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Moving day isn’t a joyous time for most people, but parents of toddlers face even more challenges.

Toddlers, or children between one and three years old, don’t have the best reputation for being great travel companions. Moving is stressful and confusing for adults, so just imagine how your little one feels!

However, moving with a toddler does not have to be difficult if you are savvy about your strategy.

We share some of the top tips for moving with a toddler.

 

Make Them Part of the Process

One big challenge of moving with a young child is giving them enough attention and autonomy. Keeping them occupied while you’re preparing is the key to your sanity and theirs.

Let Them Pack Up Some of Their Belongings

Toddlers want to feel like they are a part of what is going on in their environment. Give them some responsibility by asking them to separate their items to pack.

This can also be turned into a game, where your toddler feels that there is a prize to work towards.

Ask them to separate their belongings into piles. These piles can be divided into clothes, games/toys, and any other items that you think they can sort through.

They may not be able to completely pack their own belongings, but having them be part of the process accomplishes two things:

One, it helps your toddler understand the process of moving and helps them feel like they have responsibility within the moving process.

Secondly, it helps you overall by lowering the amount of work you have to do. While you may ultimately put items in boxes or suitcases, your toddler assisting in this process gives them independence and saves you some time with packing.

Teach Them About Their New Home!

If you are moving to a new city in Oregon, pull up some pictures on Google to show them some of the exciting things your new city has to offer!

Plan an activity for you to participate in shortly after arriving in your new city and hype your toddler up for that activity.

If you are moving to be closer to family, excite your toddler by talking to them about how they will have more opportunities to hang out with members of your family.

Show them photos and videos of your new Oregon home, and teach them some of the benefits of moving! Making a photo board or keeping some on your phone will help them remember and stay excited.

Have Them Pick 1 or 2 Items to Keep with Them During the Move

To help keep your toddler comfortable and grounded, allow them to take 1-2 items of comfort outside of the suitcases.

This could be a favorite blanket or stuffed animal that makes them feel calmer. Allowing them to keep out a couple of items will help keep them busy and comfortable. It can also give them something to do during “boring” times if the item is some sort of game or toy!

Strategically Pack

Pack up your children’s room last. This will help you avoid disrupting their environment. As the rest of the house changes and loses its personal touches, they can still retreat to the safety and familiarity of their bedroom.

Using a moving container from Store Blue Box makes all of your packing easier. You can pack at your own pace, slowly filling up the container as you have time. Then, pack your child’s things last. They’ll be quicker to unload this way too!

 

Prepare Them for an Adventure

Consider a Babysitter

If possible, bring your child to your new home separately from all of the moving chaos. If the move is close enough, see if a family member or friend can watch your toddler for the day. For a longer move, consider flying out a family member to help.

Make Sure They Are Safe

Whether you are flying or driving, make sure you are equipped with materials to keep your child safe. If they require medication, bring them with you and have them within accessible reach.

If you are flying, ask the flight crew to help make sure they are securely fastened in their seat and any strollers or car seats are able to be stored.

If you are driving, make sure your car seat is secured properly and in the correct position.

Make sure you do research before you jump into the move to make sure your bases are covered.

Keep Them Entertained

Sometimes the most difficult part of having a toddler is keeping them entertained. Without focus, they may often wander off or become frustrated out of boredom.

Make sure you have a variety of activities to keep them entertained. Do not rely solely on technology to entertain your child.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your activities or go back to basics by playing road games such as “I Spy”. Keep your child engaged so they are comfortable with the process of moving.

Part of the moving process for your child is helping them feel like they are a part of the move. While there’s a time and place for distraction, involving your child in safe ways can help occupy their mind and ease confusion.

Keep Their Routine As Close to Normal As Possible

It may be a tall order, but it is important to make sure your toddler still ascribes to a routine.

Making sure they eat and nap at approximately the same time they usually do before you moved can help them with their mood and save you travel headaches.

 

Oregon Move? Let Us Help!

If you are moving within the state of Oregon or planning to move to the state, we would love to help you with all your moving needs.

We offer prime storage facilities to help you store all your personal belongings. Pack your storage unit at your current home, and we bring it to your new location. To learn more about what we can do for you and your family as you prepare to move, check out our website!

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Is your garage cluttered and disorganized? If you are one of the 50% of American homeowners that feels that their garage is the messiest part of the house, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, garages tend to become overflow storage spaces.

The good news is that there are ways to organize your garage for good. These garage storage ideas will help you take your garage from chaos to organized in no time.

 

Block Off Some Time

Garage organization isn’t usually a job you can complete in an hour or two. Your garage is filled to the brim with personal belongings, yard tools, automobile parts, and supplies. To avoid an incomplete organizing project and unnecessary stress, block off an entire weekend to complete your project.

 

Gather Your Supplies

Prepare yourself before you start organizing your garage. Not only do you need sufficient time, you need the right supplies to get the job done. Here are a few things to gather before you start your project:

• A notepad and pen for taking down storage ideas or creating a shopping list
• Trash cans and heavy-duty trash bags
• Boxes for donations
• Cleaning supplies
• Hand and power tools (wrenches, screws, nails, a drill, hammer, etc.)

If you know you have a lot of items to dispose of, you may want to invest in renting a dumpster or hiring a professional to take away bulk trash.

 

Declutter Like a Pro

Before you attempt to start organizing your garage, you need to sort through everything that is currently being stored in it. Decluttering is an overwhelming task, but it can be accomplished with a solid plan in place. Here are a few tips to make decluttering your garage less intimidating

Find Help

Enlist the help of family and friends to help declutter your garage. Don’t feel embarrassed to ask for help. The more hands available to help out, the faster you can declutter.

Divide and Conquer

Divide the space of your garage into sections instead of taking on the whole garage at once. Smaller areas are less overwhelming, and you will be able to focus on the task at hand. As you sort through your items, decide whether keep them, toss them, or give them away.

Some rules to consider:

• If it’s broken, torn, or ruined, throw it out
• If you love and use an item regularly, and it’s not defective, keep it
• If you haven’t used an item for over a year, and it’s not defective, donate it

Sort Items Into Categories

Once you have decided which items stay and which items go, you can sort the things you are keeping into specific categories. For instance, put all the sports gear in one pile, tools in another, and other household items into another. Place furniture and mattresses in a separate area.

 

The Power of Bins

Now that you’ve decluttered your garage and sorted your belongings, it’s time to start organizing. Bins provide a safe place to store like items and keep moisture, dust, and insects out of your things. They are easy to stack and can be labeled.

There are different types of bins for different purposes. An all-purpose tote bin with a lid is suitable for storing more oversized items like sports equipment and gardening supplies. Toolboxes can be used to organize tools into “kits,” whereas divided storage boxes are suitable for organizing smaller things, like nails, screws, and hooks.

Also, keeping a couple of bins near the garage door for the kids to drop their soccer and basketballs into when they are done using them may not hurt.

 

Vertical Garage Storage Ideas

Storing items vertically maximizes your floor space. There are several easy and cost-effective ways to add vertical storage to your garage.

Vertical Shelving Units

You can choose to build your own vertical shelving or purchase metal shelving units from a home improvement store. Vertical shelving units make it easy to store bins, keep items off the floor, and create an open garage space.

Peg Boards

Create workspaces and hang smaller hand and garden tools using a peg board and hooks. Some people also outline their tools with paint to help them remember where each tool goes.

Track Systems

Track systems come in hand for storing those items that don’t fit well on shelves. You can store rakes, shovels, shop brooms, and weed trimmers with a track system. These items no longer have to lean awkwardly in the corner of your garage.

Wall Hooks

Using wall hooks is another way to store bulky items. Hang bikes, hockey sticks, nets, or scooters on the wall instead of allowing them to take up precious floor space.

 

Look Up

Do you own a lot of camping and fishing gear? Don’t forget about the ceiling of your garage. You can hang storage racks from the ceiling to store items like fishing poles, kayaks, or camping gear. Your gear remains accessible, and you make the most of your garage space.

 

Need More Storage?

Consider a portable storage box as a storage option if you have furniture and other items you just can’t part with but have nowhere to store them. Unlike a self-storage unit, a portable storage box can be delivered to your home and kept on your property for additional storage and convenience.

 

Reclaim Your Garage

No longer do you have to use your garage as a storage unit. Try out these garage storage ideas, reclaim your garage as a useable space for hobbies, and finally park your car inside out of the elements.

If you need additional garage storage options, contact Blue Box Storage to find the right portable storage solution for you.

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In reality, the average American household contains more than three hundred thousand items in it. Whether you have more or less than that, without a proper storage system in place, your things will just end up in piles.

Your closets are often a forgotten space in your house, and it’s easy to let them become cluttered because you can just shut the doors. Let’s talk about closet organization, storage tips, and what you can be doing to rearrange your closet to benefit your life. Read along to find out!

 

Start with Clean Up

There are three simple piles that will make your home look and feel less like a jumbled mess. These piles are…

• Donate/Sell
• Keep
• Trash

Your first step in organizing your space is a closet cleanup. Take everything out, assess if you want or need it, and then place it in the appropriate pile.

This works for clothes closets and linen closets alike. Anything you’ve let accumulate and saved to go through later needs to be dealt with now.

It’s amazing the things we stick in random places because we were in a hurry and guests were coming over. If you’re neurodivergent, there’s a good chance that you’ve forgotten whatever is in your closest existed, and you’ve bought two or three more.

Donate or sell those extra things, and organize your closet so you can see what you have! Not only will it save you time, but it will also save you money.

If you’re purging a clothes closet, take the time to pull out all of your clothes and try on pieces that you’re not sure fit anymore. If you’re a lucky one and all of your clothes still fit you, put anything that you haven’t worn in the last six months to the side.

These are going to be the clothes that you should donate or sell! The same timeline guide should be used for…

• Hats
• Scarves
• Jewelry
• Coats
• Shoes

Anything that has been collecting dust in your closet for the last six months that doesn’t have a specific purpose needs to go. If that’s a struggle for you, just think of all the space you’re going to have in the end or consider extra storage options!

 

Invest in a System

There are plenty of systems you can buy for closets. However, if you don’t want to invest money, then you need to invest your time into creating one that works for you.

A clothes closet system should consist of rods for hanging and racks or shelving for clothing and items that need to be flat or can’t be hung up. If you are installing a system you’ve created for yourself, consider placing the rods at different levels.

One should be for your shorter garments, and the other should be for your longer ones. Keep both of them high enough that your clothes aren’t touching the ground, as that could be potentially usable space.

 

Bins & Boxes

Separating things by type into bins or boxes will help you find them easier and keep you and your family putting them back into the right place. Everything needs to have a place that it goes when it’s not in use, otherwise, you will have the inevitable junk drawer problem.

If you’re organizing a hall or linen closet, have a bin for medicines. This is where you will keep things like…

• Bandaids
• Cough Syrups
• Thermometers
• Tylenol
• Rubbing Alcohol

With any bin or box that will be used by more than one person, be sure to label it appropriately. In this instance, that bin would be labeled “Medical.”

Another great tip is to use clear storage containers for the items people forget about easily. This keeps you and your family from routing through every bin trying to find the item that’s evading you.

Bins and boxes can also be used for closet storage. If your closet is deep enough, you can even use an entire dresser in your closet to free up space in your bedroom. Try bins and boxes for clothing items like…

• Bras
• Socks
• Sweaters
• Hats
• Belts

You may decide that a dresser isn’t for you because you can’t see and access everything as much as you’d like. In that case, try open shelving or a cube organizer instead.

A cube organizer would allow you to have some open shelving to stack sweaters while still giving you the option to use bins.

 

Sort Your Shoes

It’s difficult to know what to do with shoes sometimes because they come in a range of heights from flip-flops to knee-high boots. The best way to take advantage of your clothing closet space is to get your shoes up off of the ground and onto tiered racks.

If you purchase or build shoe racks that have about an inch of space underneath, you can store your flat shoes, like flip flops, easily underneath. Then, it leaves you the next two tiers for dress shoes, heels, and tennis shoes.

For taller shoes, like boots, purchase boot shaper inserts that keep the shape of your boots intact. Store them next to your shoe rack instead of on it so they don’t fall off. They also make special boot hangers if you want them up off of the ground!

If you don’t have the space for a shoe rack, opt for an over-the-door shoe holder instead. You won’t be able to fit your boots inside, but it works for your tennis shoes, dress shoes, and other low shoes.

Maybe you have a lot of closet space. Try using shoe stacking boxes for an incredibly organized look.

 

Out of Season Items

Out-of-season items can take up a lot of unnecessary space, and, if you’re working with a smaller or shared closet, you need every inch you can get. Rotate these in and out depending on when you need them.

If you haven’t tried vacuum sealing, now is your chance to get started. In the summertime, take your big, bulky sweaters and seal them down to be stored away.

There are wonderful storage container options for below the bed that you could use. Another possibility is to box them up, label them appropriately, and put them into storage.

 

Untangle Accessories

A mangled mess of necklaces and earrings sitting atop your dresser is an eye sore. Get them up and onto a jewelry organizer.

Use one organizer or utilize multiple for different types of jewelry. Use a multi-level necklace hanger for your short and long necklaces to hang without tangling.

For rings and earrings, use a jewelry box. It’s even better if you get one with a glass top so you can see through to what item you need.

Another option is an all-in-one standing jewelry chest that looks like a piece of furniture in your room. If you have the room, then why not?

To display your jewelry on a wall, you can create your own storage with some corkboard. There are also lovely linen pinboards that have a rail underneath for all of your jewelry needs.

Scarves and belts can easily be hung in your closet by using inexpensive shower curtain rings on a hanger. This allows you to see every single one that you own at one time instead of digging through a bin for them.

Handbags can be stored within one another if you’re short on space or displayed proudly on handbag stands. Your purses could also be hung on your door or placed on hooks under your clothing rods.

 

Hampers

Don’t let your clothes lay around on the floor or a chair. Keep a hamper in your bedroom or make sure the storage system you buy has a hidden one included.

If you are the type of person that doesn’t like to hang things up after you’ve worn them but also doesn’t want to wash them yet, purchase a cute little basket for the corner of your room. It will look like a small decorative basket, but it will help you not allow your clothes to pile up.

Once that basket gets full, you know it’s time to go through it and either wear some of the clothes or put them in the wash. At least this way, you have a plan!

 

Extra Closet Organization Tips

Using identical hangers, organizing by color, and inserting clothes dividers will keep your closet looking like a professional designer came in to help you with your closet organization. The most important part is sticking to a routine that will keep your closet maintained and together like the first day you went through it.

 

Contact BlueBox for Extra Storage

Take advantage of these storage tips to get your closet organization up to speed. For those of you who are in the Oregon area and are needing some extra storage, get started today with our storage container options!

The post Space-Saving Closet Organization Ideas appeared first on BlueBox.

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Bend, Oregon is one of those historical cities in the U.S. that started out as a place of refuge for intrepid travelers crossing the desert. What began as a small outpost and humble rest-stop, is now a beautiful up-and-coming city, perfect for raising a family.

Bend is just a three-hour drive from Portland, nestled at the edge of the Deschutes River. Surrounded by the Cascade Mountains and their breathtaking scenery, it’s an idyllic hamlet for those looking for a slower pace of life.

Here’s what to know about the pros and cons of living in Bend, Oregon.

 

The Pros: It’s an Outdoor Lover’s Paradise 

For those who love all things to do with outdoor recreation, Bend does not fit the bill any better. Surrounded by mountains, the Deschutes River, and even an extinct volcano within the city limits, there’s plenty to do.

Bend rates as one of the top cities in the U.S. for its walking and biking trails. But there’s also kayaking, fishing, hiking, and cycling. In winter, some popular activities include skiing and snowshoeing.

The great thing about Bend is its size. It’s large enough that there’s plenty of diversity in terms of outdoor pursuits. But it’s also small enough that everything is within a 10-minute drive of where you live.

What’s more, this city experiences fantastic weather for most of the year with approximately 158 days of sunshine. Hence its reputation as the ”sunniest city” in Oregon.

 

Foodies, Eat Your Heart Out 

All that sunshine not only makes Bend a great place for outdoor sports but al fresco dining, too.

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to the selection of breweries, coffee shops, cafes, and bistros in Bend. Many of which make a point of serving their customers al fresco, to lap up the weather.

If you consider yourself a foodie who has an appreciation for great food, wine, beer, and atmosphere, Bend has it all.

 

Bend Is Perfect for Families

Due to its slower pace, idyllic surroundings, steady weather, and great safety rating, this city is ideal for raising a family.

Bend is also home to some of the best schools in the state of Oregon, and packed with a plethora of family-friendly activities throughout the city.

Just some of these include:

• Forest and river trails for walking, running, and cycling
• Plenty of hiking trails for beginners and families
• The Newberry Volcanic Monument
• The Lava River Cave and its lava tube
• Child and dog-friendly parks
• The High Desert Museum
• The Old Mill District and much more

It’s also worth mentioning that Bend ranks as one of the most dog-friendly cities in Oregon, home to a number of off-leash dog parks.

 

Tech Is Booming in Bend 

Due to its size, Bend is not exactly a mecca for a huge array of jobs. But that comes with the territory of moving to a smaller city. However, an industry that’s currently booming is the tech business.

So much so that many entrepreneurs have made their move to the city to capitalize on new opportunities that abound. Bend is verging on becoming the ”hot spot” for tech, whether you’re a freelancer, or looking to establish a startup.

Another great perk? The low housing prices and great income potential make Bend all the more attractive to ambitious newcomers.

 

The Cons: There’s a Lack of Diversity 

Like many small cities and towns across the U.S., there is a distinct lack of diversity when it comes to ethnicities and cultures.

If you enjoy the color, buzz, and vibrancy of a culturally diverse city, then Bend might not be the right fit for you.

Despite this, the city is slowly beginning to experience a recent boom in cultural diversity thanks to increased job opportunities.

Bend’s culture comes from its history and that of the surrounding region, shaped by the Oregon Trail.

The reality is that you wouldn’t exactly move to Bend for cultural diversity — it’s more for the laid-back pace of life, the weather, outdoor pursuits, and safety.

 

Fire Season Is a Real Concern

The proximity to the surrounding Cascade Mountains and its foothills means that Bend is a city exposed to wildfires in the dry season.

While plenty of safety measures are in place, as well as constant monitoring, fire season still comes with risks.

Wildfires that often occur in the summer bring traffic delays, railroad closures, and evacuations, on occasion. Bend and its surrounding foothills are no stranger to controlled burns during the season, but rogue wildfires do still happen.

 

Population Boom

Bend’s population has doubled to 100,000 in 2021 (according to Portland State University’s Population Research Center) and is expected to increase to a population of nearly 153,696 by 2040.

These are not huge numbers compared to most other cities. But if you are looking to move to a small town, we wouldn’t consider Bend to be one anymore.

The City of Bend has a comprehensive plan for public infrastructure with this growth. This includes creating new Bend neighborhoods, walking, bicycling, driving, and transit.

 

If You’re Not Used to Snow, Winter Is an Adjustment

Bend is a city that experiences all four seasons. Yes, it’s a sunny place, but the winters are cold (even if the sun shines!).

You can expect to experience snowfall each year — at least two-three feet on average. And sometimes, the city experiences the odd snowstorm.

Summer is, by far, the longest season as the warm months stretch right up until September some years. But when there’s heavy snowfall, roads become difficult to navigate and this can isolate you within the city limits.

For those with green thumbs, the cold winters also mean your growing season is a little shorter than in other parts of Oregon.

 

Thinking of Living in Bend, Oregon?

Whether you’re looking to make a move within the state of Oregon or from across the country, Blue Box Storage is here to make your life a whole lot easier.

We bring the ultimate storage option to you with our portable storage boxes, available in small, medium, and large sizes. Bring your dream of living in Bend, Oregon to life and get in touch with our team today for all your storage needs.

The post Pros and Cons Of Living In Bend, Oregon appeared first on BlueBox.

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Looking for the best place to live in Bend Oregon? Look no further!

Bend Oregon is one of the most desirable places to live in the United States. With its stunning natural scenery, wonderful climate, and friendly people, it’s no wonder so many people move there.

But with so many Bend Oregon neighborhoods to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?

In this guide, we’ll look at the best neighborhoods in Bend Oregon, and help you decide which is the best place for moving day.

So whether you’re looking for a quiet neighborhood submerged in nature or something more urban and vibrant, keep reading to find your new place to buy a house in Bend!

Southwest Bend

Southwest Bend is one of the most peaceful and friendliest places to live in Bend. This part of town is home to many lush parks and quiet, natural surroundings.

The houses in Southwest Bend are also some of the most luxurious around. You’ll find a mix of new developments and everything in between. And because it’s such a natural area, anyone who loves outdoor activities will feel at home.

If you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing place to live, Southwest Bend should be at the top of your list.

River West

If you’re looking for a neighborhood with a more laid-back vibe, River West might be the perfect place for you. This part of town is located on the west side of the Deschutes River and is known for its quiet streets and beautiful pine trees.

Homes in River West range from small homes to large estates, so there’s something for everyone’s taste. The food in the area includes brewpubs, coffee houses, and Asian American cuisine—an interesting variety for adventurous palates!

If you’re looking for a community with a medley of river-based activities like kayaking and canoeing, River West is your area to live.

Southern Crossing

Located just south of Downtown Bend, Southern Crossing is one of the most centrally located neighborhoods in the city. This makes it a great choice for people who want to be close to all the action but don’t necessarily want to live Downtown.

The area is incredibly quiet and peaceful, containing its own riverside restaurants, stores, and even an amphitheater for concerts. And because it’s such a central location, you’ll have quick and easy access to everything Bend offers.

If you’re looking for a neighborhood that’s convenient, full of beauty, and close to all the action, Southern Crossing is the place for you.

Northeast Bend (Boyd Acres)

Named after pioneer Charles William Boyd, this part of town resides just east of Bend and is known for its safe streets and small-town feel.

Boyd acres offers a little something for everyone in Bend. It contains eight public schools, climbing venues, plus many communities and neighborhood parks. There’s also a commercial sector teeming with shops, eateries, and businesses.

If you’re looking for a convenient neighborhood full of life and a sense of community, Boyd Acres is the perfect place for your family.

Orchard District (Midtown)

The Orchard District, also known as Midtown, is one of the most relaxed areas to live in Bend.

This part of town resides just northeast of Downtown. It is quickly becoming a popular place to live, partially because of its Downtown accessibility.

Orchard District is directly adjacent to the Pilot Butte area and contains several peaceful neighborhood parks. The area is perfect for raising a family with excellent schools, lush spaces, and quiet streets.

If you’re looking for a convenient, relaxed, and family-friendly neighborhood, Orchard District is a great place to live.

Old Bend

If you’re looking for a sleepy neighborhood with a lot of charm, Old Bend is the perfect place for you.

This part of town lies along the Deschutes River and is known for its luxurious homes, quaint streets, and natural surroundings.

Old Bend is home to many beautiful mountain peaks and rivers and a number of parks and trails. And because of its convenient location on the river, you’ll have quick and easy access to all the activities Downtown Bend has to offer.

If you’re looking for a neighborhood with small-town charm, excellent food, and a sense of history, Old Bend should be at the top of your list.

Northwest Bend

Northwest Bend is a trendy, popular region for living in Bend. This part of town contains areas like Old Bend, River West, and Summit West.

Northwest Bend contains vast parks, mountains, and hiking trails. The Deschutes River also runs through the area, allowing unlimited access for river activities.

Because the area rests just outside of the city, you’ll have quick and easy access to all of Bend’s best parks and recreation areas.

Northwest Bend is a highly desirable area to live if you’re looking to live in nature but still be close to the city.

Awbrey Butte

Awbrey Butte is an exclusive area located inside the northwest region of Bend, and it’s popular for its stunning mountain views and elegant lifestyle.

The homes in Awbrey Butte are the highest class in Bend, with a median price of over one million dollars.

The area sits flawlessly outside of the city, allowing you to feel tucked away from the city area while still having access to all the city has to offer.

If you’re looking for a neighborhood with breathtaking, luxurious views and unbeatable levels of convenience, Awbrey Butte is your new town.

Summit West

Summit West sits right next to River West, and it’s one of the most recent developments in Bend. This part of town has lots of variety, accommodating people with all different types of lifestyles and budgets.

The area is host to many businesses, parks, and trails. It contains a number of home sizes, from small starter houses to the most luxurious properties in Bend.

If you’re looking for a neighborhood that’s full of life and has something for everyone, Summit West is the place for you.

Pilot Butte

If you’re looking for a neighborhood that naturally exudes character, Pilot Butte is the perfect place for your new home.

This part of town sits alongside an extinct volcanic lava dome, towering nearly 500 feet over the surrounding area. It’s the most prominent landmark in Bend Oregon.

The neighborhood park is a great place for hiking, and you’ll have unmatched views of the city from the top of Pilot Butte.

If you’re looking for a neighborhood that feels like a small town but is still close to all the action, Pilot Butte is definitely worth considering to live.

Old Farm District

If you’re looking for a quaint neighborhood with a small population, the Old Farm District is the perfect place for you. This part of town is located just north of Downtown and is known for its charming homes and quiet streets.

The area was previously filled with farmland and ranches, but it has since been developed into a residential area. Its sweeping views of the countryside make it a desirable place to live. It’s also the tenth most walkable neighborhood in Bend.

If you’re looking for a wide-open neighborhood with lots of room for growth and development, the Old Farm District is one of the best places to reside in Bend.

Larkspur

Larkspur is a peaceful, family-friendly neighborhood located in the southwest region of Bend. This part of town is known for its excellent schools and safe streets. The area contains a mix of both older and newer homes, giving it a unique character.

The Larkspur neighborhood is praised for its laidback environment and lush, green parks. It’s a great place to raise a family or retire into the wilderness of Bend.

If you’re looking for a quiet neighborhood that’s perfect for living at your own pace, Larkspur is an essential area to look into.

Century West

Century West is an outdoor lover’s dream come true, with an array of trails and parks that are perfect for hiking, biking, and exploring.

The neighborhood is also home to the Deschutes River Trail, which offers stunning views of the river.

This part of town is growing fast, with new developments and businesses popping up all the time. It’s a great place to live if you’re looking for an active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for a neighborhood that keeps you busy and engaged with everything nature has to offer, Century West is the ideal place for you.

Bend Oregon Neighborhoods Storage Needs

Life in Bend Oregon is full of nature, peace, and prosperity. And we hope our guide helped you narrow down your search!

If you’re thinking about moving to one of these Bend Oregon neighborhoods, BlueBox has the storage you need to make your move easy.

We bring storage units right to your home and let you decide how to move. We’ll even deliver your BlueBox right to your home.

Give us a call today and learn more about how we can help you move.

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If you’re starting to feel anxious about your big move, you’re far from alone. According to recent research, many people consider moving to be more stressful than starting a new job, getting a divorce, or even becoming a parent!

Of course, there are plenty of things you can do to remove some anxiety from the big day. From preparing a to-do list to snapping the right photos, here are a few crucial moving day tips to keep in mind.

 

1. Be Packed the Day Before Moving Day

Moving day is full of stressors, and the last thing you’ll want to do is add another one to the pile. If you can, make sure to pack everything as far in advance as possible—and at least the day before you move.

2. Get Up Early

If you’re working to set up a big move, you’ll want to set your alarm clock early. Take the opportunity to take care of any last-minute packing, pick up your rental truck, or confirm scheduling details as needed.

3. Use a To-Do List

The best piece of moving advice we can offer? Write everything down.

No matter how much you prepare in advance, your moving day will be chaotic. That’s why it’s a good idea to jot down a to-do list that you can keep on a notebook or on your phone. While you’ll probably be dealing with obvious tasks—like loading your truck—some of the others on this list may be less obvious, and the last thing you want to do is remember them after you’ve already hit the road.

4. Dress for Success

It goes without saying that you’ll be pretty active on the big day, so it’s a good idea to wear comfortable clothes that you can move around in with ease.

However, it’s also important to keep a few safety tips in mind, especially if you’ll be handling the trip on your own without the help of professional movers. If you’ll be responsible for lifting heavy objects, wearing closed-toe shoes can help you avoid the pain of a dropped box. Consider grabbing sneakers or thick boots as needed.

In addition, simple gardening gloves may be helpful as you lift awkward items, and they can help keep your hands clean if you’re dealing with dusty or debris-ridden furniture.

5. Keep Your Phone Charged

If you haven’t done so the night before, make sure to charge your phone throughout the day. You’ll spend most of your time coordinating your schedule with your professional movers or the friends and family you’ve asked for help, so make sure they can contact you! A fully charged phone will also be a godsend if you need directions during your drive.

6. Protect Surfaces and Clear a Path

On your way out, make sure to protect the surfaces of your home by laying down tarps, towels, or carpets. You can also wrap the banisters of your stairs or door frames. Don’t forget to wrap the bulky items you’re moving as well!

In addition, if there’s any leaves, debris, or snow between your door and the street outside, make sure to clear it away for safety.

7. Check In With Your Movers

Whether you’ve hired a team of professional movers or you’ve reached out to a crew of friends and family, be sure to check in with them early on. Make yourself available for any questions or concerns, especially if they need directions.

With a professional team, don’t forget to also review any paperwork, sign any documents, and check the bill.

8. Have a Plan for Kids and Pets

If your household consists of small children or pets, you’ll want to bring them to a sitter or to have someone on hand to watch over them. Alternatively, you may also want to find ways to keep them busy as you take care of business.

If your kids are old enough to help with the move, consider getting them involved! Give them their own mini to-do list with small tasks to accomplish throughout the day.

9. Have Refreshments Handy

Moving homes is exhausting, so make sure to have plenty of energy on hand for the workout. You might want to set up a snack cooler with drinks and water, both for you and for your moving crew. In addition, have some easy snacks nearby, such as sandwiches, fruit, or granola bars.

10. Know How to Lift

If you’re going to be tackling some of the heavy lifting on your own, it’s crucial to know how to lift boxes safely to avoid injury.

Stand facing the item with your back straight. Keeping one foot just in front of the other, bend your knees to grab the item without hunching over. Holding it close to your waist, use the muscles in your legs to lift the item.

Whenever possible, opt for wheeled containers or dollies when moving heavier items.

11. Coordinate Your Portable Storage Move

If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to coordinate the move of your BlueBox storage container. Once you’ve finished loading up the portable storage on your property, it’s time to have it delivered to your new home or apartment! Our team will pick it up on your schedule, moving it to your desired location with a simple phone call.

12. Clean Up Behind Yourself

Once you’ve loaded everything up, take some time to clean up after yourself. Remove any protective padding you laid down around the house, and don’t forget to wipe down and clean any messes you’ve made.

If you haven’t already done a deep cleaning of your home, now is the time to do so—or to hire a professional cleaning service to tackle the job.

13. Do One Last Sweep of Your Home

You’d be surprised at how many items you might miss without one last walk-through! Even if you’ve already decluttered your house, be sure to scour each room from top to bottom to make sure that you haven’t left any of your possessions behind by accident, and check for any accidental damage done to the property during the move. Don’t forget about out-of-the-way spaces like the attic, basement, cabinets, and any crawl spaces.

14. Take Photos

It’s always a good idea to take a picture of your utility meters before you leave. These photos can be used as evidence if your gas or water company gets the last bill wrong.

If you’re renting, you should also snap a few photos of your empty space. This can help show that the place has been left clean and tidy, allowing you to get your security deposit back down the line.

15. Leave Everything Your Buyer Needs

If your buyer or the next renter needs any items or information to get into your home, be sure to leave them behind. This includes keys, security codes, or garage door openers.

16. Unpack and Inspect Your Belongings

Once you’ve made it to your new home, it’s time to unload your belongings. Coordinate with your movers on where to place your possessions around your new home, and be prepared to give directions to your moving team.

One of the most crucial home moving tips to remember is that you should always inspect your belongings for damage as they come out of the truck. If you’re working with a moving company, talk to them about the damage right away.

17. Have Your Tip Ready to Go

Moving practices can vary wildly depending on the size and distance of your move. Common moving advice involves tipping your movers up to 20%. However, for a full-day move, it’s also common to simply tip your moving help somewhere between $50 and $100 each.

18. Know Where Your Essentials Are

If you’ve packed an essentials bag or boxes, now is the time to bring it out and start unpacking. This should include a change of clothes, pajamas, toiletries, any electronic devices, medicine, and snacks. You may also want to grab items that you’ll need right away in the kitchen or bathroom.

19. Do a Quick Cleaning

Before you start unpacking your items and setting down your furniture, you may want to do a quick cleaning around the house, especially if it’s been sitting empty for long enough to get dusty. Sweep and vacuum the floors, wipe down surfaces, and clear away any items that were left behind.

20. Prepare for a Well-Deserved Break

After a job well done, it’s time to rest. Unless you want to sort through your belongings right away, consider grabbing some food and relaxing after you’ve done some basic unpacking.

If you’re hoping to get a good night’s sleep, don’t forget to turn off your early alarm from the morning. In addition, there’s one last thing you may want to unpack to keep the dawn light out of your face: your curtains!

Try These Moving Day Tips for a Smooth Transition

Moving can feel like a monumental endeavor, but the truth is that it doesn’t have to. As long as you stick to the simple moving day tips above, you’ll have far fewer issues coordinating your big day.

As you prepare to get into your new home, don’t forget that the BlueBox team is here to help! Our portable storage solutions make it easy to get ready for your move in advance, and we’ll even take care of the delivery for you. To learn more about what we can do, contact us today.

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Did you know that some mattresses can last up to 10 years without needing replacement?

However, your mattress might only last that long if you take good care of it, and that means storing it the right way when you need to.

Many people think that mattresses are sturdy enough to suffer being thrown around and left in dusty, moist basements for long periods of time, but you’ll find that if you treat a mattress like this when you need to store it, it’ll be a mess by the time you retrieve it.

How to store a mattress isn’t actually difficult at all, but it does require a bit of extra effort which is why this guide is here to help you out. Keep reading more below and learn more about the best way to store a mattress.

 

Clean Your Mattress Before Storing It

Have you ever heard of how mattresses can gain several extra pounds of weight in skin cells, dead bugs, and sweat after a few years?

While this might be somewhat of an exaggeration, the truth is that plenty of skin cells, bugs, and sweat can indeed build up in your mattress over the years you’ve been using it. In addition to those contaminants, you might also be dealing with bacteria, dirt, dust, pollen, hair, saliva, and plenty more debris.

Even if you use a comforter and bedsheets to separate your body from your mattress, all that junk will still end up seeping into your mattress eventually.

After all, most of these contaminants are microscopic and can filter through the fibers of bed sheets without any problems. Of course, you won’t want to store your mattress when it is carrying all of these disgusting materials.

After all, if there are any bugs or bacteria on your mattress, those critters will only keep duplicating while in storage. You certainly don’t want to come back to a mattress that is even dirtier than when you left it, but what can you do to solve this problem? All you have to do is clean your mattress.

This doesn’t mean you should take a sponge and a bucket of water to in. In fact, you should keep water away from your mattress since it might only make the problem worse and make your mattress the perfect breeding ground for mold and more bacteria. Instead, use a vacuum.

Most of the dirt on your mattress will be on the surface. So, make sure you get a hold of your vacuum’s nozzle and vacuum over your mattress’s top layer. Getting in the crevasses is important since a lot of dirt and debris can build up.

 

Use a Storage Bag or Plastic Wrap for Your Mattress

Once you’re sure that your mattress is as clean as it’s going to get, you’ll need to protect it before you move it anywhere. Using a mattress storage bag or a mattress cover for storage is your best bet. Mattress covers are specially designed to envelope and protect mattresses.

However, if you don’t have a mattress cover and don’t want to spend the extra money on one, don’t worry. A good substitute is to use plastic wrap. Plastic is one of the best materials you can use for your mattress because it can make sure no contaminants will be able to touch your mattress once it’s in storage.

Plastic not only can protect against bugs and dust but moisture as well.

And moisture is your mattress’s worst enemy since wet cloth is the perfect place for insects, mold, and bacteria to live. However, in the case of mattress storage, you’ll want to be especially careful when wrapping your mattress in plastic.

You will want to make sure that the mattress has a tight seal. If it doesn’t, contaminants will be able to reach your mattress without too much of a problem. This is why mattress covers are good because they are able to completely wrap up your mattress, often sealing it off with a zipper.

When using plastic wrap, be sure that every inch of the mattress’s fabric is covered.

Besides that, make sure to go through the plastic wrap once you’re done wrapping to see if there are any openings in the plastic that could lead to your mattress. Keep in mind that bed bugs and other insects are very small and can easily crawl through the smallest of spaces.

If you can’t find any entrances to your mattress through the plastic wrap, your mattress should be secure.

 

Move Your Mattress Responsibly 

Many people think that they can load their mattress on the back of their pickup truck and drive it to their storage unit without any problems.

If you don’t have a pickup truck, you might think it’s a good idea to tie your mattress to the roof of your car with some bungee cords before hurrying it down the highway. However, you should avoid both of these choices if you can.

If you’ve ever seen anyone on the highway with a mattress strapped to their car’s roof, you’ve undoubtedly noticed that the mattress in question was bent in the wind.

This is the consequence you’ll have to deal with if you put your mattress on top of the roof of your car, especially when driving at high speeds. You might think that your mattress will bend back into shape once you take it off of the car, but this is not always the case.

Some mattresses will stay bent for the rest of their lives which means you’ll be in for some low-quality sleep as long as you hold onto your mattress.

More than deforming your mattress, unexpected weather might also ruin your mattress if you leave it out in the open while transporting it. Even if your mattress is wrapped in plastic, it still might take on some water if a sudden thunderstorm happens to blow through your path.

The solution to this is to hire a covered moving truck. While it may cost you a bit of extra money, you will find that it will be worth it. A covered moving truck will ensure that your mattress is protected from the elements and it also won’t end up bending in the wind.

Be sure not to pile furniture on top of your mattress in the truck, however.

 

Keep Your Mattress Flat Whenever You Can

When you’re transporting a mattress in a covered moving truck, you can store the mattress sideways because it will only be like that for a short period of time. Plus, storing it sideways will give you plenty of extra space to store furniture and other items in the moving truck.

However, if you plan on putting your mattress in a storage unit for a long time, you should avoid storing it sideways, even if it does save you some extra space.

The reason behind this is that mattresses are designed to lay flat and not sideways. When you keep a mattress sideways for an extended period of time, the parts and pieces inside the mattress might slowly slide out of alignment.

So, by the time you retrieve your mattress from storage and lie down on it, you might notice that it is no longer as comfortable as it once was.

Sometimes, these mattresses can go back to their normal level of comfort after you break them in for a while, but some mattresses will never be quite the same.

After all, if the coils and stuffing inside the mattress are no longer the positions they used to be in, they won’t be able to support your body in the right way and you won’t be able to sleep as well. So, when it’s time to store your mattress, try to position it in the same way it rests in your bedroom.

This way, the mattress’s inner workings won’t change and the quality of your sleep will remain unaffected. But be wary of putting your mattress on the floor of the storage unit. Try to place down some towels or a bed sheet before putting your mattress down.

This will ensure it’s protected on all fronts.

 

How to Store a Mattress the Right Way

How to store a mattress doesn’t have to be difficult as long as you know the right steps to take.

However, choosing the right storage facility is also important, otherwise, all your work might be for nothing. BlueBox is able to bring your storage unit to you so you can fill it without any hassle.

Once you’re done, BlueBox will come by with a truck, collect the storage unit, and bring it wherever you want it. Contact us here to learn more about how it works.

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