Secret Confession Of A Handyman

Big Deahl's Furniture Assembly Service!

How many of you have ordered furniture online or purchased big items from stores like IKEA, Target, or , that say, "Assembly Required," on the box? I suppose if you shop at a store like IKEA, you walk in with the knowledge that you will most likely walk out with furniture that you have to put together yourself. But, maybe not.

A bag of screws, three separate sheets of directions in four different languages, no pictures, or sometimes there are pictures, but no words, only numbers. Match the numbers on the pictures with the items in the bag, follow each step by step, and take your time, even if it takes you hours. And hopefully you have the correct tools in your garage, or tool drawer/box. At minimum, you need a screwdriver, hammer, and extra screws and nails, just in case.

But what about tools you might not have laying around the house, such as a level or an electric screwdriver? You can always go purchase them, which can be a good investment.

Or what if you can simply hire someone to assemble the items for you? Someone who has years of experience, and can put it together quickly, while you rest on the couch, sip some tea, and catch up on your favorite TV show, or better yet, spend that extra time checking off your endless to-do list? You can do so many things in exchange for the time it will take to put your furniture and items together.

At Big Deahl's Movers, we understand that assembling furniture or big items can be time-consuming and overwhelming. That is why we go out of our way to provide prompt, efficient service, and alleviate you from the workload!

Here are some examples of items we have experience assembling:

Home gym equipment

Storage sheds

BBQ grills

Trampolines

Beds and bunk beds

Office desks and chairs

Let Big Deahl's Movers assist you with any and all furniture assembly needs! Call us today for more information on services or to request an estimate. 

Don't Move Out Your Apartment Before Reviewing This Checklist!!

Checklist provided by AAOA. American Apartment Owners Association provides landlord management software.

American Apartment Owners Association created a move-out checklist for apartment tenants. The checklist includes things that people normally forget or wouldn't think of doing prior to a move-out, such as dusting high shelves and fixtures and scheduling a final walkthrough with a landlord referring to the inspection sheet. I thought this would make a great additional resource for your readers, especially those looking for preparation tips for moving out of an apartment.  

To Hire a Professional Packer or Not?

So, it's time to move. What is your first thought? 

"Where do I start?"

Maybe you've lived in your home for 1 year, or maybe 30 years. Maybe you are a minimalist, or maybe you've spent years collecting antique furniture and smaller items to display in your home. Either way, the thought of packing and unpacking your entire household can be a bit nerve-racking. 

So where do you start? 

Do you create a to-do list, and take on the task head-on by yourself? 

Do you recruit friends and family to help you? 

Or should you call a professional packer to alleviate you from attempting to properly pack everything up?

What should you look for when hiring professional packers?

1.     Trustworthy professionals. Ask around for referrals. Read Yelp reviews to get a better sense of the work they've already done. Here is a link to our online reviews: Big Deahl's Movers Yelp

2.     Cost. Time is money. Weigh out the pros and cons of hiring professionals versus doing it yourself. Give yourself a budget. Consider all of the other things you can do aside from packing. Think about the physical and mental demands of packing and unpacking. 

3.     Communication. Know what to expect from start to finish. Work together with the professional packers and communicate any specific directions regarding delicate items, etc. 

4.     Do they supply materials such as boxes, tape, padding, etc.?

Hiring professional packers can make life so much easier. Whether it's your first move, or your 5^th move, you end up saving time and also give yourself the gift of less stress, and more relief. You might even learn something new about organizing or packing items in a certain way. 

Safety is key! Not only do you want to make sure your grandmother's imported collectible tea set is packed carefully, and transported without any cracks or scratches, you also want to eliminate any cuts and marks from cardboard boxes. 

Labels will also play a key role in packing your belongings. Knowing exactly which box your items are in will help in the unpacking process.

So, the question begs, "where do I start?" 

First step is research! Talk to friends and family, go on Yelp and Google, call moving companies, like ours, and ask a few simple, but important questions. No obligations, just research. 

Then weigh out the pros and cons before making a decision. But don't wait too long, because the one thing we want to avoid is the looming, daunting monster called PROCRASTINATION!

Advice of the day: find the best way to be productive. 

Big Deahl's Movers | 1.855.432.7801 | bigdeahlsmovers.com | info@bigdeahlsmovers.com

Did you hear what they said the benefits of Day Light Savings Time are?

Did we turn our clocks forward or back?

Well, if you can remember this phrase: "Spring Forward and Fall Back," then you will know to set your clock an hour ahead in the Spring, and an hour back in the Fall.

If you own a smartphone and are like me, you use that phone for everything, including your alarm. Lucky for us, our phones sync automatically. It's your watch, stove, microwave, car, and wall clocks that you have to adjust. Now a weeks gone by!! Okay, maybe that is still a lot of effort and clocks to remember.

Many people like to think of Daylight Savings Time as losing an hour, but on the flip side, you also gain an hour of evening daylight. And if sunlight affects your mood in a positive way, that just means more happiness from Spring through Summer!

And who doesn't want more happiness?

Happiness inspires productivity, good vibes, connections, and more activities! The weather is warmer (well at least in Southern California), which opens the doors to opportunities to enjoy time outdoors. Whether it's at the beach, park, or your backyard, spending time in nature can offer many benefits including better health and wellness.

And how about all of the friends and family you can invite to soak in the sun with you?

Additionally, if you are moving this Spring or Summer, that also translates into more sunlight after working hours. We know how much energy it takes to pack after a long day on the job! I don't know about you, but I know that when I get home when it's dark, I am tempted to throw on my pajamas, hop in my bed, and sleep! However, when the sun is still out, I am motivated to knock out everything on my to-do list.

And if the sunrays make our movers happier, stronger, and more productive, even better!

So, we have more sunlight, more energy, more ideas, it's time to take action and write a list of activities you can do to take advantage of Daylight Savings Time.

Where do you want to go?

Who do you want to see?

What items do you want to check off of your list?

Big Deahl's Movers | 1.855.432.7801

The Healthy Move

We are 2 months in to the New Year (wow, how time flies!)  

​​

As movers, our resolution is to maintain our strength, stamina, and strategies for moving large items in the safest, most effective way possible. The act of moving furniture, safes, and boxes, walking up and down stairs, climbing in and out of trucks and trailers, is a workout in itself. However, if we don't stay active outside of the job, we can quickly put ourselves in a dangerous position. Some of the best preparation for our job includes exercises that incorporate functional and core strengthening movements, such as yoga, stretching, body-weight training, cardio conditioning, and resistance training.

And who keeps us accountable? All of our loyal clients that need us to be healthy in order to perform the best move in history! 

If  you are still on track with at least ONE of  your resolutions, raise your hand. If you are raising your hand, kudos to you, because it takes true commitment and hard work to stay consistent and on track!

Now, if  you are like me, and didn't raise your hand, it's not too late to regroup and get focused again.

Let's all grab a piece of paper and pen because it's time for an activity! Sometimes writing things down helps us cement our goals and visions.

If you are on track with your New Year's resolutions, it's time to write down 3 action items you will do to stay on track. For example, if you vowed to exercise 5 times a week, plot out your workout schedule for the upcoming week. Or, if you decided to spend more time with your family, jot down an event or activity you want to participate in this month to make that happen.

If  you are not on track, I want you to write down what got in the way of you sticking to the resolution. Because, before we can move forward and make a change, we have to understand the past and present circumstances. Once you have reflected on that, it's time to reclaim your resolution, or alter it to fit your reality. Then map out 3 action items you will do in the next week to make this happen.

Once you have that written down, I want you to post it up somewhere in your house or office, a place that you will look at regularly as a reminder.

Get your family and/or friends involved with this activity! We can all use a little refresher from time to time.

What better way to stay on track then to have someone keep you accountable, and vice versa?

It's never too late to start again. Let's take it one day at a time. One goal at a time. 

Big Deahl's Movers | bigdeahlsmovers.com | 1.855.432.7801

How to plan the best Super Bowl Party ever.

Super Bowl LI

Football brings people together.

Even in the pit of the biggest rivalries, football unites people for a common purpose in the form of: competition, strategy, and entertainment. It's also a time to zone out from life's stresses, and simply have a good time!

Whether you are a loyal fan of one of the most successful teams in NFL history, the New England Patriots, or cheering for the Atlanta Falcons, the Super Bowl is an opportunity celebrate and yell at the TV as if the players and coaches can hear you!

So what are the ingredients for a successful Super Bowl party?

Well, a big-screen TV, for one.

And if you don't own one? Find someone who does, or better yet, scout out a restaurant or bar that offers multiple screens.

Secondly, food and drinks. Prepare for the hunger and thirst that accompany commercials for Doritos, beer, pizza, Pepsi, and chicken wings, by stocking up the buffet.

Is a theme in order?

Jerseys, face paint, team colors... it all works together to create a fun ambiance for your party.

Head over to Pinterest and check out the many creative ideas for cocktails and party platters. Or better yet, find a local restaurant or grocery store deli that can prepare it for you!

And in the spirit of competitive sports, why not create your own contest? Who can eat the most Doritos every time a Doritos commercial comes on the television?

And don't forget to have a huge dance party during the Halftime Show. Put on your best Lady Gaga outfit and let all of your inhibitions fly out the door!

The Super Bowl is a time to let loose, and enjoy the people around you. Make it count by offering an awesome experience to your friends and family.

Moving Day Preparation: Appliances

Moving Day Preparation: Appliances

Moving Day is quickly approaching and so many things still need to get done. 

Packing belongings has to be the most time-consuming task when it comes to moving! 

But another step in the moving process takes the cake: Preparing Appliances. 

Today, we are going to focus on cleaning, preparing, and packing large appliances, such as your washer and dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, stove/oven. 

The goal is to make the move as easy and seamless as possible. Unless you are planning to purchase brand-new appliances, it is important to get them ready for use in your new place (especially if they will be spending any amount of time in storage). In addition, safety is key!

Step 1: Unplug the Appliances

• Certain appliances, such as the refrigerator, freezer, dryer, and gas stove, need to be disconnected at least a day before moving day. 

• For gas stove and dryer, a qualified service technician is recommended to make sure gas lines are capped off. 

• For washing machine, turn off all water faucets, remove and drain hoses.  

• For refrigerator and/or freezer, make sure to disconnect the water line and empty the water reservoir. 

Step 2: Clean the Appliances

• Remove all food and beverages from the refrigerator and freezer. 

o This may seem like commonsense, but nobody wants jars of mayo flying around in their fridge or a bucket of ice spilling around in the freezer. 

o It’s a good excuse to make some sandwiches, or donate items to neighbors, family members, and friends. 

o If you aren’t moving too far, you can transport the items and keep them in a mini fridge until your main fridge is ready. 

• Remove any glass shelves from the refrigerator, as well as door handles (but not the entire door!)

o Removing door handles makes it easier to get the fridge out of the house with little to no scratches on walls and doorways. Removing the handles and screws in advance will save movers time!

• Clean and dust the back of appliances, such as refrigerator, stove, dryer. 

• Chances are, the backs of these appliances have not seen the light of day for quite some time! Show them a little love by wiping them clean before bringing to your new home.

Step 3: Evaluate whether you need new appliances or can continue to use the ones you have

• Some questions to consider:

o Does your washer make loud noises? 

o Is your stove top full of caked on grease? 

o Is your freezer missing an ice maker? 

o Do your appliances match? (Do you even care?)

• Have you measured the spaces in your new home?

o This is one of the most important tasks when choosing appliances for your home. Are they going to fit?

• Whether you are remaining loyal to the fridge that has seen your children grow up, or choosing to purchase all new appliances for a brand new home, make sure to measure the space first!

So, before moving appliances, let’s get them cleaned, prepped, and ready for transport!

Big Deahls' Movers

New Year, New You: Time to Get Organized, Part 2

Time To Get Organized 

Okay, so you went through your closet and your dressers, donated and/or tossed unnecessary items.

Now, what about the clothes and shoes that scream, "SUMMER," that you love, but cannot wear during the rainy, cold, wintery months? You don't have to get rid of them, but what should you do with them?

For women, what do you do with the sundresses, crop-tops, shorts, and skirts?

For men, where do the short-sleeved button-ups, tank-tops, and shorts belong?

It's time to get organized!

You have a few options:

1.     Keep all clothes together, no matter the season (for this option, you can simply move these items to the back).

2.     Separate clothes by season in your closet and dresser (easier-access and visibility).

3.     Keep a seasonal selection in your closet and pack the off-season wardrobe in boxes.

It is up to you, but if you choose the latter, you can save space in your closet and dressers. You will have to make space in your storage area, whether that be your garage, basement, attic, or even under your bed, but it will alleviate the stress of finding an appropriate getup for the day.

A couple of items to have on-hand for this task:

1.     Plastic Boxes

2.     Space Saver machine (optional, but a great resource)

3.     Patience

Make sure to keep note of what you put in the boxes so that when the seasons change, you know exactly where to go to get your favorite outfit.

The same goes for the end of winter. Do you really need all of those coats taking up space in your closet? Especially if you are from Sunny Southern California! Keep one coat in the closet for those rare days when the temperature is below 70 degrees.

Just something to think about in an attempt to make life a little easier, and less cluttered in the long-term.

Happy New Year! | Big Deahl's Movers 

"If you enjoy the journey and the struggle, you'll love the results." - Gregory Sr. 

Owner | Operator Big Deahl's Movers

"The Best Move You've Made"

bigdeahlsmovers.com 

Big Deahl's Movers

Congratulations!  You are now listed as one of the Top 3 Moving companies in Ontario, CA. We would like to Thank You for providing consistent high quality in your area of business. Our review team either approved or updated your business listing after checking customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence.

You can view your business at https://threebestrated.com/moving-companies-in-ontario-ca

Do not forget to share this exciting news!

      Big Deahl's Movers

      N Solano Ave ,

      Ontario, CA 91764

Three Best Rated® was created with a simple goal to find you the top three local businesses per category per city. Our employees Handpick Top 3 local businesses per category.  We display only businesses that are verified by our employees since customers deserve only the best in life.

Businesses DO NOT pay us to list them ever. You DO NOT pay us for the listing any time. We believe that local businesses provide better and personal services locally. Local businesses know your city better since they live there too. Our policy is free to list because if you can pay to list, then is it really the best business?

It has been an honour and a pleasure to work with you.

Sincerely,

President, ThreeBestRated.com®

 support@threebestrated.com

New Year, New You? Or The Same Ole' Cluttered you?

Time to Get Organized, Part 1

The holiday decorations are down, your house feels empty, but your closets are a whole different story.

When is the last time you spent time clearing out your closet and dresser drawers? Well, if it’s been longer than you can vividly remember, then it’s time!

Are there clothes in there that you haven’t worn in more than 6 months? How about more than a year?

How about that 7-year-old pair of jeans that are either too big or too small, waiting for those same 10 pounds to either come back or go away?  It’s time to let them go.

Have you ever taken a moment to stop and ask yourself, “why do I still own this and what value is it adding to my life?”

If not, let’s pause here, and reflect on that one piece of clothing you know you need to get rid of, but keep it around for some reason.

Do you still want to keep it in your closet or are you ready to share it with someone else?

Or how many times have you thought to yourself, “I’ll just save this because I am going to want to wear it one day,” or, “but these shoes are so cute,” or, “I can’t get rid of this because it was a gift?”

We’ve all been through it, and continue to hold onto things we don’t need.

Well, it’s time to declutter and do some serious New Year cleaning and organizing!

How many people can you think of, either in your immediate circle of friends, family members, or people in the community, that can benefit from those t-shirts and tennis shoes that are just sitting lifelessly in your bedroom?

The first step is to ask around. Post a status update on social media, whether it’s Facebook or Twitter, throw it out there to your followers. An example could be, “Trying to find someone to give size 8 shoes to that will appreciate them. If you are interested or know someone, please let me know!” You may be surprised at the number of people that reach out to you. Or maybe there is a local Goodwill or Shelter around you.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this blog post. I will be offering tips on organizing your closet by seasonal gear.