In the Media Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Ayer Moving & Storage, Ayer MA

Storage Options for You Even During COVID-19

September 16th, 2020/in In the Media, Moving Tips, News, Storage Tips/by Ayer Moving

Storage Options for You Even During COVID-19. These are challenging times and if you need a solution for storing household belongings now during COVID-19, you want to be sure that precautions are being taken for your safety when dealing with your storage facility.

Storage Options with Safety First in Mind

This global Pandemic has spawned creative and practical ways to deal with and expand upon the CDC guidelines for safety. At Ayer Moving and Storage your health and safety and the safety of our employees are our highest priority. We screen our moving crew for symptoms. We have hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes on board all our trucks. We have increased our daily cleaning procedures for shared, high-touch surfaces on our trucks, equipment, in our storage, dispatch, and office areas. No-contact arrangements are made by phone so there is no need to go into the office. We also complete a short COVID-19 questionnaire prior to every job.

Everyone involved is required to wear a mask whether in the warehouse or storage unit and it is now the norm to maintain social distancing of six feet or more. In addition, we only use “clean” pens and are liberal in the use of disinfectant spray and/or wipes.

Reasons Why You May Need a Storage Options as a Solution

You may not have extra space at home to store household items you want and need, but don’t use very often, including seasonal clothing, outgrown toys, electronics, furniture, or valuable artwork.

You’ll need extra storage when your college student is home and dorm furnishings and décor need a place temporarily. The same is true for Military service members who require short- or long-term storage.

Business or household paperwork or tax records that you are required by law to keep for years can be safely stored in a storage unit.

Do you have a sports car or antique vehicle that you want to safely store over the winter months? Or perhaps you have an RV that you need to move out of your driveway or backyard.

Out of season recreational vehicles – a boat, ATV, jet-ski, or motorcycle can be put away in a storage facility.

If you are selling your home and need to remove furnishings to stage it properly or if you have sold your home, but are not yet ready to move to your new house, a storage facility is the ideal solution.

Types of Storage Options Available

Warehouse Storage – A temperature-controlled warehouse is perfect for long- or short-term storage. Your belongings can be picked up at your home and loaded onto a truck that will deliver them to the warehouse. There everything is packed into crates or loaded onto shelves. Ayer Moving and Storage offers 20,000 sq. ft. of warehouse where you can store a little or a lot.

Self-Storage Units – These handy units come in various sizes and are available for monthly rentals. You bring your belongings to the unit store them inside yourself. You can bring in additional items and/or remove some when you need them. You supply your own lock so you, alone, have a key to your unit and can access it according to the facility’s schedule and hours of operation. You can cover your belongings with thick sheets of plastic, or bubble wrap and use plywood or boards to place between layers of stacked items.

Containers on Wheels – Ayer Moving and Storage offers COWs (Containers on Wheels) for temporary or long-term storage on your property or ours. COWs are lockable and weatherproof, steel-constructed containers that we deliver to your driveway. Ideal for use in-between moves or if you are doing renovation and need a place for furnishings until the job is complete. Available in 8’ or 16’ containers and can be rented daily, weekly, or monthly.

If you are planning a local do-it-yourself move, you can pack up your COW and when you are ready to move, we’ll load it onto our truck and deliver it to your new home.

For more information about storage options at Ayer Moving and Storage, call 800-233-MOVE or email. (info@ayermoving.com)

How to Make Your Cross-Country Move Less Stressful

July 6th, 2020/in In the Media, Moving Tips/by Ayer Moving

You don’t need to be told that the more things you take with you, the more work you’ll have to do and the more expensive it will be. Therefore, the first tip to make your cross-country move less stressful is to reduce and declutter!

Downsize to De-stress

Attack one room at a time and use a sticky note to label items you use every day, those you use less frequently, and those you hardly ever use.

For those items you seldom or never use (or wear), make three piles: Items to sell; items to give away; and items to discard.

Check the condition of everything. If you are thinking of moving a five-year-old couch that has seen better days, you might consider donating it to a charitable organization and purchasing a new one once you are settled.

Consider having a yard sale or listing your items on your local Facebook Marketplace, or freecycle, OfferUp, Letgo, or Ebay. For those items that are to be discarded, think about renting a dumpster through a company like BinThereDumpThat. They will deliver a household-sized dumpster to your driveway and pick it up when you have finished your cleanout.

Organize to a Fault

Use a moving checklist which gives you a detailed description and timeline for what you need to do to prepare for your move and tips for during and after your move.

Make an inventory of everything you are shipping to your new home, room by room. Your mover will also make an inventory, but it is prudent to have your own to compare.

Use technology to assist in making your inventory list easier. Check out the app from MoveAdvisor-Home Inventory, which gives you a detailed digital map of your home into which you can place all the furnishings you are planning to move. Sortly allows you to create a virtual inventory of all your items.

Timing is Everything

Speak with your moving company about the best time to undertake a cross-country move with regards to peak and off-peak seasons. Mid-month, mid-week, and off season moves will mean better scheduling to meet your needs and lower costs.

Be sure to consult the weather predictions a few days before your move is to begin. If bad weather is in store, you and your mover can prepare a back-up plan.

Begin Planning Early

Once you’ve decided to move, begin to interview prospective movers who are experienced in long-distance moving. You want to be sure to ask for a free, no-obligation quote that includes an in-home visit (adhering to current Covid-19 precautions) or a detailed telephone quote. You will need to be prepared at that point to know precisely what you are moving and communicate that to your prospective mover. Remember to discuss the different options regarding insurance and ask about the travel arrangements. Will there be an overnight stop along the way? What if there are delays?

Packing – Who and with What?

You have options regarding the packing procedure for your move. You can do it all. You can have your mover do all the packing … or you can split the process by doing the clothing and household items and have your mover pack electronics, art, and items that need special care.

Your mover has many types and sizes of moving boxes available and may even have used ones to sell at a discounted rate. There are some items that can be shipped in grocery or department store boxes but be wary of using boxes that are inappropriate in size or weight that will not protect your items adequately. There are specialty boxes for lamps, dinnerware, electronics, wall art, and TVs as well as wardrobe boxes in which you can hang clothing.

You can also purchase unprinted newsprint paper from your mover or stationery store … paper that won’t soil your items like used newspaper will. You can also use towels and linens to wrap fragile items.

Label each box with the room and a summary of what is in the box. Make a copy to put IN the box as well as one to tape onto the box.

For a detailed guide to packing that you can download, visit our website.

Coordinate Your Travel

You will need to plan your travel arrangements to mesh with your mover so that you, your family, and your household arrive at your destination together. Consider where you will stay until your mover arrives. What will be the ETA of the truck and how long will it take to unload? If you are traveling with pets, children, or seniors, what special considerations are necessary? A pet-friendly hotel? A sitter to keep the children occupied while the movers are loading and/or unloading? A caretaker and comfortable waiting space with food and water?

Ask Questions

An experienced long-distance mover will have the answers to your questions. Don’t be afraid to depend on their expertise if you have concerns. The best way to alleviate stress is to have confidence in your mover who is your partner in this very important and exciting venture.

What to Do (and What NOT to Do) When Moving in the Summer

June 19th, 2020/in In the Media/by Ayer Moving

Moving in the Summer? What with vacation time, the nice weather, and the kids out of school, you would think that summer would be the ideal time to move. The problem is that you are not alone in thinking that. In fact, more than 70% of all house moves occur between May and September! Here are some helpful tips if your family will be included in this statistic.

Expect to Pay More when Moving in the Summer.

Summer is peak moving time and as such, is the most expensive time to move. Demand is high and rates during the summer reflect that.

Reserve Early for a Summer Move.

Because demand is high this time of year, you’ll want to interview and reserve with your selected mover as soon as you can. Schedule your move in the middle of the month, and middle of the week, if you can. You’ll be more likely to get your requested date this way when demand is slightly lower. (Most people want to move on the weekend at the end or beginning of a month!)

Summer Means Move Early in the Day.

Temperatures and humidity levels are lowest in the morning. Scheduling your move around 8 am will help you and your movers beat the heat and the traffic. If this isn’t possible or if you are planning a do-it-yourself move, wait until late afternoon when the temps cool down.

Keep Cool when moving in the Summer.

Set up a portable fan near the entrance to your home where the movers will be loading the truck. If you have air conditioning at your new home, put it on as soon as you can or bring that fan and set it up to help move the air when the movers are unloading the truck.

It’s Summer. Hydrate.

To avoid overheating, remember to have plenty of cool water on hand. Keep water bottles in a cooler and be sure to offer water to your moving crew.

It’s Hot. Load Electronics Last.

Electronic devices can become overheated on a hot summer’s day. Smartphones, laptops, tablets, and TVs do not take kindly to heated conditions. If you can, load them last or bring them with you in your car. If it is a humid or rainy day, you might want to put devices in plastic baggies or a waterproof container to keep them safe. Ask your mover for special boxes for computers and TVs to be sure they arrive safely at your destination.

Drip Drop. Keep Perishables Cool.

If you are moving nearby, you can pack your perishable food items in a cooler full of ice or ice packs. (Large plastic juice bottles filled with water and then frozen work well).

Remember the Summer Sunscreen.

Apply sunscreen with broad-spectrum coverage and an SPF of 30 or higher.

Don’t Underestimate Prep Time.

Start packing your household goods at least a month before your moving date. Interview, hire, and schedule your movers 3 – 4 months before that, if possible. Consult a timeline for moving that will guide you through the steps.

Holidays are NOT the Time to Move.

Availability will be scarce for movers and truck rentals and it will be more expensive to schedule your move during a holiday weekend. Traffic will be high on major roads and you may encounter detours due to holiday events, such as parades. Avoid Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends.

Wear Seasonal Clothing.

Don’t wear inappropriate or uncomfortable clothing when moving in the summer. In the Summer, you need light, breathable clothing, closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops or sandals), and ladies: No high heels! You may be lifting boxes, walking back and forth (sometimes backwards), and driving long distances … none of which can be done safely or comfortably in unsuitable clothing.

If you are thinking of moving during the summer months and have questions about costs or scheduling, call a professional moving consultant at Ayer Moving & Storage at 1-800-233-MOVE. They will be happy to discuss how they can help organize your summer move to be stress-free.

The Best Time to Move is When???

June 1st, 2020/in In the Media/by Ayer Moving

The best time to move is when…..??? Families and individuals move for many reasons – a larger home is needed for an expanding family; the neighborhood changes; a new job means the commute is too long; the house is more than you need, now that the children have grown; retirement is closer and downsizing seems the thing to do. In fact families and individuals move on average 11.4 times in the course of their lifetimes!

People don’t always have the option to select the season or month they want to move, but if they could, what would be the ideal time to plan a move to a new home?

Seasonal Pros and Cons

Let’s first look at the seasons one by one to see the pros and cons:

Autumn

The Fall features great weather conditions for moving, especially here in New England and the peak Summer season is over, so you may have more options for timing and budget.

Winter

In the Winter, your move is most affordable and moving companies usually have more flexible schedules. If you are moving with children, however, this may not be the best season because of conflicts with school and holiday celebrations. Winter weather can also mean delays, difficulties loading the van, and treacherous driving conditions.

Spring

In the Spring, the weather is improving, but it ushers in the rainy season, so you’ll have to plan accordingly. Demand is lighter in March and April, so you may have more choices regarding the mover’s schedule.

Summer

Many people feel that Summer is the ideal time, but this is peak time (Memorial Day through Labor Day) for movers and higher prices prevail as well as tight schedules. This may be your best option if you have children because they won’t be between their old school session and the one that begins in August or September in your new home.

Best Months

For a number of reasons, the best months are between mid-September through April, as you are most likely to save during this window. College students usually move in the early fall and late spring, so if you live in a city with university students, you will want to avoid moving in early September.

Best Week

Plan your move mid-month instead of at the beginning or end of the month. The last weekend of the month is the most requested, so if you have flexibility, your mover will be able to accommodate you better in the second or third week of the month when demand is lower.

Best Day

Weekends are the most frequently requested, as families will want to avoid having to take extra time off work to move. However, it is best to select a weekday. Moving companies suggest moving on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. There are limited number of weekends in each month and movers get booked early and quickly for these days.

What Time of Day?

If you are a morning person, you are in luck! Mornings are the best time to move. Your moving crew will arrive at their location early in the day to get paperwork and instructions. They will typically arrive at your home during the 9 am – 10 am time period to dig right in. Early mornings can mean cooler temperatures and the crew will be full of energy to get started.

If you are moving locally, your movers may greet you at your new location when you still have time to unpack, organize, and relax in your new home.

Plan your move early and get your mover on board so you can get on the schedule on the day that is best for you.

If you have questions about getting organized for a pending move, call a professional moving consultant at Ayer Moving & Storage at 1-800-233-MOVE. They will be happy to discuss how they can help organize your move to be stress-free. Download Ayer Moving’s Timeline for a Successful Move.

Hints for a Successful Spring Move

May 12th, 2020/in In the Media/by Ayer Moving

According to most reports, the Spring season is the best time to move. The real estate market is picking up after the long Winter and professional movers haven’t transitioned into their peak season yet, so you benefit from lower prices.

However, there are things to consider and helpful hints that can help make your move less stressful and smooth going. Read on.
Be aware of unpredictable weather. Especially in New England, the Spring weather can be erratic. Temps in the 70s one day and a snow flurry the next! Be sure to have a backup plan in the event the weather impacts your move. Have extra furniture covers on hand – blankets, tarps, plastic sheets.

Plan early. Book your movers well in advance and lock in your moving date. Organize your packing and be sure to purge before putting things in boxes. Ask your mover for a packing guide so you know the basics about types of boxes and how to pack like the professionals to avoid breakage and damage of your belongings. If using a professional mover, consider hiring them to do your packing as well. An affordable option is to share the responsibility, have the pros pack your fragile items, electronics, artwork, wall décor, and antiques.

Consider the pollen. Spring brings pollen, along with the nice weather and flowers. Pollen can get tracked into your home and collect on boxes and furniture. Be sure to seal the boxes before bringing them out of the house. Remove your shoes or shoe coverings before entering the house and wipe down boxes before opening them.

Think Traffic. More people are on the road in the Spring. Be sure the driver has planned out the route to avoid seasonal traffic and unplanned delays.

Take a Break. Moving day can be a non-stop activity, so don’t forget to take a break once in a while and have a bite to eat. As the weather warms, it is extra important to drink water to remain hydrated. Keep your energy level up with a snack and a sip of water.

Spring means new beginnings. Moving during the spring months is a great way to get a head start on new opportunities and new adventures.

If you have questions about getting organized for a pending move, call a professional moving consultant at Ayer Moving & Storage at 1-800-233-MOVE. They will be happy to discuss how they can help organize your move to be stress-free.

Some Basic Tips to Avoid a Stressful Move

May 12th, 2020/in In the Media/by Ayer Moving

Name some fun activities that you and your whole family are looking forward to! I’ll bet moving to a new home is not at the top of your list!

Moving is a fact of life at one point or another and can be one of the most potentially stressful events from start to finish.
There are many articles and resources available to make it less so, but we’ll cut to the chase here: The secret is in the planning! Start early and follow the plan to avoid potential “bumps” in the road. Keep in mind that some stress is normal. If you know you are likely to incur some stress during the process, you are less likely to let it set you back when it happens. You’ll work through it.

Tip #1 – Allow Yourself the Time You Need

Pressured by deadlines is a sure way to add unnecessary stress to your move. Begin decluttering and make decisions about what you will be taking to your new home. Start with one room and consider what furniture will fit in its new location. Go through closes to consider what you no longer need or want and give these items away or dispose of them. Make a to-do list and a to-scale floor plan so that you know what will go where and what will or will not fit.

Tip #2 – Be Super Organized When Packing

Pack one room at a time, leaving the kitchen for last. When packing clothing, don’t remove them from their hangars. Use wardrobe boxes (available from your mover) in which you can hang your clothing. Don’t empty dresser drawers. They can be left in position. If this makes the dresser too heavy to lift, the drawers can be removed, and the contents held in place by plastic wrap.

Use a consistent labeling system or color-code your boxes with adhesive dots. A simple device is to write, for example: Master Bedroom #1 of #5 with a heavy-duty marker. Keep a written journal of what is in that box in a notebook.

Confer with your mover to obtain the appropriate packing supplies. You’ll need various sizes and types of boxes, including those that are for specific purposes, like computers, TVs, artwork, mirrors, and hanging clothes. You may be able to purchase used boxes at a reduced cost. Don’t forget heavy-duty tape and unprinted newsprint paper for wrapping items. Be sure to have extra boxes on hand for last-minute packing on moving day.

Use your linens and towels for packing material as well. You can cushion fragile glassware, lamps, and vases with these items. Wrap knives and other sharp kitchenware in linens too, to prevent injury when unpacking.

If you need assistance packing, ask your mover to help with the more fragile or hard-to-pack items.

Tip #3 – Take Care of Yourself, Before, During, and After

Be sure to get enough sleep and to eat well. Move anxiety may mean that you may not be getting the sleep you should prior to the move and it’s easy to forget to eat on moving day. However, you need to be alert and at your best or stress will definitely find a place to express itself.

Tip #4 – Get the Help You Need

We don’t always ask for help when we need it most and feeling overwhelmed is often the result. Ask family members or friends to help or keep you company while you pack. If you have children or pets, ask for a baby or pet sitting help on packing or moving days.

Select a professional mover that can assist you in the planning and completion of your move … one with the capability to wrap your furnishings and load them onto their truck so they arrive safely. Make use of resources, like the Tips From Professional Movers or the Timeline for a Successful Move, available from your mover.

Tip #5 – Moving Day!

Your packing should include a Moving Essentials box or bag. This will include the necessities for you on moving day and for your arrival at your new home. Pack important documents, jewelry, medications, a change of clothes, toiletries, electronic device chargers, and snacks. You will want to add a child’s favorite toy and your pet’s food and dishes.

10 Tips for Packing Your Belongings for Storage

December 4th, 2019/in In the Media/by Ayer Moving

If you are in transition and are waiting to move into your new home, you may need to store your belongings temporarily until you are ready to pack your household goods onto the moving van.

Renting a space in a warehouse storage unit is a perfect option, whether you are storing some things during the staging phase of your house for the sale process or you have sold your home and are awaiting the closing of your new home. In either case, you’ll want to pack your belongings properly, so they are safe. Here are ten tips for preparing your household items for storage:

1. Do Your Research
  Find out from the storage facility what can and cannot be stored inside the storage unit. Ask for a list of restricted items and for the rules and regulations for storing. (See Never/Never below.)
2. Decisions, Decisions
  Before you take it to the storage unit, decide if you really need that item. The more you store, the larger the unit you will need and the more you will ultimately pay to move. If you haven’t used it in the last year, you probably don’t need it. If it doesn’t have sentimental value or isn’t useful, try to sell or donate it.
3. Inventory Everything
  Create an inventory list so you don’t have to rely on your memory to know what is in storage. Make two copies — one to keep inside the storage unit and one to file.
4. Store Clean Items
  Before storing anything, be sure to clean or vacuum it. Wipe down all surfaces with an all-purpose cleaning spray, vacuum fabric furniture and cushions, and clean appliances with disinfectant wipes.
5. Plastic Bins Instead of Boxes
  Whenever possible, pack items inside airtight, clear plastic bins. You’ll be able to see what is inside and these bins can be stacked to save space.
6. Label Liberally
  Whether you use plastic bins or boxes, be sure to label them specifically. You can label a bin: “Kitchen Items” … but it’s better to add: “Pots, Pans, Utensils.” You’ll be glad you did when it is time to unpack.
7. Moisture is Not Your Friend
  Dust, moisture, mildew, and mold can develop over time if you don’t take proper precautions. This is especially true if your storage unit is not temperature or climate controlled.
  -Make sure everything is dry when you pack them.
  -Apply protective spray on wood furniture and leather goods.
  -Seal boxes tightly to keep moisture out.
  -Store electronics and cords in plastic baggies.
  -Place sweaters and clothing in wardrobe boxes or zipped inside a hanging garment bag.
  -Place mattresses in a special mattress storage bag.
  -Cover fabric furniture in a cotton sheet or place in a furniture bag.
8. Disassemble Large Items
  Take apart beds and dining tables prior to storage. Put hardware and bed feet or table legs in plastic bags and tape them to the appropriate item so they don’t get lost when moving.
9. Prep Appliances
  Wrap small kitchen appliances with their cords in bubble wrap or foam to prevent breakage. Secure any loose parts with rope or tape. When moving large appliances, such as washers, refrigerators, or dishwashers, leave the appliance doors open slightly to prevent mildew and moisture from building up.
10. Strategic Positioning
  Where and how you place items in a storage unit is key.
  -To save space, store your belongings in a vertical position.
  -Large and heavy items should be placed on the bottom.
  -Store mattresses and box springs flat, but don’t put them on the bottom because things on top will cause pressure on the padding and springs.
  -It is not always good to position a couch on its side if it will be in storage for a long time. Better to place it in its normal position, being sure not to store heavy items on top of it or have other items leaning against it.

Never/Never

Here are some items you should never put in a storage unit:

- Gasoline
- Fertilizer
- Paint
- Chemicals
- Fireworks
- Explosives
- Propane tanks
- Perishable food
- Medicine
- Narcotics
- Plants
- Valuables
- Firearms

It’s important to choose the right type of storage: self-storage or warehouse storage – and the proper size for your needs. Ayer Moving and Storage can help you select the appropriate size and type of storage. Call 978-772-2558 and speak with one of our relocation specialists.

29th Year for the Annual Ducky Wucky River Race

May 10th, 2019/in In the Media/by Ayer Moving

The Rotary Club of Ayer, Harvard, Shirley, and Devens presents the 67th Annual Apple Blossom Festival on May 11th to include the ever-popular Ducky Wucky River Race! Participants who “adopt” yellow rubber duckies have an opportunity to win the most sought-after prize – a dinner for two ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD!

Get Your Own Rubber Ducky

If your adopted rubber ducky is the first to cross the finish line, you win the grand prize – airfare and a two-night stay at a hotel and dinner anywhere you choose! All proceeds go to the charitable causes supported by the Rotary Club of Ayer, Harvard, Shirley, and Devens.

Tickets for rubber duckies can be purchased from any Rotarian or at Union Coffee Roaster or Gervais Ford in Ayer or in Shirley from Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce and The Bull Run Restaurant. The race takes place at the Apple Blossom Festival which is held at the Common in Harvard from 10 am – 3 pm on Saturday, May 11th.

Family Fun for All

A day of family fun activities, the festival features crafts, gifts for Mother’s Day, food and live entertainment, which this year includes:

Matt Rimkus at 10 am, the Nashoba Valley Band at 11 am, John Weisner and Blue Taxi at noon, and Amanda Cote at 1 pm.

Often described as a folksy crooner, Groton’s Matt Rimkus will share some of his favorite old time covers and originals on his 12-string guitar. His booming baritone voice has been a popular draw in coffee houses throughout the area for the past 20 years. You can find Matt on the Reverbnation website.

John Weisner and his Band, Blue Taxi, also hail from Groton MA and play groove jazz, blues, American roots, Latin, and Reggae. Band members include Charlie Peterson on sax; Larry Prestia, percussion; Andy Peterson, bass guitar; and John Wiesner, keyboards, guitar, and vocals.

From Fitchburg, Amanda Cote’s brand of music can best be described as a seamless blend of blues, jazz, rock, soul, R&B, and folk with a little of her own unique sound thrown in thanks to her incredibly strong vocals. Amanda has been making waves in New England, playing solo shows across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Her mix of folksy Americana originals and covers are soulful, emotional, and sometimes fabulously comical while accompanying herself on guitar.

Karen Strickland, President of Ayer Moving and Storage and Entertainment Chair for this year’s Apple Blossom Festival, stated, “We are so pleased to have been able to secure these top entertainers this year. They are among the most sought-after bands in our area and are guaranteed to get your toes tapping and singing along!”

Learn More

For more information about the Apple Blossom Festival and the Ducky Wucky Race visit the Rotary’s Festival website. Potential vendors can find information about exhibiting here.

Top Consumer Growth Agent Awarded for Second Year

November 10th, 2017/in In the Media/by Ayer Moving

For the second year in a row, Ayer Moving & Storage was presented with the Top Consumer Growth Agent Award by northAmerican Van Lines.

Karen Strickland, President of Ayer Moving & Storage thanked Andy Kroll, Vice President and General manager of northAmerican Van Lines, saying “We are so proud to be given this award which recognizes the hard work and dedication of our entire staff. We are doubly pleased as it was awarded to us on the heels of our 65th anniversary as an agent for northAmerican.”

65 Years as northAmerican Van Lines Agent

Family-owned and operated since 1951, Ayer Moving & Storage was founded by Karen Strickland’s dad, Eldon Strickland, who, although retired, can still be counted on to add his opinion and expertise when needed. Karen and her brother Philip lead the Ayer Moving & Storage team, with Philip supervising operations and Karen heading up marketing and sales.

“The last two years have been especially good ones for us and we continue to do all we can to meet the expectations of our customers,” Karen explained. “Philip and I are grateful to our staff and moving crews, and to our community, which has been so supportive of us.”

Congratulating Ayer Moving and Storage on their 65 years with northAmerican, Andy Kroll said, “We know that the growth and success of our company is dependent on having strong and capable agents, such as Ayer Moving & Storage and appreciate the contributions they have made in making North American Van Lines a recognized and respected name in the industry.”

Karen says she and her brother look forward to many more years of growth with northAmerican.

Located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, northAmerican Van Lines was established in 1933 and has more than 500 agents worldwide. It handles corporate, government, military, and private relocations, and operates in the US., Canada, and more than 100 countries worldwide. northAmerican Van Lines is the official mover of the Gary Sinise Foundation and Richard Petty Motorsports and is a sponsor of Habitat for Humanity ReStore resale outlets.

How to Pack and Move your Holiday Decorations

December 11th, 2016/in In the Media/by Ayer Moving

Home decorations really make the holidays come alive in a home. Be it colored lights, ornaments on a Christmas tree, a Menorah for Hanukkah, or paper snowflakes on the window for the solstice, these bright and colorful heirlooms bring out the spirit of the season. Most people have a system to store them for the offseason, but what do you do when it’s time to move? Packing holiday decorations takes a little more care, but with the right approach, they will be in perfect condition for next year.

Use durable containers

Worn-out boxes with the ends flapping open are a normal way to pack holiday decorations when moving them from the living room to the back of a closet, but those decade-old boxes are too soft and fragile for a moving truck where they could be stacked four deep. Invest in a strong, crisp, new packing box to weather the coming road bumps and brake taps from the truck.

Keep things separate

Most of us can remember growing up with that big cardboard box with all the decorations heaped into the center. That may cut it when you have a handful of decorations that all need to come out at the same time, but the risk of individual items chipping, cracking, and breaking goes up when the box is moved across several states.

Keep an open mind for potential storage solutions that will help you keep ornaments separated and organized, such as egg cartons and muffin tins. Strings of lights can be wrapped around a spool, even if it’s just an H-shaped piece of cardboard. Don’t reuse old newspapers, as the ink can rub off and stain light-colored decorations.

Prepare for travel

Remember, you’re not just setting your delicate decorations in a box in an attic undisturbed for another 11 months, you’re putting them into the back of a truck and they will need more support and protection. Bubble wrap, foam sheets and pieces of cloth can keep hard times from contacting one another and fragile ornaments from breaking under pressure.

Make sure you label your decoration boxes, as they will likely be moving with many other boxes. That way, if you want to decorate immediately after moving in, you will have no trouble finding them.

Labeling will also come in handy when the holiday is over and you want to put the decorations away in the same boxes you moved with.

Retire with honors

Getting new holiday decorations can be addictive, and it’s common for people to give little ornaments as gifts. Preparing for a move is often a time to purge needless belongings, and that is especially true for holiday decorations. If you’re not sure if you can part with a particular item, consider taking a digital photo of it and save backup copies in a few places. That way you can look at it whenever you feel nostalgic, but still have more space in your house.

If you need some packing supplies to protect your holiday decorations or any other items, stop by our location on Central Avenue in Ayer or give us a call at 1 (800) 233-MOVE.