Joy, Author at Bellhop https://www.getbellhops.com/blog/author/joybellhop-com/ Moving Tips & Moving Resources Mon, 14 Nov 2022 16:52:21 +0000 en hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 https://www.bellhopblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/cropped-bh-icon-150x150.png Joy, Author at Bellhop https://www.getbellhops.com/blog/author/joybellhop-com/ 32 32 What (and how) to pack for your first college dorm! https://www.getbellhops.com/blog/what-and-how-to-pack-for-your-first-college-dorm/ Fri, 28 Oct 2022 18:29:28 +0000 https://www.getbellhops.com/blog/?p=18960 Let’s face it – it can be scary packing up your life and moving away from home for the first time. Not sure where to start? Follow some of these pointers to ensure that you are properly prepared for your first dorm move-in day!

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Let’s face it – it can be scary packing up your life and moving away from home for the first time. Not sure where to start? Follow some of these pointers to ensure that you are properly prepared for your first dorm move-in day!

Get organized ahead of time

Be sure to have all the important details of move day noted, including the date(s) and time slots available. Creating a packing list or excel spreadsheet can help you keep track of everything that you may need to bring with you. You can organize this list by category: clothes, toiletries, electronics, etc. 

Coordinate and communicate with your roommate 

If you have your future roommate’s contact information, reach out ahead of time to compare notes and clarify which items you each plan on bringing. This will help prevent bringing any duplicates, and therefore save money (and space!). 

Don’t wait to pack

Packing is one of the most dreaded components of the moving process, but we advise you to get started right away. Gradually crossing tasks off your list over a period of time is a lot less stressful than panic-packing at the last minute.  

Start with essential documents

A good place to start is with important documents, such as your medical insurance card, driver’s license, social security card, etc. If you plan on holding a part-time job while in school, these documents are necessary for employment. 

Focus on seasonal clothing

When it comes to clothes, pack seasonally. You might be tempted to bring your entire wardrobe, but it’ll take up a lot of your (limited) space! Assuming you’ll have the chance to go home at least once or twice over the course of the school year,  you can take the opportunity to swap out your ‘fits for the appropriate season.

No matter the season, consider bringing a business-appropriate outfit.  Colleges and universities often hold career fairs, and you’ll be grateful to have your professional attire on hand if given the opportunity to meet potential employers. 

Don’t forget cleaning supplies and toiletries

CollegiateParent.com advises bringing basic cleaning supplies (e.g. wipes, sprays, a mini vacuum) to keep your space clean. You’ll be especially grateful for these items if/when your roommate catches a cold! It’s also good to stock up on toiletries at the beginning of the semester, especially if you don’t have easy access to transportation for a quick trip to the store. 

What not to bring

Carefully consider the amount of actual living space you’ll have in your dorm. Will you really have room for that appliance (microwave, mini fridge, etc.)? Can you justify bringing a full-size ironing board if you only plan to iron a few articles of clothing? If you don’t anticipate using certain items on a daily basis, you may be better off leaving them at home. 

Going out of state for school? Think carefully about what you might be better off purchasing locally (e.g. supplemental furniture). 

Packing hacks to maximize space

Now that you’ve figured out what you’re bringing, it’s time to do the packing. Bellhop recommends leaving your hanging clothes on their hangers for easy unpacking. Slip a garbage bag over groupings of clothes to protect them in transit, or transport them in wardrobe boxes. 

Instead of wasting another box on bulky shoes, pack them in your laundry hamper. This saves on some space and doesn’t dirty up the rest of your things. Packing some of your clothes into one or two large suitcases and sending the luggage back with your parents will help you save space. We suggest keeping at least one small suitcase with you for a quick weekend trip or visiting home!

Packing up your car

If you’re driving to school, it’s a good idea to pack your car the night before you plan to move so that you’re not scrambling the day of. Moving.com says the best way to pack your car is to place the large, heavy items in first, situated toward the center and sides of the car. Everything else can be piled around the open spots. 

It can be helpful to pack a separate box or tote bag with items that you may need immediately (e.g. while unpacking),  and have it readily accessible.  Common items for this “open first” box may include toilet paper, pens, trash bags, box cutters, phone chargers, etc.

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Bellhop partners with SOLD.com, bringing stress-free and transparent moving services to home sellers nationwide https://www.getbellhops.com/blog/bellhop-partners-with-sold-com-bringing-stress-free-and-transparent-moving-services-to-home-sellers-nationwide/ Thu, 22 Sep 2022 13:44:54 +0000 https://www.getbellhops.com/blog/?p=17331 Bellhop’s moving services will be promoted to home buyers via SOLD.com’s web portal and through its concierge service. Additionally, SOLD.com’s network of more than 40,000 agents will be empowered to offer Bellhop’s moving services to their respective clientele nationwide.

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Bellhop SOLD.com

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee, September 22, 2022 – Today, Bellhop announces its newest partnership with SOLD.com, a leading online real estate marketplace and educational resource provider. Bellhop’s moving services will be promoted to home buyers via SOLD.com’s web portal and through its concierge service. Additionally, SOLD.com’s network of more than 40,000 agents will be empowered to offer Bellhop’s moving services to their respective clientele nationwide.

“Bellhop leverages both technology and best-in-class customer service to deliver a simple, stress-free, and transparent moving experience,” said Harrison Stevens, VP of Marketing for Bellhop. “By providing a free and unbiased service that allows consumers to compare dozens of home buying and selling options, SOLD.com shares our commitment to alleviating the headaches that are too often a part of the home transition process.” 

The current real estate market requires homebuyers and sellers to be savvy about their options, which often necessitates an unconventional approach. Both Bellhop and SOLD.com are seeking to modernize their industries by applying data and technology to eliminate common pain points associated with moving and home selling, respectively. 

To this end, Bellhop’s online customer dashboard streamlines the cost estimation and booking experience for customers, while assembling the best Bellhop team for the move; the Bellhop app provides a straightforward process for its workforce to find and receive job assignments. SOLD.com helps customers explore both traditional and alternative models of home buying and selling, while providing free analytics-driven recommendations. Its concierge team serves as an ongoing resource to sellers throughout the process.

“SOLD.com’s mission is to simplify the stressful home buying and selling process,” said Matt Woods, Co-founder and CEO of SOLD.com. “That mission extends beyond the purchase or sale of the home itself. We are assembling the best providers to assist through all aspects of the move, including mortgage, insurance, moving services, and more. Bellhop’s uniquely simple and cost-effective service makes them the perfect moving partner to promote to our customer base and network.” 

ABOUT BELLHOP

​​Bellhop was founded by millennials Cam Doody and Stephen Vlahos in the summer of 2011 as a simple solution for college students looking for help moving in and out of their dorms. After astronomical demand, the company quickly grew from serving just college students into a nationwide company with customers of every age and sized home. In 2013, the founders connected with Lamp Post Group for seed capital to aid national expansion, and the resources to develop the first-ever digital moving platform. To date, the company has acquired more than $50 million in venture capital from firms such as Advanced Venture Partners, Canaan Partners, Lowercase Capital, and Initialized Capital. Other investors include Silicon Valley Bank, Scott Banister, and rapper Nas. Visit bellhop.com to learn more.

ABOUT SOLD.com

SOLD.com is an online marketplace, educating and connecting homeowners with the best method to buy or sell their homes. SOLD.com uses its proprietary technology and personal concierge services to analyze objective and subjective factors – including local market characteristics, customer service rankings and personal preferences – to provide users with free and unbiased recommendations for the most efficient, cost-effective route to making their move.

CONTACT

Norah Whitmore, Sr. Brand & Communications Manager

norah@bellhop.com | 734-717-9773

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The Do’s and Don’t of Storage https://www.getbellhops.com/blog/the-dos-and-dont-of-storage/ Wed, 07 Sep 2022 14:32:31 +0000 https://www.getbellhops.com/blog/?p=17218 Downsizing? Need extra space for your belongings?

Renting a storage unit might be the solution. If you’ve never used a storage unit before, here are some Dos and Don’ts to ensure your experience is hassle-free.

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Downsizing? Need extra space for your belongings?

Renting a storage unit might be the solution. If you’ve never used a storage unit before, here are some Dos and Don’ts to ensure your experience is hassle-free.

DO look into climate-controlled units

You might be tempted to go with a cheaper storage unit that does not offer climate control; however, having a consistent temperature in the unit will help protect your things from getting damaged. For example, if you have any wood furniture, high temperatures and/or humidity can cause the wood to deteriorate. Furthermore, electronics and anything else with metal components is prone to rust and malfunction when not stored in a dry, cool area.

DO organize a list

Once you’ve found a storage company that fits your needs, make two lists. One is for thinking about your new place and what items you’ll definitely be taking with you. This could be a mix of your current things with new purchases.

The other list will have everything that is going in storage. Your storage list may include bulky furniture that’s too big to move, or pieces that you are considering letting go of but are not entirely ready to give up. Seasonal decorations, clothes, and sports equipment are also great to stow away, and you can easily swap out items during the appropriate season. Once you have these lists written out, it will reduce some stress when the time comes to move everything.

DO protect your furniture

When storing your furniture, you should always protect it in some sort of wrap or film. It’s usually easiest to disassemble larger furniture pieces (i.e. tables, chairs, patio furniture) and wrap the individual components. StoreSpace recommends the added precaution of laying down a plastic sheet to prevent any dirt or dust from getting onto the furniture during the wrapping process. It’s also a good idea to give your furniture a nice deep clean before storage (though be sure that all furniture is completely dry to prevent the spread of mold).

DON’T put valuables in storage

Never put your valuables in storage. This includes any important documents, memorabilia, family heirlooms, or anything else that you’d be devastated to lose. Putting your belongings in a storage unit is not risk-free, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Moving.com says it’s not always just a matter of safety or liability; there is always the possibility of an unforeseen event that could happen on the premises that could destroy your items, like a fire, flooding, or robbery.

DON’T store plants

This might seem obvious, but it’s a good reminder. Storage units have no source of light, water, or fresh air – the essentials for a plant to thrive. Plants can also be the source of unwanted pests in your unit, so better to donate or take your plants with you. Not sure how to pack your plants? We broke it down in our “How to Move Plants Long Distance” article, which gives you all the tips and tricks you need to transport your plants safely.

DON’T store your bed without a cover

When asking people for their thoughts on what to avoid putting in storage, many advised against storing mattresses. But if you absolutely have to put your mattress(es) or box spring(s) in a storage unit, be sure to heed the following tips:
Deep clean your mattress before putting it away!
LifeStorage suggests sprinkling baking soda on the exterior to absorb any lingering odors, then vacuuming up the excess.
Once it’s completely clean, cover your mattress and/or box spring with a breathable plastic or secure mattress bag.

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Things I wish I knew as a homeowner https://www.getbellhops.com/blog/things-i-wish-i-knew-as-a-homeowner/ Fri, 02 Sep 2022 19:52:38 +0000 https://www.getbellhops.com/blog/?p=17201 Being a homeowner can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-timer! Believe us when we say that a lot of us have been there. We’ve gathered a summary of the most common things people wish they knew about home ownership – before they were homeowners.

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Being a homeowner can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-timer! Believe us when we say that a lot of us have been there. We’ve gathered a summary of the most common things people wish they knew about home ownership – before they were homeowners.

Expecting unforeseen costs

Something that no one truly prepares you for is all the costs – both foreseen and unforeseen – that come with being a homeowner. Huffington Post recommends staying ahead of expenses like closing costs, homeowners association (HOA) fees, maintenance, insurance, etc. by setting aside 2-5% of the total cost of your house on an annual basis. So if you paid $100,000 for your house, be prepared to set aside $2,000-$5,000 each year, just to be safe.

In the first year, homeowners typically spend an additional sum, averaging $5,000-$10,000 on painting, hardware, roofing, and more. Check out our post, What to consider before buying a house, for tips on choosing a home that will save you money.

Know the records on the home

While buying a home that was previously foreclosed upon is often a cheaper option, we advise first-time homebuyers to stay away from these properties. The Ashton Group warns people to be cautious as these homes often come with steep costs. Title issues, like a tax lien with the home, could come up and any debt the previous owners had would become your responsibility. Debt like repair costs and unfinished renovations where you might find yourself spending more than you anticipated. A way to prevent this is to get title insurance to protect yourself in these situations.

Consider investing in your home

When asked by Business Insider, some homeowners wish they had considered investing in a multi-family unit when they bought their first home. If you can purchase a duplex or triplex, for example, your home can serve as a longer-term investment, freeing up cash later on to purchase your “dream home.”

Part of investing in your home is knowing what questions to ask and having a realtor who will truly listen to your wants and needs in a home. Be sure to run the following questions by your realtor:

  • What is the minimum down payment?
  • Is there a financial assistance program available?
  • Are there ways to put a “hold” on a place while still looking at other options?

Think twice about DIY

Is your home a fixer-upper? In theory, house flipping seems fun, but no one talks about the enormous amount of time, work, and money that goes into it. Do you have the time to tear down walls, rip up carpet, and scrub away grime? If you suspect the answer is no, it might be better to spend a little more money up-front on a newer home. If you are not well versed in renovating, all that hard work could go down the drain. Furthermore, if your project fails inspection for any reason (and there are many reasons it can fail inspection), you’ll have to start from scratch! Saving money is great, but the stress and exhaustion that come with DIYing are not.

Don’t skip over inspections!

Investing in a good home inspector can save you tons of money down the road by catching problems early on. When hiring an inspector, look into having another opinion like a specialist. HomeSelect Realty encourages clients to hire a specialist because most home inspectors are licensed to perform general home inspections. If your first home inspector finds something wrong, you’ll have a licensed pro look more into detail and catch anything else that was missed. An instance could be that the general home inspector sees something wrong with the HVAC unit, but cannot say for sure exactly what the issue is. Bringing in an HVAC technician and finding the exact root cause during this time rather than when everything is said and done, saved you thousands of dollars in fixing it.
If your inspectors happen to find hidden issues before you own the home, you should be able to negotiate with the sellers and have these issues covered and fixed.

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Bellhop Named to the 2022 Inc. 5000 Annual List https://www.getbellhops.com/blog/bellhop-named-to-the-2022-inc-5000-annual-list/ Thu, 18 Aug 2022 14:59:32 +0000 https://www.getbellhops.com/blog/?p=15308 With Three-Year Revenue Growth over 200 Percent, Bellhop Receives Ranking Among America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies  CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee, August 16, 2022 – Today, Inc. revealed that […]

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With Three-Year Revenue Growth over 200 Percent, Bellhop Receives Ranking Among America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies 

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee, August 16, 2022 – Today, Inc. revealed that Bellhop is No. 2,781 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The list represents a one-of-a-kind look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent businesses. Facebook, Chobani, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000. 

“Bellhop has experienced significant growth over the last few years as a direct result of our team’s collective tenacity, passion, and diligent work, despite the challenges that we – and virtually all businesses – faced amidst the pandemic,” said Luke Marklin, CEO of Bellhop. “Audacious as it is to challenge the status quo of an $20 billion industry, our progress demonstrates what we firmly believe: that there is huge demand for a move that is simple, stress-free, and transparent. We’re honored to be recognized on this year’s Inc. 5000 list, and all the more energized to build on our mission of changing moving as we know it: bringing excellent service, efficiency, and affordability to an industry that is known for letting customers down.” 

The companies on the 2022 Inc. 5000 have not only been successful, but have also demonstrated resilience amid supply chain woes, labor shortages, and the ongoing impact of Covid-19. 

Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000

“The accomplishment of building one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S., in light of recent economic roadblocks, cannot be overstated,” says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. “Inc. is thrilled to honor the companies that have established themselves through innovation, hard work, and rising to the challenges of today.” 

ABOUT BELLHOP

​​Bellhop was founded by millennials Cam Doody and Stephen Vlahos in the summer of 2011 as a simple solution for college students looking for help moving in and out of their dorms. After astronomical demand, the company quickly grew from serving just college students into a nationwide company with customers of every age and sized home. In 2013, the founders connected with Lamp Post Group for seed capital to aid national expansion, and the resources to develop the first-ever digital moving platform. To date, the company has acquired more than $50 million in venture capital from firms such as Advanced Venture Partners, Canaan Partners, Lowercase Capital, and Initialized Capital. Other investors include Silicon Valley Bank, Scott Banister, and rapper Nas. Visit bellhop.com to learn more.

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MORE ABOUT INC. AND THE INC. 5000

Methodology 

Companies on the 2022 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2018 to 2021. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2018. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2021. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2018 is $100,000; the minimum for 2021 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Growth rates used to determine company rankings were calculated to four decimal places. The top 500 companies on the Inc. 5000 are featured in Inc. magazine’s September issue. The entire Inc. 5000 can be found at http://www.inc.com/inc5000

About Inc. 

The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

For more information on the Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala, visit http://conference.inc.com/.  

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What to Consider Before Buying a House https://www.getbellhops.com/blog/what-to-consider-before-buying-a-house/ Thu, 04 Aug 2022 18:07:54 +0000 https://www.getbellhops.com/blog/?p=15051 So you’ve made the decision to purchase your first home. Congratulations! Being a first-time homebuyer can be overwhelming, and you may not know what to look for (and what to avoid). Here are some quick pointers to consider when you’re house hunting.

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So you’ve made the decision to purchase your first home. Congratulations! Being a first-time homebuyer can be overwhelming, and you may not know what to look for (and what to avoid) so you’re not stuck with major costs in a few months or years. While your home inspection will deliver a comprehensive report, here are some quick pointers to consider when you’re house hunting:

EXTERIOR

Roof

Take a good look at the general condition of the roof. Are the roof shingles fading, curling up, or cracked? Are you noticing stains on the wood in the attic? Are you seeing an abundance of shingle granules in the gutter?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, the roof will likely need some work in the near future. This means that you may have some leverage on the asking price (or you may decide to forego the home altogether).

Windows

When it comes to energy bills, window age and quality can make a major difference. If the home you’re considering is 15+ years old, or if you consistently feel a cold draft while inside, you may be dealing with energy-inefficient windows. Another sign that your windows need updating is the lack of a sound barrier: if you’re indoors and can easily hear noises from the outside, you may consider upgrading the windows.

Foundation

When you examine the exterior foundation of the house, do you see any cracks in the brick or concrete? If you notice cracks, keep an eye out for a potential termite infestation, as termites can be a byproduct of a poor foundation. Look for differences in elevation of the foundation: are you noticing any uneven parts? If left unattended, this can lead to shifting, which results in sagging floors, ceilings, and cracked windows and walls (read: costly repairs).

INTERIOR

Water Leaks

Water damage can be a huge expense that has to be immediately addressed (it gets worse with time), so make sure to check for water leakage in the interior. When looking around the house, examine the ceilings of all the bathrooms in the house to see if there are watermarks, which can indicate a leak. While you’re at it, check for watermarks in all of the rooms located directly below each of the bathrooms too.
Interior

Basement

If a basement is present in a home you’re looking at, make sure to ask your realtor when it was built. If the house was built before the early 2000s, chances are it’s not waterproof. Mold often proliferates in basements that are not waterproof, which you can usually detect with a simple sniff test. If you smell any mold or must, better to leave it than to fix it. Restoring a basement after mold can be an expensive project that could cost you upwards of $40,000! The process could involve cleaning out or replacing the HVAC and/or floors, and testing air quality… it’s an expensive project that can add a lot of upfront cost to your home.

Electrical

Check out the electrical panels, which can be located in the basement, utility room, or garage. If there are lots of old panels, these will need to be replaced, and replacement can be pricey! Old panels will typically have a burned area or black spot on your circuit breaker panel. Take a look at the electrical outlets throughout the house to see if they are 3-pronged (these prongs have a ground wire while 2-0pronged outlets do not). Without a grounding wire, the circuit breakers on your electrical panel board may not work properly. It isn’t great when a power surge happens. This could damage all of your electronics!

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What to Consider Before Signing an Apartment Lease https://www.getbellhops.com/blog/what-to-consider-before-signing-an-apartment-lease/ Thu, 04 Aug 2022 15:57:15 +0000 https://www.getbellhops.com/blog/?p=15042 On the hunt for an apartment? Here is a list of things to consider when apartment shopping that will save you time and money.

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On the hunt for an apartment? Here is a list of things to consider when apartment shopping that will save you time and money. Looking for a house? We’ve got tips for you here!

INTERIOR

Washer and Dryer

Ask yourself: is having a washer and dryer in your apartment a non-negotiable? If you don’t mind making small talk with your neighbors while folding your clothes, you can typically save money by choosing an apartment with a shared laundry facility. 

Heating and Cooling 

When taking a tour of a place, ask the apartment manager the estimated monthly price of the unit’s heating and cooling bills in the winter and summer, respectively. If you notice that either price is abnormally high, the building may not be energy efficient (many older buildings require more energy to heat and cool than newer buildings). Other factors like the size of your apartment and the state you live in will largely determine how much you’ll pay monthly; check out this post from Move.org for some benchmark averages.

Amenities 

It’s important to ask yourself what amenities are truly important to you. Be realistic about what you’ll actually utilize on a daily basis (versus “nice to have” amenities).As you’re touring, keep a mental note of the amenities – e.g. a pool, gym, or dog park – that stand out to you.

EXTERIOR 

Parking

Be aware of what the parking situation is like when you tour. The rent might seem reasonable, but does it come with accessible parking? Ask if parking is included in rent, an extra expense, or free-for-all street parking. 

Location 

Location, location, location! Don’t let a beautiful apartment in a less-than-convenient place win over your heart. Consider things like your work commute, proximity to friends and family, and ease of access to the interstate. All of these things will affect your quality of life on a daily basis, even if they seem insignificant in  the moment.

Neighborhood 

Finding a safe area is a must! Read through the apartment building’s reviews, as well as neighborhood reviews, and prioritize what is important to you (Niche.com is a great resource for neighborhood-level data in many towns and cities). If your apartment is in a newly developed area, you’ll want to find out if there is going to be constant, noisy construction in the vicinity. Speaking of noise, it’s usually a good idea to consider your neighbors. For example, if you want to live in a relatively quiet place, you’d be wise to avoid an apartment building with lots of college kids. 

There are a lot of considerations to take into account when you’re choosing a home, but hopefully, these tips will help you hone in on what’s most important. Good luck!

Lastly, if you’ve found the perfect apartment for you, here’s a guide that may assist with selecting a moving company to help with the transition.

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U.S. News 360 Reviews Recognizes Bellhop as One of the Best Movers of the Year https://www.getbellhops.com/blog/u-s-news-360-reviews-recognizes-bellhop-as-one-of-the-best-movers-of-the-year/ Tue, 26 Jul 2022 18:51:02 +0000 https://www.getbellhops.com/blog/?p=14972 The trusted consumer watchdog ranked Bellhop as the No. 2 mover in three categories: The Best Interstate Moving Companies, The Best Long-Distance Moving Companies, and the overall Best Moving Companies in 2022.

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This Win Signals the Tech-Based Mover’s Emergence as a Major Contender in the Marketplace

Atlanta, GA – July 21, 2022 — In June, Bellhop was recognized as one of the top movers in the nation by U.S. News’ 360 Reviews guide — a major milestone for the company’s 11th anniversary. The trusted consumer watchdog ranked Bellhop as the No. 2 mover in three categories: The Best Interstate Moving Companies, The Best Long-Distance Moving Companies, and the overall Best Moving Companies in 2022. In their review, the U.S. News team considered features like full-service moving, storage options, customer service, quality, pricing, and insurance coverage.

It’s an honor to be regarded so highly on a list of legacy movers,” says CEO Luke Marklin. “To rise to No. 2 after a relatively short period in the market compared to some other movers on the list is a testament to the value of our innovative platform, as well as the incredible level of service and care our employees put into each and every move.”

Bellhop is one of the earliest disruptors in the moving industry, being the first to develop a digital platform to improve the booking process, scheduling, and customer service. The technology benefits even extend to movers, who are automatically matched to customers based on proximity, skill level, and expertise.

Now, Bellhop is a leading moving platform for Millennial and Gen Z customers who are drawn to the ease of booking online, as well as the ability to give cashless tips to movers. The Bellhop team is hard at work building additional features and services that will soon drive it into the No. 1 spot for movers in the U.S.

ABOUT BELLHOP

​​Bellhop was founded by millennials Cam Doody and Stephen Vlahos in the summer of 2011 as a simple solution for college students looking for help moving in and out of their dorms. After astronomical demand, the company quickly grew from serving just college students into a nationwide company with customers of every age and sized home. In 2013, the founders connected with Lamp Post Group for seed capital to aid national expansion, and the resources to develop the first-ever digital moving platform. To date, the company has acquired more than $50 million in venture capital from firms such as Advanced Venture Partners, Canaan Partners, Lowercase Capital, and Initialized Capital. Other investors include Silicon Valley Bank, Scott Banister, and rapper Nas. Visit bellhop.com to learn more.

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A “Smart Home” Guide for Beginners https://www.getbellhops.com/blog/a-smart-home-guide-for-beginners/ Thu, 03 Mar 2022 14:40:48 +0000 https://www.getbellhops.com/blog/?p=12086 Tech upgrades will not only make simple tasks easier, but will also make your space feel a little bit more livable. Even if you’re new to the “smart home” phenomenon, we came up with a few easy switches that can help you save time, energy, and money. 

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After spending the majority of your time at home over the course of the pandemic, you might be thinking to yourself that your space needs some upgrades. The trend to “level up your home” with smart gadgets has really taken off in 2022, and for good reason. 

Tech upgrades will not only make simple tasks easier, but will also make your space feel a little bit more livable. Even if you’re new to the “smart home” phenomenon, we came up with a few easy switches that can help you save time, energy, and money. 

Start with something basic, like a smart plug. 

There’s nothing like trimming your energy bills with a smart device that can turn your appliances off and on for you. For as little as $15, smart plugs enable you to control your appliances with your phone. You can even set a schedule to turn off your appliances when they’re not in use, which can reduce energy consumption and save you money. Talk about budget luxury. Some of our favorite smart plugs: 

Rake in the savings with a smart thermostat. 

If you don’t have a smart thermostat yet, you’re missing out. It’s an easy upgrade with a major return on investment, as smart thermostats can substantially reduce your heating and cooling bills. They have the ability to adapt to a household’s temperature pattern, when you’re home and when you’re away. Not to mention that some insurances even offer rebates when you switch to a smart thermostat. Some of our favorite smart thermostats: 

Level up your home security with a doorbell camera. 

Much like smart thermostats, doorbell cameras can add a lot of value to your home. If you have a smart doorbell, you can easily see who’s knocking without having to go to the door, all from your phone. A safety measure like this will surely keep the package thieves away (not to mention the convenience of knowing – and seeing! – your packages when they are delivered). In addition to being an asset, doorbell cameras provide safety and security for your home, especially if you aren’t there. Some of our favorite doorbell cameras: 

Smart home technology is becoming an integral part of home design, and familiarizing yourself with the basics can pay major dividends in the long run. For more budget-friendly home upgrades, check out our post on Furnishing Your Apartment for Cheap. 

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Strategies for Decluttering Your Home in 10 Minutes (or Less) https://www.getbellhops.com/blog/strategies-for-decluttering-your-home-in-10-minutes-or-less/ Mon, 21 Feb 2022 15:25:18 +0000 https://www.getbellhops.com/blog/?p=12027 Decluttering took on a whole new meaning in 2020: faced with months of pandemic-related social isolation, many of us took the opportunity to address all […]

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Decluttering took on a whole new meaning in 2020: faced with months of pandemic-related social isolation, many of us took the opportunity to address all of our long-accumulated stuff. We tidied, organized, and purged our way to some sense of normalcy during uncertain times, and it felt good.

Fast forward a couple of years later, and you may have noticed that the clutter has returned with a vengeance! If that’s the case, you’re not alone. But knowing that you may not have as much time on your hands to tackle the mess, we came up with three easy strategies to win your clutter battle one step at a time; better yet, each takes just 10 minutes or less.

Put a donation bag or basket in every space that needs an “edit”

Rather than facing the overwhelming task of making lots of choices at once, this strategy helps you pare down your stuff over time. Now, when you come across that ill-fitting sweater or uncover your collection of CDs from high school, you can simply toss them in the nearest donation pile.

Find a “home” for five things at a time

We often accumulate clutter because we don’t have designated places to store various items. Choose a problem area – e.g. your nightstand, kitchen surface, or entryway – and pick up five things. Rather than simply moving these items, think about where they can live permanently–and put them there. If you complete this exercise every day for a week, you might be surprised at the progress you can make in just a few minutes.

Create a basic filing system for papers.

It can be overwhelming and time consuming to sort through mail, mementos, and other documents. Instead of organizing your papers all at once, commit instead to three piles: trash, action, and save. The “action” pile is for papers like bills and RSVPs; the “save” pile is for things that need to be organized later, such as photos or letters you want to keep.

Finally, remember that it’s okay to ask for (or hire) help! Organizing and junk-hauling services are available virtually everywhere. And if you need a hand with some heavy lifting, Bellhop has you covered––check out our labor only service offering.

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