staging Expenses Deductible?

Yes, the cost of staging is deducted from the proceeds of a home sale. Staging costs are considered legitimate selling costs for both primary and secondary houses; therefore, they are tax deductible.

Bottom Line

There are many benefits to staging a home for sale. Not only does it make your home more appealing to potential buyers, but it also allows you to sell your Houston, TX, home quicker and for a higher price. If you are selling your home, virtual or traditional staging is definitely something you should consider. Some potential buyers prefer walking through a home before buying, so classic staging can work best. Others might rely on visual staging to help them make their decision. Either way, you cannot go wrong with staging your home before putting it on the market.

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