A Guide on Packing Help for Seniors

If you’re a senior about to make a big move, you’re probably feeling the pressure. The packing, the sorting, the memories — it’s a lot! But with the right planning and a bit of patience, the moving process doesn’t have to be stressful. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some tips and resources you can turn to for packing help for seniors. Let’s dive in!

4 Essential Moving Tips For Seniors 

Packing doesn’t have to be a struggle, no matter your age — just take it one step at a time! With a strategic game plan (and maybe a little professional help), you can make the whole process way less overwhelming. Here are some important moving tips for seniors to help you get started.

1. Start as Early as Possible

The key to a smooth and stress-free packing experience? Start as early as possible. 

Begin the packing process at least six to eight weeks before your move date. This gives you plenty of time to make decisions about what to keep and pack up your items at a comfortable pace. 

Just make sure you gather the necessary packing materials in advance. You'll need boxes of various sizes, packing paper, bubble wrap, and packing tape. 

2. Declutter and Downsize the Space

As you start packing, you’ll probably come across things you don’t really need anymore, like the clothes you haven’t worn in years or the old couch that’s seen better days. 

Now is the perfect time to declutter! Not only will it lighten your load, but it’ll also help you create a fresh and clutter-free space for your next chapter. 

And if you need downsizing help for seniors, don’t be shy about asking for support. Friends, family, and moving professionals can help you figure out what to keep, donate, or toss. 

3. Make a Comprehensive Checklist

Before you dive into the packing process, create a comprehensive packing checklist. You can do this solo or ask for a little help from family and friends. 

Your list should cover all the must-do tasks: setting deadlines for packing goals, double-checking your valuables, comparing moving companies, and anything else you need to stay on track. 

With this checklist in hand, you can stay focused on the tasks ahead of you without overlooking any important details. 

4. Work on One Room at a Time

Don’t pack everything at once—take it one room at a time to make the process less overwhelming. 

Start with the least-used spaces, like a guest room or storage area. This way, you can ease into the process without throwing off your daily routine. 

Don’t Forget to Consider Professional Packing Services For Seniors

Need a hand packing up your home or helping a senior loved one? There are lots of professional movers, including MASH Movers, who specialize in both packing and moving. Hiring a professional packing service can definitely take some of the stress off your shoulders. It also ensures that none of your belongings get damaged or lost as you move from one space to another. 

By hiring a team like MASH Movers for comprehensive packing help for seniors, you can rest easy knowing your or your loved one’s belongings will be handled with the utmost care. Then, you can spend your time doing what matters most — preparing for the next big chapter of your life. 

Packing Made Simple: Moving Help For Seniors in Austin With MASH Movers

If you’re moving to a new home or helping an elderly loved one move, you already have a lot on your plate. Why not leave the heavy lifting to a pro? Let a professional moving service in Austin handle the details. 

At MASH Movers, we understand that packing up years of memories isn’t just about putting things in boxes. It’s about doing it with care and understanding. 

As full-service movers in Austin, our team specializes in helping clients – including seniors – pack and move without a hassle. With our local expertise, we can anticipate any challenges and make your move as smooth as possible. From packing your first box to safely settling your belongings into your new home, we’re here for you every step of the way. 

Contact us today for a free packing help quote and let our team get rid of the stress.

Seasonal Moving Tips: Best Times to Move in Austin

Congrats! You’ve found your dream home in Austin! Moving can be a really exciting time as you look forward to fresh beginnings in a cool new place, but it’s not without its moments of stress. Some people are flexible with their moving timeline, while others are on a time crunch. As you prepare to move in Austin, one thing to consider is the timing.

Choosing to move can impact several things, like the overall cost, convenience, and availability of moving services around your desired date. Working with an Austin local mover is one way to guarantee a smooth experience since they already know the ins and outs of the city and the best tricks of the trade. 

Why Timing Matters for Your Move

Did you know that the weather and season can affect both the housing market and the cost of moving? Studies show that moving during peak season can cost up to 10% more than during low season. The peak moving season in Austin is in the summer despite the scorching temperatures. Local moving companies in Austin, Texas, experience an influx of business from May to September, which can increase prices and limit customer availability.

Seasonal Overview of Moving in Austin

Let’s break it down, season by season, so you have a better idea of the pros and cons of each one.

Moving in Spring

Spring is a great time since the pleasant weather means you can pack and organize without breaking much of a sweat. There’s a moderate demand for local moving companies in Austin, which is good for scheduling. However, the longer you wait in spring to move, the more costs will start to creep up.

Pro tip: Local moving companies in Austin get busy in the spring. Book as soon as possible to avoid clashing with special dates and events like SXSW.

Moving in Summer

Long summer days mean that it feels like there are more hours to get things done. Schedules also seem more flexible in the summer, especially for families with children who are taking a break from their normal routines.

Moving in the summer also means lugging heavy boxes in the summer heat. For some, this can be uncomfortable and adds to the stress. The best local movers in Austin are in high demand during the summer months. To compensate, moving prices tend to go up.

Moving in Fall

The temperatures start to ease up, along with the demand for the city’s movers. Even though you should still book your moving company ASAP, you’ll find more flexibility with dates during this season.

Fall is the back-to-school season, so some neighborhoods may see more of an influx than others around school start dates. Keep this in mind if your neighborhood is near a college campus.

Moving in Winter

Movers are in the least demand in winter, so you’re bound to find the best rates and most flexible dates during these months. Even so, look ahead so that you don’t clash with holiday festivities, traffic, and seasonal engagements.

Choosing the Right Time for Your Needs

Knowing all this, it’s time to consider which factors are the most important to you when picking a moving date. Think about your budget, any seasonal commitments, school schedules, and the weather.

Working with local movers who know Austin can help make the whole process as painless as possible. They can adapt to your needs and timeline, which really helps to relieve a lot of the stress within the moving process.

Tips for a Smooth Move, No Matter the Season

Whenever you choose to move, you should:

• Book your local movers as soon as possible

• Start decluttering early to make packing easier

• Prepare for Austin’s weather, traffic, and parking, which can all be a challenge

• Ask your local Austin movers for seasonal advice

Seasonal Moving Simplified With MASH Movers

Choosing the right season to move is a personal decision, as there are perks and drawbacks for each one. However, partnering with a local moving company is a great way to make sure that things run smoothly and with little worry.

A local company like MASH Movers is on the ground every day and knows all the hacks for moving in any season. Contact Mash Movers today for expert advice and assistance with your Austin move!

The 5 Best Places to Live in Austin Based on Your Lifestyle

For over a decade, Austin has topped lists of the trendiest cities to live in the United States. Prior to 2022, it was the fastest-growing large metro area in the country – and while its rank may have dropped, it’s still among the top 10. So, if you’re considering moving to the area and are on the hunt for the best places to live in Austin, you’re certainly not alone! 

Let us be the first to welcome you to this wonderful city. From a thriving arts scene to innovative eats and a high quality of life, Austin has plenty to offer. However, all those perks mean finding the best Austin neighborhoods to move to can quickly get overwhelming. MASH Movers has you covered. 

The 5 Best Places to Live in Austin 

The truth is that almost any part of Austin is a fantastic place to live. Still, we know how important it is to choose a neighborhood that truly meshes with your lifestyle. Here are some of the best places to live in Austin, Texas, based on what you want out of your community. 

1. Best for Families: Tarrytown

Austin's Tarrytown neighborhood is an ideal spot if you want a safe, upscale, and cozy neighborhood with great amenities for families. As one of Austin's more affluent neighborhoods, housing prices do tend to be among the more expensive in the city. But the payoff is a cozy suburban vibe that's perfect if you want to set down roots in Austin. 

While Tarrytown's "new money" character doesn't offer quite the same number of trendy establishments you'll find elsewhere in Austin, it more than makes up for it with beautiful parks and green areas (including scenic waterfront spots right on Lake Austin). Tarrytown is also one of the safest places to live in the city.

2. Best for History Lovers: Hyde Park

If you want to live in a neighborhood with an antique, historical charm, Hyde Park is the place for you! Located just north of Central Austin, Hyde Park is generally considered to be Austin's first true "suburb." (The neighborhood was founded all the way back in 1891.) 

Thanks to this historical character, Hyde Park is filled with gorgeous old houses that give the neighborhood a unique vibe. While the public transportation in Hyde Park may not be the city's best, its abundance of cool cafes, boutique stores, and chill vibes make it the perfect spot for young professionals looking for one of the coolest places to live in Austin.

3. Best for Sports Lovers: Central Austin

While Austin has become trendy for its culture, there are still loads of people who associate the city, first and foremost, with good old-fashioned Longhorns football. If you're a UT Austin fan or just someone who wants a more "old school" Texas flavor in your Austin living, Central Austin is the place to be.

Central Austin is home to the iconic University of Texas at Austin. The neighborhood also keeps Texas's old-timey country spirit alive with some of Austin's best country bars. Plus, if you're a history buff, you'll love the university's excellent museums, like the LBJ Presidential Library and the Harry Ransom Center.  

4. Best for Old-School Culture: South Lamar

If you want to fully immerse yourself in the arts and music scene, the vibrant neighborhood of South Lamar is one of the coolest places to live in Austin. No other neighborhood has such an impressive offering of live music venues, daring new restaurants, and lively nightlife. 

If you're a foodie at heart, South Lamar showcases a diverse range of cuisines from all around the world (plus some new stuff invented right here in Austin!). Likewise, the music lover in you will certainly appreciate South Lamar's excellent live music scene, while art lovers can even find great (and cheap) art for sale in one of the neighborhood's many boutique stores. 

5. Best for Any Lifestyle: Clarksville

The historic Austin neighborhood of Clarksville has long been considered one of the city's best places to live. With a pedigree dating back to the 19th Century, Clarksville is the perfect combination of old and new, with an antique historical charm blending perfectly with the avant-garde food and cultural scenes that Austin is famous for. 

The Clarksville Historic District has many of Austin's best art galleries, making it the perfect home for artsy types or anyone who appreciates fine culture. But today, Clarksville is so much more. The neighborhood's thriving entertainment district has some of the city's best gastropubs and dining establishments.

Make Your Austin Move a Breeze With MASH Movers

Clearly, there are many good places to live in Austin – but no matter which you choose, you need the best Austin area movers to avoid unnecessary headaches. MASH Movers knows Austin — we're the locals who love it. With in-depth knowledge of every neighborhood in the Austin area, MASH Movers can navigate any annoying hassles and make your move a breeze. 

So, if you're planning a move to Austin, get in touch with MASH Movers today to see how we can help you!

How to Pack Dishes, Books, and Other Tricky Items for a Move

Your move is coming up, and you know what that means – it’s packing time! As you start to collect your belongings, you might look around and think, “How is all of this stuff going to fit in boxes?” 

We’ve been there. That’s why we’ve created this list of tips that will help you learn to safely move even the most bizarre-shaped items in your collection. Let’s take a look at how you can pack like a pro, from learning how to pack dishes for moving to figure out the best way to box up those lamps and protect your breakables.

How to Pack for Moving: The Basics

Before you start handling any items, start by gathering the basics. 

Let’s begin with boxes. You can ask local stores if they have any large boxes they want to get rid of. If not, you can also find boxes at many grocery or office supply stores. You’ll also need to gather items like bubble wrap, tape, and scissors. 

Again, you ask stores for any bubble wrap they don’t want, or hop online and order some of your own. Another option is to use paper – like recycled newspaper or packing paper – to wrap your belongings.

How to Pack for a Move: Trickier Items

Once you’ve got your supplies ready, it’s time to move on to the main event. We’ll start by taking a look at how to pack simple items, like clothes, and then move on to trickier items, like dishes, picture frames, and other valuables you need to handle with care.

How to Pack Clothes for Moving

When it’s time to pack your clothing, the first step is to consider whether you want to use:

• Boxes

• Suitcases

• Duffels

• Vacuum bags

• A combination of these items

Each one has a different shape, which can be useful when packing bulky items or things with hangers. If you’re thinking about how to pack shoes for moving, bags and suitcases might be easier, whereas cardboard boxes are perfect for folded clothing.

How to Pack Dishes for Moving

Packing potentially heavy but breakable items like dishes can be a real headache. Keep your items from bumping together and sliding around with these tips:

• Grab a sturdy cardboard box and line the bottom with crumpled newspaper for some padding.

• Wrap each dish individually, either in paper or bubble wrap, and place them in rows in the box to save space. This also keeps items from moving around too much in the box.

• Don’t overload the box, otherwise it might break. Fill up any empty space with more newspaper or bubble wrap. You can even use kitchen towels.

How to Pack Pictures for Moving

When it comes to artwork or framed photos and moving packing, you might want to find specific mirror or picture boxes that fit their dimensions to ensure their safety. They're a bit more expensive than regular boxes, but raise the chances that your items will arrive unharmed. It’s also not a bad idea to look for cardboard corner protectors.

For pictures, grab a roll of painter’s tape and make an X across the glass with the tape. This will help prevent the glass from cracking. 

If you have them, slide corner protectors onto the frame. Then, measure the frame and cut out strips of cardboard that you can tape to it for some extra padding.

Once the cardboard is in place, wrap the whole thing up in a couple of layers of paper or newspaper and slide it into the box. Just like with your dishes, fill up any extra space with paper or towels.

How to Pack Lamps for Moving

Much like with dishes and pictures, you'll want to carefully cushion your lamps in their boxes. Separate lightbulbs and delicate shades, and pack them separately so they don't break or get crushed.

How to Pack Books for Moving

Choose a sturdy box for packing books and tape the flaps from the inside so it doesn’t fall apart. Pack hardcovers upright so that their spines are together, just like on a bookshelf. You can pack paperbacks the same way, or you can lie them flat and stack them in the box. 

You can pack them in pretty tight, but remember you still have to lift the box!

Introducing MASH Movers, Your Austin Area Movers

Even the most experienced moving pros may want to call in some help from professional packing services. 

MASH Movers is one of the top choices when it comes to moving services in Austin. We can help you take on packing and moving with the flexibility, friendliness, and quality service that we do best.

As movers by day and artists and musicians by night, our team knows how to get the job done with a smile. Drop us a line if you’re looking for Texas movers in Austin, and see how we can help you!

How to Compare Moving Companies: 5 Things to Consider

Moving can be a stressful ordeal, no matter how far you’re going. With so much to do, the last thing you need to worry about is whether your moving company is worth the money.

Choosing to use a moving company is no small matter. After all, the professional movers you hire will literally have some of your most prized possessions in their hands. If you’re an Austin resident planning a future move, here are a few key points to consider when comparing moving companies near you.

1. Moving Rates and Additional Services 

The biggest cause of stress with moving companies is, of course, money. Getting hit with an unexpected cost can be a major headache, especially if you think you've gotten the worst of the move behind you. 

The best moving companies should always provide accurate quotes beforehand so you understand the overall cost before you move. Asking for a detailed estimate of all the company’s rates is a good idea for getting the most accurate picture of the overall cost. 

Less reputable moving companies may spring excess fees on you at the last minute through “additional services” not included in their initial quote. When getting a moving company quote beforehand, ensure you receive a comprehensive breakdown of all specific services and any associated costs. 

2. Policies and Fees 

When looking at moving company quotes, one thing to consider is what kind of move you’re planning. Long-distance moving companies tend to structure their quotes differently from local moving companies. 

If you plan a long-distance move, the moving company may base its quotes on your items’ total weight, distance, and projected labor costs. In contrast, local moving companies will likely provide a simple hourly rate, especially if the move is within a 50-mile radius. 

Good moving companies should also offer insurance policies if items get lost or damaged. Using a mover that offers protection against loss or damage is a great way to protect your move and avoid unnecessary stress or hassle. 

3. Reviews & Reputation

One of the biggest red flags to watch for when searching for moving companies is a lack of reviews or testimonials. 

Reputable movers should have a strong online presence, complete with customer reviews. If a moving company does not seem to have any reviews on major sites like Yelp or Google, it may be a red flag that they’re not as legit as they claim to be. 

4. Pre-Move Preparation

Accurate moving quotes generally require a photos/ videos and a detailed list from a professional to assess how many items you’re moving, a basic estimate of their weight, any items that require special treatment, and so on. Watch out for companies that either don’t make their rates accessible or only give you a quick quote over the phone.

At MASH Movers, we like to be upfront about our prices and timelines. We have a standard rate of $209/hr (with a two-hour minimum) for a team of three movers and a box truck.

Based on the size of your space, we estimate a time block and total cost so you know what to expect. You can even schedule your move online! 

5. Licensure

Reputable movers should always have proper licensure through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). 

An unlicensed moving company may seem cheaper at first. But these companies usually either charge you more than what they initially quoted you, or else mess up your move in ways that cost you valuable items, your sanity, or both. 

Things to Ask Before You Hire Movers 

Asking the right questions of prospective moving companies can go a long way in finding the best mover for you. Here are some important questions to ask any moving company you’re considering: 

• Are you licensed through the FMCSA?

• What insurance coverage do you offer?

• How do you determine your rates? (i.e., by the hour, by weight, by distance, etc.)

• Can you provide an all-inclusive quote?

• Do you have references?

• Do you have an experienced team?

Avoid the Stress With MASH Movers

If you’re a resident of Austin, finding the right local Austin movers can be particularly challenging. Fortunately, MASH Movers has your back. As a locally-owned Austin company, MASH is not a faceless corporate carrier. Rather, we’re a friendly local business run by the same artistic types that make Austin such a great place to move to. 

With reliable service, friendly staff, and countless satisfied customers, MASH Movers are the best moving partners for Austin residents like you. So if you’re planning a move in the Austin area, get in touch with MASH Movers for a free quote. 

MASH Movers Among Top Local Movers in Austin

We are pleased to announce that LocalMovers.com has recognized and listed MASH Movers as one of their top local movers in Austin!

Do Moving Companies Pack for You? How Does It Work?

You’re gearing up for your move. After making a list and checking it twice, you’re down to a handful of tasks left. The biggest one? Packing your stuff — everything from your comfy bed and favorite guitar to your well-loved sneakers and album collection. 

If you don’t have time or even just find the thought overwhelming, you might wonder how professional packing works for moving services in Austin, TX. Do moving companies pack for you?

Do Moving Companies Pack Your Stuff for You?

Packing and moving companies have their own services, so what they offer customers will vary. Some moving companies arrive at your door ready to load your pre-packed belongings, while others may offer packing services as well.

Pro tip: Look for a phrase like “full moving service” as you search the company’s website and list of services. They might also advertise as “movers packers.” These moving and packing services help save you time and give you a rest from the hard work.

All About Professional Packing Services

What can you expect when you hire packers? Let’s break it down.

Professional packing services let you hire experts to pack up your belongings. These professional packers may arrive with the supplies they need to do the job, or they might use what you’ve already purchased.

These are supplies like:

• Cardboard boxes

• Bubble wrap

• Packing tape

• Pens and markers

• Newsprint

It’s best to walk with the packers from room to room, showing them what you have. This overview helps them gauge how long it will take to pack up your belongings and get them ready for the truck.

So, how many hours should it take professionals to pack? In general, expect about 2-4 hours for a studio or one bedroom, 3-6 hours for two bedrooms, 6-8 hours for three bedrooms, and 8-10 hours (or more) for four-plus bedrooms.

Some items are more fragile than others, so how long it takes varies from house to house. Since full-service movers have expert skills, they’ll get right to work on your belongings and help you stay organized by labeling boxes by room.

If you want to know how long it would take us to pack in your specific instance, give us a call at +1 512-596-4214.

What Will You Still Need to Do If You Hire Packers?

There are some things that moving companies may not pack. Most often, it comes down to worker safety and liability. Exactly what those are depends on the company, but movers typically don’t pack the following items:

• Perishables like food

• Pressurized or flammable items

• Live plants

• Solvents and household cleaners

• Ammunition and firearms

• High-value items and heirlooms

• Outdoor equipment

• Liquor

• Fireworks

Can Movers Pack and Move on the Same Day?

While it’s possible to fit in packing into the morning and moving in the afternoon, this schedule might only work for studios or very small one-bedroom apartments. 

Your movers might be full-service, but moving is hard work. That’s why local moving companies in Austin, TX, and elsewhere factor break times into their work schedule. 

Are There Companies That Pack and Move for You? 

Packing and moving companies that advertise as “full-service movers” pack your belongings, load them up, and unload them at your new address. But not all moving companies are full service. If you can’t find those words in the advertisements for a moving company, give them a call to find out.

Can I Hire Movers Just To Load a Truck? 

You can hire movers just to load a truck, which is quite common. However, truck-loading is a separate service, so make sure the company offers loading (or unloading) as an option. If you’re on a budget, you could stretch your dollars by hiring the professionals to get everything on the truck, and then moving your own stuff.

Get the Support You Need From MASH Movers

Moving can be stressful. If you’re looking to keep disruption to a minimum while you try to find local moving companies in Austin, TX, let the professionals at MASH Movers lend a hand. We’re hardworking, trustworthy folks and can’t wait to get you settled into your new home.

As full-service movers in Austin, we’ll pack your belongings with care and use our superstar skills to load and unload like the pros we are. Prefer to do your own packing? No problem. You can leave the heavy lifting to us.

Contact us today for a free moving quote, and find out how MASH Movers can bring the calm back into your life.

How to Identify & Avoid 4 Common Moving Scams

The internet is full of moving horror stories, and it's easy to let tales of items being held for ransom, massive surprise fees, or stolen belongings deter you from hiring movers. But don’t worry – when it comes to protecting your property, knowledge is power. Knowing how to identify moving scams is one of the best ways to keep your experience from turning into a nightmare. Let’s take a closer look.

4 Common Moving Scams and How to Avoid Them

Before you can ensure you avoid moving scams, you’ll have to make sure you know what they tend to look like. Here are four common moving scams and tips to help you dodge them.

1. Upfront Deposits

One of the most popular moving company scams is to ask for a large amount of money before moving your belongings. No reputable mover will do this. Paying it all upfront gives the movers no incentive to take your goods from Point A to Point B. Instead, they could run off with your things and money!

Asking for a small down payment is an industry standard, but if a company asks you to pay in full before the job is done, that's a red flag and more than likely a moving scam.

2. Blank Contracts

Some scammers might ask you to sign a blank or incomplete document. Don't fall for it! They might go back later and add extra charges or unreasonable terms. And if you've already signed it, they can hold you to your end of the deal, even if you didn't know what it entailed.

Regardless of how much you like a company or how nice the movers seem, make sure everything — price estimate, additional fees, and pickup and delivery dates — is in writing. And, if you have any questions about moving rates or fees, please ask!

3. Surprise Additional Fees

It's not unusual for a moving company to charge a few extra dollars for things like packing supplies, disassembling or reassembling furniture, or long-distance travel. Reputable companies tell you about anything that incurs additional fees ahead of time, not hit you with surprise charges on delivery day, as a scam mover might. 

If there are any circumstances surrounding your move that you think might lead to extra fees, ask about them during the estimate process. 

4. Lowball Estimates

Be wary of any company that offers a price that seems too good to be true. Someone who's trying to take advantage of you will likely either refuse to offer an estimate, or offer one that’s unbelievably low – all without asking questions about your place and the items you need moved. 

Then, when it comes time to pay the bill, you might get hit with a price that’s very different from what you had expected. Whether it’s an intentional tactic used to mislead you about the true cost of moving or the result of a lack of thoroughness on your moving company’s end, lowballing is a common issue or scam to look out for.

While some movers charge for their services based on the weight of your items, MASH Movers uses an hourly rate that’s based on the size of your space. 

We’ll also ask you to complete a brief survey before your move that helps us understand your needs. Our hourly charge is prorated to the nearest 15 minutes to ensure our customers only pay for the services we’re providing. 

Trust Reputable Local Companies Like MASH Movers

When hiring a moving company, working with people in your community can often help you save some money and have a more personalized experience. But it’s important to do your homework on the movers you’re considering and trust your gut as you do – if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. 

Here at MASH Movers, we’re proud to be among the friendliest and most reliable of Austin's local movers. We’re more than just movers, though – we’re your neighbors, peers, and advocates. If we see you in HEB after your move, we’ll always say “Hello!” 

We’re a small organization of passionate people who rely on positive feedback and experiences to serve our community. You can always count on us to get the job done right and be fully transparent with you while doing so. 

MASH prides itself on being one of the best moving companies Austin has to offer. But you don’t have to just take our word for it. If you're looking for movers in Austin, Texas, reach out today to start a conversation and learn more.