PACKING STANDARDS

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz 

Last week we showcased a move management job that we were hired to execute, and I bet some of you are wondering how we pack items securely.  Our staff are trained in the proper packaging techniques, and we participate in on-going training through videos and articles on the subject.  The owner of Key Associates learned to pack during a CRTS (Certified Relocation & Transition Specialist) Certification course, and through various demonstrations at conferences, and through following the latest research.  Packing isn’t as simple as it may seem, and professional packers, such as Key Associates, are up-to-date on the standards and techniques that ensure that your possessions will be protected during your move.  There are specific recommended techniques for packing pictures, dishes, and other fragile items, and it is our job to make sure that those criteria are researched, staff members are trained, and all packing is executed properly.  We utilize techniques such as packing dishes vertically rather than stacked, for example.  We are experienced in determining how many boxes of varying sizes will be needed, as well as which types of protective packing materials will best suit your possessions. 

We can take your home from looking like this:

To this:

Let us assure that your belongings will safely arrive at their destination.    

 

PACKING IT UP

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz
 

Several of us at Key Associates had the pleasure of packing up the belongings of a return client this week.  This client was living in one of our favorite retirement communities in Greenville, SC - The Woodlands at Furman - but, after the death of a loved one, had decided to make the move to upstate New York to be closer to family.  

We were called upon to handle the move so she could head to her new destination in advance.  We facilitated the hiring of a moving company, coordinated schedules and packed up her furniture and possessions in preparation for the movers.   

This particular client was a collector, and many of her pieces were heavy and fragile.  Key Associates is highly qualified to professionally pack our client's prized possessions as well as their everyday belongings, and we do so with care.  We can assure you that when the moving truck arrives every precaution has been taken to protect your valued possessions.  

From beginning to end, we do as much or as little as needed to smooth the way for a hassle-free move!

The amazing Jennifer is wrapping an item from the collection with care.

As you can tell, there were a lot of boxes that needed to be packed.

 

 

MAN CAVE DESIGNS

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz

Father's Day is this coming Sunday, so it seemed like a perfect opportunity to explore some designs for the ever-popular Man Cave.  Are you looking for a great Father's Day gift?  How about creating a space for him to call his own?  Now is the perfect time to clean out and organize that basement, spare room, attic, or garage and set it up to welcome the man in your life.  Now, my husband does not have a Man Cave, but I would be all for him having a space to get away to sometimes.  In fact, I wouldn't mind having one too - I happen to be a gal that loves shooting pool, throwing darts, and sipping on a cold brew.  And, the fact that I have two full drum kits in my house - one for my husband and one for my son - makes the Man Cave option all the more appealing.  I long for the day that I can get one of the drum sets out of my office, and the other out of our spare room. 

Key Associates has abundant experience in masculine-themed interior design, and a good number of our clients over the years have been men.  If you need help creating an amazing Man Cave space, we are here to guide you.  Here are some ideas to get you started:

       

8 Ways to Style Up the Man Cave

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CLEAN OUT & ORGANIZATION

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz

 

In case you haven't noticed from the various blog postings that we write, Key Associates offers a diverse array of services.  Today we had the pleasure of assisting a client with cleaning out and organizing two different storage units.  Stephanie and I were tasked with today's project, and our client was a lovely younger lady.  She had recently moved here from Atlanta, and has a plethora of boxes and items in storage as she works to complete her new home in North Carolina.  As we helped her access the boxes that were tucked back into the storage units, she started working through the contents to make decisions on what to keep, what to sell, what to donate, and what to trash.  Her goal was to work down to one storage unit, rather than two, as she continues to finish space in her new house.  Stephanie and I were on hand to help with the lifting, and by using our trucks to remove the unwanted items.  After several trips to the thrift store with donations, we were left with a few items to sell, and a small load to remove to the dump.  We then organized the space to make room for the merging of the units.  Our client was able to be hands-on through this process, without the burden of the heavy lifting or the haul-off.  This is just one example of the many types of services that we can provide.  Please visit our website at www.keyassociates.biz for more information on our diversity of options. 

MEMORIAL DAY DESIGNS

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz

 

Memorial Day weekend is one of my favorite times of year, mostly because it indicates the unofficial beginning of the summer season.  Growing up in the mountains of Western North Carolina, where the weather can be cold, hot, snowy, rainy, and completely unpredictable, I welcome this time of year when the chances of colder weather tend to decrease significantly.  Summer break for schools are beginning, and the overall atmosphere shifts to a happier, more casual, and generally celebratory nature.  Many of us are planning for time at the lake, the beach, the swimming pool, and outdoor cookouts.  We can take a break from nightly homework sessions with our children.  Life is good.

 

In addition to all of the fun and happy emotions that Memorial Day spurs in me, I also want to celebrate what the holiday really stands for - remembering all of the sacrifices that those in the armed forces have made for our great country.  In remembering those that have served, and their families, my patriotism springs to life.  Here are some patriotic design ideas to help salute and remember the amazing men and women who have served our country.   

A Memorial Day Salute

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NATIONAL SENIOR MOVE MANAGERS WEEK

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz

 

The National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) has declared this week (May 12th through May 18th, 2013) to be National Senior Move Managers Week.  NASMM is a nationally recognized non-profit organization, with a commitment to assisting older adults with transitions.  Key Associates is proud to be a member of NASMM, and to follow their practices and principles in Senior Move Management.  The theme for this year's celebratory week is "Redefining Relocation for Boomers & Beyond".  Read more about it HERE, or visit www.nasmm.org for more information on the National Association of Senior Move Managers.  Happy Moving!

PROFESSIONAL MOVE MANAGEMENT

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz

 

We've discussed the benefits of hiring a move manager for Seniors, but I realized that we've never mentioned offering our professional move management services to others.  I have a friend that will be moving soon, along with her elementary age daughter and several pets.  She and her husband both work, and trying to juggle the move with family and work life can present a whole world of challenges.  This inspired me to think about how beneficial the Move Management services that Key Associates offer can be for families as well as older adults.  We are quick, efficient, and able to help you sort and organize your possessions room by room.  We can then do the actual packing, and we are extremely skilled in doing so in the shortest time possible.  We coordinate with professional moving companies to manage the actual transportation of your belongings, but we will have it all ready for them to pick up, oversee their process, and be on hand as they unload it to direct it to the appropriate location within your new home.  We can then do the physical unpacking of your items, and put everything in place - including the hanging of pictures.  We can manage every step of the process:  purchasing packing supplies, selling or donating items that will not be making the move, packing possessions that will make the move, supervising the moving company, unpacking at the new home, and removing all packing materials.  You could even take a family vacation to avoid the dreaded moving process, and return to your belongings in your new home.  For more information, give Key Associates a call, or call a qualified move management company in your area.