9 Unique Things About Moving To Texas

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With an area of more than 286,000 square miles, Texas is the second-largest state, next to Alaska. It’s bigger than the Philippines and Japan archipelagos combined and boasts a population of 29 million residents. This huge state offers lots to learn about and to love.

Below are nine unique things to know when moving to the Lone Star State.

1. Barbeque is a Thing

If pasta defines Italy, then Texas is famous for its unparalleled barbeque. Nothing’s more mouth-watering than juicy beef brisket smoked low and slow for hours on end.

Almost anywhere you go, you’ll find a BBQ place. Be sure to try brisket first since this is a statewide-favorite. Texas Monthly provides an annual list of the best BBQ joints in Texas, so you can have some help narrowing down the field.

2. Texas is a Musical State

When talking about music, Austin might be the first place that pops into mind. That is to be expected since it’s the Live Music Capital of the World. However, music thrives just as anywhere across the state.

Whether it’s blues, country, jazz, Tejano, bluegrass, or hip-hop, any form of music is appreciated anytime, anywhere. Texas has given birth to several famous artists, like Selena Gomez, Beyoncé, the late Selena Quintanilla, and Iggy Azalea (she grew up in Texas).

3. Unique Texan Lingo

The Texas accent can be twangy and surprising, but do you know what’s more unusual? Phrases that are unique to locals.

Here are some common ones you should know about, especially if you’re moving here from up North:

  • Y’all – is by far the most popular. It’s a contraction for ‘you all’ and used when addressing more than one person. The Northern equivalent is “you guys.”
  • Fixin’ To – You can say this when you’re about to do something.
  • Pitch a Hissy Fit – Texans use this to describe someone throwing a tantrum, especially a child or someone acting like one.
  • Come Hell or High Water – Means ‘at any cost’. Texans love to keep their promises.
  • Bless Your Heart – is said when something terrible happens. It can also be used sarcastically.

There’s more jargon for you to discover, but memorizing this list is a good start.

4. Texans Love Their State

One thing that’s bigger than Texas is the people’s pride itself. They love their state like a loved one. So don’t go complaining or stereotyping the place if you want to make new friends. To be fair, Texans are usually kind, easygoing, and down-to-earth people. Just make sure to respect their home state, and they’ll do the same for you.

5. The Place is a Sucker for Disasters

Texas may not be the number one in area and population (California’s #1). However, it’s unarguably ranked first in the U.S when it comes to the variety and frequency of natural disasters. Expect to witness or hear news about floods, wildfires, tornadoes, hailstorms, sinkholes, and drought. Thanks to the warmer climate, blizzards are rare, but even these happen sometimes in the Great Plains up north.

6. Football is King

Despite basketball being the most popular sport in the U.S, Texans are loyal to their football, with more than 20 stadiums scattered throughout major cities. Kyle Field (home of the Texas A&M Aggies) is the largest one, with a seating capacity for 102,733 people. Even if you’re not into football, expect to hear fans passionately talk about recent games.

7. No State Income Tax

In return for the people’s love, Texas values their hard work by letting them keep their income. Hooray! However, keep in mind that you still have to pay property and sales taxes. Taxes vary depending on location, but places like Austin are notorious for lofty property tax rates. Smaller communities such as those in Kenedy County and Bordon County enjoy the state’s lowest property tax rates.

8. Don’t Mess With Texas

Seeing this phrase on road signs for the first time might make you think that Texan loyalty is taking things to the extreme but surprise! It’s only an anti-litter slogan. Still, over time, citizens have adopted the phrase as a declaration of Texas swagger.

9. The Official Sport is Rodeo

Texas is known for its dusty plains and gun-slingin’ cowboys, so it’s no surprise that rodeo is the official sport. Even with football’s popularity, there’s no denying that rodeo truly defines the essence of Texan athleticism.

Moving to Texas

Like what everyone says, everything is bigger in Texas. This includes the move you have to make. That’s why you should hire a moving company to make things easier. Cheap Austin Movers, an Austin cheap moving company with additional locations in Round Rock and the surrounding areas, offers these suggestions for finding a reputable mover:

  • Get quotes: Request quotes from at least three moving companies to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
  • Check the licensing: Movers in TX must maintain licensing through the state. You can check a mover’s credentials here.
  • Ask about insurance: Make sure your mover carriers required insurance, and be sure you understand what’s covered and what isn’t, just in case something happens!

5 Amazing Hacks To Make Your Long Distance Move Stress-Free

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Sometimes when a good opportunity presents itself, it requires that you make some sacrifices like moving long distance. This kind of change tends to require more planning than a normal move. This is because you may be going to a new country or state. You have to find an affordable moving company that can allow you to move all your things safely and easily. You also have to learn more about your new environment like where you will take your kids for schooling and many other things. Here are some amazing long-distance moving hacks from moving companies in St. Louis, MO to make the experience stress free:

1. Have an Elaborate Plan

Planning is always the cornerstone of a lot of successful people or projects. That includes a long distance move. When planning the move, you are going to factor in a lot of things to help make the experience as smooth as possible. It’s advisable that you write everything down so that you can have a checklist of the things that ought to be done to make the move a success. Know which day you are going to look for the moving service. As you do so, have a list of things you want in a moving service.

long-distance

2. Be on Schedule

After you have made the plans, you need to stick with them. You should ensure that you remain on schedule and avoid doing things last minute. You can begin packing a few weeks or months before the actual moving date. If the move requires that you book a train or plane ticket, make sure that you do that that a few days before the actual moving date. In addition, sort everything out with the moving company before you use their service. This ensures that any issues that may arise within that window period are fixed before the planned moving date. Being on schedule also ensures that work is done within the required time.

3. Look Around

There is a tendency by most people to choose the first moving company that they see online, or their friends recommend to them. Don’t do this since you can miss out on a pretty good deal. When planning a long distance move, it is good that you look around at the various options available to you. The process may take a while, and that’s why you have to prepare a moving schedule and stick with it. You can decide on one weekend to go shop around at what different movers offer. If the results are unsatisfactory, use another weekend for this task. By the end of your search, you should have shortlisted at least three moving companies.

4. Keep your Documents in order

If you have to move outside your country, you might need a passport or a medical certificate. Furthermore, you may also have to update your driving license. You may also have to update your address. Before you make the long distance move, make sure that you’ve done efficient research on the type of information that you may need to change. Then, get all the required documents in order.

5. Take what’s Necessary

A long-distance move might present the perfect opportunity for you to start over. This means that you may have to leave some things behind. You may have to sell the clothes that you rarely wear or donate them to charity. Hold a garage sale to offload some of your furniture and antique items. Furthermore, getting rid of some stuff can actually reduce the cost of moving.

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Conclusion

The above are 5 hacks that you can use to make your long distance move as fun and as efficient as possible. Hopefully, you enjoy living at your new home.

7 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving a Piano Cross-Country

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Pianos are sophisticated musical instruments that may have as many as 12,000 parts, of which 7,000 mechanical parts must be finely tuned to produce the best quality sound when the keys are played. Regardless of the type or brand, these instruments are heavy, bulky and in some cases odd-shaped, complicating the process of cross-country transport. The following is a list of avoidable mistakes when moving your piano.

1. Inaccurate Measurements

Moving a large piece of furniture, equipment or musical instrument requires accurate measurements. Even when you have contracted with professional movers, make sure that you or the movers’ representative has taken the actual measurements of the piano in its moving mode, which would include cover pads, bubble wrap, and security straps.

  • Standard upright piano – This type of piano is typically packed and secured as is because it does not have parts that can be disassembled.
  • Grand piano – Whether it is a baby grand or a parlor grand piano, remove and secure any panels and legs that can be disassembled for more secure packing.

2. Inadequate Knowledge of the Instrument

Your piano may have been passed down through several generations. When you don’t know enough about its design and construction, contact someone with expertise who can tell you which parts can be safely disassembled and which parts should receive more attention when transporting over a long distance.

3. Exerting Undue Stress on Certain Parts of the Instrument

Pianos are bulky, odd shaped and weigh upwards of 300 pounds for the smallest studio piano and as much as 900 pounds for a full-size instrument. It is almost impossible to keep the weight balanced even when transporting over short distances.

On long distance moves, the packing materials should provide grab handles at strategic points. Hump straps over the cover pads must be in the right position to allow movers to control and position the bulky instrument.

4. Use of Improper or Inadequate Moving Equipment

Some moving equipment is custom-made for pianos, and it is a mistake to use substitute material and equipment that may not provide adequate protection. Professional piano movers may provide:

  • Skid boards to protect flat surfaces
  • A piano dolly that may be part of the package until the piano reaches its destination. Never rely on the metal casters to move your piano if the distance exceeds a foot.

5. Choosing a Mover Based on Price Alone

Piano movers for cross-country transport should be experienced in this particular field. They should be able to provide references to prove completed jobs. If you decide to use a general or estate mover, ask them what they know about moving a piano especially if your instrument is a valuable heirloom piece. Check out this article for additional questions you may want to ask before hiring a moving company. Make sure the mover is licensed, bonded and insured. Consider buying moving insurance that will cover replacement cost or repair expenses should the piano be damaged in transit.

6.Failing to Consider Physical Obstacles in the Pathway

Consider non-movable obstacles at the point of origin and the destination.

  • Width of doorways and hallways
  • Vertical clearances of doorways, stair landings and hallways.
  • Stairway and stairway landing
  • Alternative portals in case the piano will not fit through doorways or passageways

7. Not Re-tuning after Unpacking

The piano will absolutely require re-tuning after delivery. Contact a professional who has experience with the type and brand of your piano, and prepare to re-acclimatize with your instrument in its new home.

Professional Packing Tips When Boxing Up Your Kitchen for a Move

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Moving is a lot of hard work, and packing up the kitchen can be tricky. There are numerous oddly shaped appliances and many items that can be broken. But if you’re looking for some tips to make packing like a pro a little bit easier, read on. Here are five tips from local movers in Houston for making your kitchen packing a breeze.

1. Store Like With Like Items

When you’re packing your kitchen, remember that you will also have to unpack the items when you get to your new place. For this reason, it’s wise to pack similar items together. Taking a stack of dishes out of a box is easier than trying to find one dish set amongst 15 boxes.

Packing like items together will also help you visualize where items will fit when you’re organizing your new kitchen. Finally, when you store similar items together, most of the time it will make packing easier and more compact.

kitchen

2. Get Strong Boxes, and Don’t Make Them Too Heavy

One of the biggest concerns that many people have when packing their kitchens is that an heirloom cookie jar or crystal pitcher will get broken or chipped. If you want to cut down on your fears, make sure that you have boxes that are strong enough to hold your dishes without the bottom falling out.

3. Use Protective Packing Materials

The newspaper is one very economical packing tool; you can even get free fliers at the grocery store or convenience store. For items that you would be especially sad to see broken, get some bubble wrap. Or, even better, see if you kept the original box and styrofoam.

4. Label

Labeling is a good technique for any room of the house that you are trying to pack, but in a kitchen, it’s worthwhile to break down the categories even further. When you’re packing your home, make sure that each room has a clear label that says which room the box goes in.

With the kitchen, there are so many different types of items that it’s worthwhile to label the pans separate from the China dishes. Not only does it make things easier to find when you’re unpacking, but it also lets you and anyone helping you move to know that certain items are breakable.

5. Packing Food

A couple of weeks before you move, start cutting down on the odds and ends that you buy. This will help you have less food to move later, But even if you cut down on the food that you buy, you’ll still have some items that need to be moved, thrown out, or donated. Moving is a great time to get rid of all the food that is past its expiration date. If you have anything that you don’t want that isn’t opened, donate it to a local food pantry like the Houston food bank. For items that you want to keep, put them in your cloth grocery bags.

packing

Most people hate packing the kitchen, but it’s not as difficult as you imagine. If you plan ahead, all of your items will make it through the move safely and undamaged. You’ll also have an easier time unpacking.