Throughout his academic journey at George Mason University, Mr. Tyler Tep has explored outside his comfort zone, in order to look deeper and uncover the unknown and learn more about himself and his entrepreneurial goals.

Mr. Tep has lived in Northern Virginia all of his life and came across various opportunities to explore the world of business. He has taken internships and jobs at NEXCO-West USA and Northrop Grumman Corporation in Virginia, The Walt Disney Company in New York City, and Google in Boulder, Colorado.

As a family-oriented individual, one would think leaving home would be one of the most challenging experiences they would have to face. Not to mention, a challenge that oftentimes results in people returning home earlier than expected, due to homesickness — or not leaving at all.

However, technology, such as video calls through FaceTime, made Mr. Tep’s internships in New York City and Colorado easier. This kept the homesickness away and allowed him to continue gaining the knowledge and skills he needed to grow into the entrepreneur that he has started to become.

Through these experiences, he’s been able to get accustomed to different ways of living, staying connected with loved ones while adjusting to a variety of lifestyles and cultures, all while pursuing the knowledge he needs to run his own business. Mr. Tep is a prime example of why you should never be intimidated by leaving the comfort of your home to explore what it is that truly fuels your desire to make a difference in the world.

As Mr. Tep continues to take on new challenges in pursuit of his dream, Able Moving & Storage is excited to support his entrepreneurial dream by awarding him the Able Moving & Storage 2020 Moving Scholarship. We are looking forward to the opportunities Mr. Tep will discover and wish him nothing but success beyond his academic career.

Able Moving & Storage will continue to support energetic, bright minds by awarding scholarships to support their entrepreneurial journey toward success. We look forward to learning about our next round of scholarship applicants and encourage student entrepreneurs to take the time to apply for our next scholarship!

For more information regarding our annual scholarship, please contact our local moving company (703) 330-3772 or email us at info@ablemoving.com.

Moving is a big task for anyone, but it requires special planning when you’re moving an elderly loved one into a new home. Here are some tips on the five areas to set up first on the big day.

If you have the luxury of time before the move, use a floor plan or template of the new space to decide where larger pieces of furniture will go. This will help you determine what to bring and what needs to go. It may help to take pictures of rooms in the current home to help you arrange items in the new place.

When packing, label boxes by room. This will help make the unpacking process easier. Pack a suitcase with several days of essentials, including changes of clothes, toiletries, and any medications. You can unpack this first so your senior has the necessities right from the start.

1. Bedroom

Gather bedding and make the bed(s). Unpack clothes, letting your loved one know which items are going where. Make sure the space has good lighting and that the bed is near an outlet or phone jack (if applicable). Keep the floor free of clutter (cords, clothes, rugs, etc.) so there’s no risk of tripping. Grab-rails next to the bed or handrails attached to the frame can help with getting in and out of bed. A nightlight will make it easier to get to the bathroom without having to turn on the lights.

2. Bathroom

As with the bedroom, make sure the bathroom has plenty of lighting. Keep the floor clutter-free, and use nonslip pads to help prevent falls. Avoid raised bath mats and make sure any mats or bath rugs grip the floor. Install grab-bars by the tub and toilet, and consider a raised toilet seat. Make sure essential items are within easy reach (a shower caddy for soap and shampoo.) Place toiletries in plain view on the bathroom counter and medicines within reach on the counter or in a cabinet. A nightlight is also a must in the bathroom.

3. Living Room/Den

The trick to this room is, well, room, and plenty of it. Take care not to have too much furniture, so there is enough space for walkers and wheelchairs. Arrange the furniture to allow for ample walkways through the room. Avoid moveable items like rolling chairs, lightweight furniture, or unsteady table lamps. Minimize the distance between electronics and outlets, so cords aren’t an issue. If this isn’t possible, use electrical tape to secure cords along the wall.

4. Kitchen

Make sure items in the kitchen are within easy reach, especially the items your loved one will use the most. Leave any out-of-reach cabinets empty, and place heavier pots and pans as close to waist level as possible. Bright lighting is also helpful, especially over the stove and countertops. Make sure the kitchen has a working smoke detector, preferably one that sounds for both smoke and flames. Consider placing a nonskid mat by the sink to soak up spills.

5. Exterior

Doorways should be at least 36 inches wide to allow for wheelchairs or walkers. If this isn’t possible, consider offset hinges. They allow doors to swing completely free of the frame, adding extra inches of clearance. Install automatic lights at the main entrance and replace doorknobs with lever handles if possible.

Create an outdoor area for your senior to enjoy while the move is in progress. An attractive and tidy lawn and garden can be a peaceful escape from the hectic activity of the move. It’s also a great way to encourage them to garden and get outside more often!  Be sure to put some automatic solar lights outside to illuminate walkways and deter potential intruders.

Once your loved one settles in, check in often to make sure he or she is adjusting well and feeling comfortable. These tips can make the transition process easier on everyone involved, one room at a time.

At Able Moving & Storage, our professional movers in Prince William County can provide the necessary resources to facilitate an easy experience, whether it is local moving, long distance moving, or finding a storage solution. Starting out as a team of two brothers, their father, and one truck 32 years ago, Able Moving & Storage has become one of the largest independent moving companies, providing local, national, and international transport for clients across the country. Our years of experience have made us dependable, customer-centric and ready to assist with all of your moving and storage needs. Here are some tips to help you scale down some of your possessions before you move: 

Clutter or Not?

Objects are often more than simply their purpose – they have sentimental value attached to them, such as a special memory, an event, or a symbol of a loved one. Keeping in mind the sentimental value as well as the utility of each item, try sorting your property into three groups: “Keep”, “Donate”, and “Discard”. Take note of the belongings you haven’t used in years or the clothes that no longer fit you. Those may be the possessions that you place in the “donate” pile. As you sort your things in this manner, it will make choosing  what to keep easier and will open up some much-needed extra space as well as save you the cost of moving things that you may not end up keeping. 

Give Your Objects a New Life

It is normal to feel a bit hesitant as you decide to reduce your belongings. When you let go of your old belongings, one option is to give them a second life by donating them to be appreciated and cherished by others. Many charities accept donations that are in good condition to either resell or to be used by whomever they support. Animal-related organizations are usually in need of used linens, towels, and bedding, regardless of condition. Several organizations even pick up donations, saving you the trouble of carrying, loading, and dropping off.

Divide the Work

We understand that a move is a lot to handle on your own! With our professional movers at Able Moving & Storage at your side, moving can be made simple and stress free. We provide free, no-stress estimates and offer a variety of services, from moving and packing and unpacking to storage, and we can move you across town, or across the world. Trust our compassionate movers to help you have a smooth transition to your new home.   

Choose Trustworthy Local Movers in Prince William County, VA

Your move-out should be as simple and stress-free as possible, and as we mentioned above, there are many ways for you to ensure that. However, the easiest way to move is with a trusted name in moving services, like our team of professionals at Able Moving & Storage, who will provide you with high-quality service at an affordable rate. Our dependable professional movers in Prince William County have helped families of all sizes pack and move efficiently from homes big and small. We treat your belongings as if they were our own, ensuring they are strapped down and protected from any manner of external damage. Contact us at (703) 330-3772 to receive a free in-home estimate today!

Able Moving & Storage is the most trusted residential and commercial moving company in the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia area. When you allow us to manage all aspects of your move, our team prioritizes you and has your relocation needs at the forefront of their minds. With over 33 years of experience in local moves, we understand that we are not only packing and unpacking the furniture and other items, but we are moving precious memories and items with sentimental value to your future home.

Upon moving your items into a new storage unit, always double check with your storage unit provider to see what items are acceptable and which are not. To give you a better idea of which items are usually unacceptable, here’s a list of  items below:

1. Food

This is one of the most frequently stored products, but it should never be kept in your storage unit. This includes pet food and anything in a can, contrary to popular belief. Pests, including rodents, are more likely to sneak into your unit and chew through your items. Other major problems may include food spoilage or mold growth. Steer clear from storing anything that may cause your unit to produce a pungent odor or invite unwanted animal visitors.

2. Live Pets

Keeping your pet in a storage unit is against the law, even if temporarily and with the best of intentions. If you find yourself unable to find accommodations for your pet, consider giving it to an aspiring pet-owner or a trusted animal shelter where it can be cared for. We understand this may be a difficult decision to make and there are a variety of resources that you can consider when it comes to your beloved pet.

3. Plants

Similar to live pets, keeping a plant in a dark storage unit is not advisable. Again, give your plant away to someone who can temporarily care for it so it has adequate light, air, and water on a daily basis.

4. Firearms & Ammunition

Many states have their own rules about storing firearms in a storage unit. With the explosive nature of ammunition, many storage unit companies do not allow firearms within their storage units. It is best to find a storage unit company that offers specialist facilities for gun storage. It may cost more, but  you can have peace of mind that your firearms will be stored in a unit with tighter security and controlled thermostat temperatures.

5. Medical Supplies

If you run a pharmaceutical company, it might be tempting to store your medical supplies in the storage unit. Supplies that contain radioactive materials cannot legally be stored in a storage unit.

6. Unregistered Vehicles

Most storage units do not allow unregistered vehicles in their storage unit.

7. Scented Candles/Soaps

Scented candles or soaps also have the potential to attract rodents into the unit. Wax may also melt, damaging your other belongings as well as the storage unit. 

Dependable Local Movers in Great Falls, VA That You Can Trust

At Able Moving & Storage, our expert local movers ensure that your belongings are protected throughout your entire move. We have spent the last three decades building our company on services that are client-focused. It’s our mission to provide efficient moving and storage services by developing a unified team of well-trained, thoughtful, and compassionate employees that strive to satisfy your every need. Thinking about moving, finding a storage unit, or relocating locally? Contact us at (703) 330-3772 to receive a free estimate on a quick, stress-free move.

Able Moving & Storage is known as the most reliable and friendly moving company in Prince William County that serves residents in the Northern Virginia area. With over 31 years of experience, our team understands the many ways to keep any move safe and simple especially during winter. In order to help our customers have a smooth moving experience, here are some tips for a successful winter move:

1. Plan for your loved ones & family pets. Check the availability of close relatives or friends to watch your children or beloved pets during the entire moving process. This will help make the move much more efficient and will give you peace of mind knowing that your loved ones are safe.
2. Turn your utilities off. To avoid any additional costs, make sure to shut off your utilities or switch them over to the next tenant a few weeks prior to your move. This way you can arrange turning on your utilities in your new home as well.  
3. Stay updated on the status of your route. Keep in mind severe winter weather as roads may close due to fallen trees, slippery roads, delays and accidents. Remember main roads are also the first to be plowed of excess snow. Check your route for any changes and keep alternate routes ready just in case.
4. Weatherproof belongings. With freezing temperatures and precipitation, your belongings need to be protected to prevent any damage. Try packing your items in plastic bins or wrapping items in plastic and bubble wrap. If you are transporting large electronics, then it may be best to hire a professional moving company to handle it for you.
5. Increase lighting & remove debris. Make sure all areas are well lit and free of debris. This will help avoid any accidents during your move.  
6. Prepare outdoor walkways. To prevent any slips or falls, prep walkways and stairs outside your house with rock salt, sand, or even kitty litter.
7. Layer up. During the winter season, you will be exposed to the elements. In order to stay warm and prevent yourself from getting sick, wear warm winter clothing that you can move easily in.
8. Have an emergency kit nearby. Moving can be a very strenuous activity on your body as constant heavy lifting and walking back and forth is common. If you decide to move without the help of a professional moving company, then be sure to have an emergency kit and a mobile phone ready at all times. It will provide you with a peace of mind that you are prepared for potential accidents.
9. Weatherproof your new home. Stay on track with the weather to prepare for any potential moving challenges. If severe winter weather is on the agenda for your move, weatherproof your house to protect your floors and prevent anyone from slipping.

Able Moving & Storage: Best Moving Company Serving in Prince William County VA

Staying prepared at all times during a winter move is imperative for a comfortable transition into your new home. Able Moving & Storage prides itself on quality and efficiency. All of our employees exhibit outstanding customer service as we treat every one of our customers as if they were our own family. If you are moving or thinking about moving in the near future, choose a professional home moving company who will put you first and move your belongings with the care.

Contact us today at (703) 330-3772 to schedule your stress-free winter move. We look forward to making your moving experience a breeze!