Magic Movers "Moving Quote"

"All our dreams can come true...if we have the courage to pursue them."

Walt Disney

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Home Selling 101 - To Re-Carpet or not to Re-Carpet

Home Selling 101 - To Re-Carpet or not to Re-Carpet

Magic Movers "Moving Quote"

Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune; but great minds rise above them.

Washington Irving

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Happy Easter Holidays

The meaning of the many different customs observed during Easter Sunday have been buried with time. Their origins lie in both pre-Christian religions and Christianity. In one way or another all the customs are a "salute to spring" marking re-birth.

The white Easter lily has come to capture the glory of the holiday. The word "Easter" is named after Eastre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring. A festival was held in her honor every year at the vernal equinox.

People celebrate Easter according to their beliefs and their religious denominations. Christians commemorate Good Friday as the day that Jesus Christ died and Easter Sunday as the day that He was resurrected. Protestant settlers brought the custom of a sunrise service, a religious gathering at dawn.

Who is the Easter Bunny?

Today on Easter Sunday, many children wake up to find that the Easter Bunny has left them baskets of candy. He has also hidden the eggs that they decorated earlier that week. Children hunt for the eggs all around the house. Neighborhoods and organizations hold Easter egg hunts, and the child who finds the most eggs wins a prize.

The Easter Bunny is a rabbit-spirit.

Long ago, he was called the "Easter Hare", hares and rabbits have frequent multiple births so they became a symbol of fertility. The custom of an Easter egg hunt began because children believed that hares laid eggs in the grass. The Romans believed that "All life comes from an egg." Christians consider eggs to be "the seed of life" and so they are symbolic of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Why we dye, or color, and decorate eggs is not certain. In ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and Persia eggs were dyed for spring festivals. In medieval Europe, beautifully decorated eggs were given as gifts.

How fresh Paint and Carpet can make a home sell for MORE $$$

Happy St Patrick's Day

As you slide down the banisters of life may the splinters never point the wrong way.

Irish Saying

May you never forget what is worth remembering, Or remember what is best forgotten.

Irish Saying

Why should you never iron a 4-leaf clover?

You don't want to press your luck.

Irish Saying

May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.

Irish Saying

A good retreat is better than a bad stand.

Irish Saying

Constant company wears out its welcome.

Irish Proverb

Both your friend and your enemy think you will never die.

Irish Saying

Magic Movers "Moving Quote"

In the book of life, the answers aren't in the back.

Charles Schulz

Packing Supplies, Labeling & Packing Tips

Packing Supplies, Labeling & Packing Tips

Keep the following supplies handy for packing:

Boxes,
marking pen,
bubble wrap,
newspaper and tissue
Tape and scissors
Tape measure

Use strong boxes and containers that can be secured tightly. Purchase special boxes for dishes, wardrobe and other special items.

Pack audio-video equipment in their original boxes. Label cables and tighten transit screws. If removing screws, tape them to the objects they are removed from.

Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box.

Label each box and indicate the following:

(a) Which room it should go in
(b) Whether it is fragile
(c) If it should be loaded last so it will be unloaded first.

Cushion contents with packing material such as bubble wrap, newspaper or tissue. Save room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.

Pack books tightly on end in small boxes. If musty smelling, sprinkle talcum powder between the pages and wrap the book before packing. Leave stored for a couple of months to eliminate the smell.

Have rugs and draperies cleaned before moving and leave them in wrappings for the move.

Pack medicines in a leak proof container.

Carry all valuables with you.

Residential Moving Tips - Part 20 of 20

• It is up to you whether you tip the packers or not . . . . . I never did until my last move, they were absolutely wonderful to me.

Residential Moving Tips - Part 19 of 20

• If you are in a hot climate, I would suggest having the packers come very early in the morning.

Magic Movers "Moving Quote"

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Residential Moving Tips - Part 18 of 20

• You can always ask if they can come back and pick up the boxes, but once they leave, they are NOT obligated to come back. If not, some have had success at selling the boxes and making a profit.

Residential Moving Tips Part - 17 of 20

• Talk to your truck driver, they will have some idea of when they will be able to deliver. Sometimes it can really work out and your items will not have to go into storage.

• Before the packers leave, make sure you go through the house to look for anything that may have been looked over. If you have a multi-day pack, ask the movers to leave a large wardrobe for the last day. Therefore, you can pack the items that you want immediately at your new place.

Magic Movers "Moving Quote"

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Magic Movers "Moving Quote"

It takes a lot of courage to show your dreams to someone else.

Erma Bombeck

Residential Moving Tips - Part 16 of 20

• Colour code the boxes so that you will know immediately which room the box belongs in. You can also colour code the rooms so the packers will know which box belongs where.

• Towards the end of packing day, make sure that the last minute items that can be boxed are getting boxed and not just thrown in the truck.

Magic Movers "Moving Quote"

Every person, all the events of your life are there because you have drawn them there. What you choose to do with them is up to you.

Richard Bach

Residential Moving Tips - Part 15 of 20

Oh and I suppose you could wash the dog before you go . . . .

• Have small Zip-loc bags and tape ready on packing day. As the movers take things apart, get the small hardware and bag it up. Tape it to the item immediately.


• Make sure the packers box your couch cushions. If they use them to pack the load on the truck they can get permanently damaged or even lost.

Happy Valentines Day

The history of Valentine's

Ever wondered how all this fluffy nonsense started?

Your pagan roots are showing

Long before it was actually called Valentine's Day, there was a good old pagan festival called Lupercalia. It was held in ancient Rome at the beginning of February to honour the god Pan and herald the arrival of Spring, and was associated with purification and fertility rituals. Sounds promising, eh?

During these rituals, goats and dogs were sacrificed, and young men were anointed with the blood. Then there was the usual feasting, raucous drinking, and so on, that we all know and love. Afterwards they had to run round and round the city slapping young women with strips of soggy goat flesh called Februa. Apparently this was welcomed as a blessing by the women as it was supposed to make them more fertile. Although the extra laundry probably wasn't.

Another cracking tradition: after they'd run out of slabs of dripping goat corpses, the names of all the young women in the city were placed into a giant urn. Each young man in the neighbourhood waited in turn to take a random name out of the urn, and the couple would be paired up together for a year after a bit more feasting, eroticism, and sexual-game playing. This weird matchmaking often resulted in marriage.

Valentine by name

The early Christians decided to put a stop to all this unbridled eroticism and overt sexuality, and changed the festival to one of romantic love. The prudes. They grabbed hold of a fantastic public relations opportunity in the shape of Saint Valentine. The Catholic Church recognises at least three people called Valentine or Valentinus, who were martyred, so the Valentine story could be about any one of them, or indeed all of them. One legend says that Valentine was a priest or bishop who lived in third century Rome.

"The early Christians decided to put a stop to all this unbridled eroticism and overt sexuality, and changed the festival to one of romantic love. The prudes."

The ruler at the time, Emperor Claudius II, decided to outlaw marriage and engagement because he wanted more men for his armies, and the locals preferred to make love, not war. Valentine carried out many secret marriages, plus the occasional miracle, and was finally caught in the act and imprisoned.

Rumour has it that while incarcerated, he fell madly in love with the jailer's daughter, who visited him often. One story says that he was beheaded, and the night before his execution, he sent his true love a note that he signed "from your Valentine." Other stories say that he just got sick and died in prison. Either way, it's his fault for all those crappy cards.

British folklore and traditions

Back in the UK during the Middle Ages, February 14 was traditionally thought to be the day that all the birds paired up for the year. Mating season, in other words. There were many rituals carried out by young maidens who wanted to find out the name of the man they would marry.

The oldest known Valentine card still in existence probably dates back to 1415, and was written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. They probably didn't have a romantic meal later that evening.

Valentine's Day celebrations in the UK began to be popular in the 16th or 17th century, and by the middle of the eighteenth century it was common for lovers and friends to exchange handwritten notes and gifts. The first manufactured cards became available at the end of the 18th century. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Residential Moving Tip - Part 14 of 20

• Watch the movers and be nice to them. If you encounter a problem, do not argue with them, call the transportation office immediately.

• Once the movers get there you will not be able to leave, so plan ahead for lunch. They are very appreciative if you are able to provide lunch for them too.

• Every item and every box should have a tag as it's going on the truck.

Japan National Foundation Day 建国記念の日 (Kenkoku kinen no hi)

11 February - Japan National Foundation Day

This national holiday was established in 1966 (and first held in 1967) as a day to reflect on the establishment of the nation and to nourish a love for the country. From 1872 to 1948, February 11 was known as Kigen-setsu (紀元節, Kigen-setsu?), a holiday commemorating the day on which—according to the Nihon-shoki—Emperor Jimmu is said to have acceded the throne in 660 BCE.

Magic Movers "Moving Quote"

The art of living lies less in eliminating our troubles than in growing with them.

Bernard M. Baruch

Residential Moving Tip - Part 13 of 20

• Ask the representative if you need to have your fridge off for 24 hours prior to the movers coming. Some require it and some don't.

Happy Chinese New Year - Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

On the Western calendar, the start of the New Year falls on February 7, 2008 — The Year of the Rat. If you were born in 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996 - you were born under the sign of the rat.

Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. The 15th day of the new year is called the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated at night with lantern displays and children carrying lanterns in a parade.

The Chinese calendar is based on a combination of lunar and solar movements. The lunar cycle is about 29.5 days. In order to "catch up" with the solar calendar the Chinese insert an extra month once every few years (seven years out of a 19-yearcycle). This is the same as adding an extra day on leap year.

This is why, according to the solar calendar, the Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year.

New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are celebrated as a family affair, a time of reunion and thanksgiving. The celebration was traditionally highlighted with a religious ceremony given in honor of Heaven and Earth, the gods of the household and the family ancestors.

The sacrifice to the ancestors, the most vital of all the rituals, united the living members with those who had passed away. Departed relatives are remembered with great respect because they were responsible for laying the foundations for the fortune and glory of the family.

The presence of the ancestors is acknowledged on New Year's Eve with a dinner arranged for them at the family banquet table. The spirits of the ancestors, together with the living, celebrate the onset of the New Year as one great community. The communal feast called "surrounding the stove" or weilu. It symbolizes family unity and honors the past and present generations.

Taboos and Superstitions of Chinese New Year

House Cleaning

The entire house should be cleaned before New Year's Day. On New Year's Eve, all brooms, brushes, dusters, dust pans and other cleaning equipment are put away. Sweeping or dusting should not be done on New Year's Day for fear that good fortune will be swept away.

After New Year's Day, the floors may be swept. Beginning at the door, the dust and rubbish are swept to the middle of the parlor, then placed in the corners and not taken or thrown out until the fifth day. At no time should the rubbish in the corners be trampled upon. In sweeping, there is a superstition that if you sweep the dirt out over the threshold, you will sweep one of the family away. Also, to sweep the dust and dirt out of your house by the front entrance is to sweep away the good fortune of the family; it must always be swept inwards and then carried out, then no harm will follow. All dirt and rubbish must be taken out the back door.

Bringing In the New Year and Expelling the Old

Shooting off firecrackers on New Year's Eve is the Chinese way of sending out the old year and welcoming in the New Year. On the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, every door in the house, and even windows, have to be open to allow the old year to go out.

New Year Activities Set Precendent

All debts had to paid by this time. Nothing should be lent on this day, as anyone who does so will be lending all the year. Back when tinder and flint were used, no one would lend them on this day or give a light to others.

Everyone should refrain from using foul language and bad or unlucky words. Negative terms and the word "four" (Ssu), which sounds like the word for death, are not to be uttered. Death and dying are never mentioned and ghost stories are totally taboo. References to the past year are also avoided as everything should be turned toward the New Year and a new beginning.
If you cry on New Year's day, you will cry all through the year. Therefore, children are tolerated and are not spanked, even though they are mischievous.

Personal Appearance and Cleanliness

On New Year's Day, we are not suppose to wash our hair because it would mean we would have washed away good luck for the New Year. Red clothing is preferred during this festive occasion. Red is considered a bright, happy color, sure to bring the wearer a sunny and bright future. It is believed that appearance and attitude during New Year's sets the tone for the rest of the year.

Children and unmarried friends, as well as close relatives are given lai see, little red envelopes with crisp one dollar bills inserted, for good fortune..

More New Year Superstitions

For those most superstitious, before leaving the house to call on others, the Almanac should be consulted to find the best time to leave the home and the direction which is most auspicious to head out.

The first person one meets and the first words heard are significant as to what the fortunes would be for the entire year.

It is a lucky sign to see or hear songbirds or red-colored birds or swallows.

It is considered unlucky to greet anyone in their bedroom so that is why everyone, even the sick, should get dressed and sit in the living room.

Do not use knives or scissors on New Year's Day as this may cut off fortune.

While many Chinese people today may not believe in these do's and don'ts, these traditions and customs are still practiced. These traditions and customs are kept because most families realize that it is these very traditions, whether believed or not, that provide continuity with the past and provide the family with an identity.

Magic Movers "Moving Quote"

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.

Confucius

Residential MOving Tip - Part 12 of 20

(No . .no . . not that type of "House" Move)

• Let the representative know that you would prefer that they shrink wrap your couch, love seat and chair.

Residential Moving Tips - Part 11 of 20

• You can ask the moving representative if you can leave your clothes in the dressers or not. Some do and some don't, but I would still put the items in plastic scented bags just to protect them at the very least.

Magic Movers "Moving Quote"

It's not so much knowing when to speak, but when to pause.

Jack Benny

Happy Australia Day

Australia Day.

Celebrate what's great.

Australia Day, January 26, is the biggest day of celebration in the country and is observed as a public holiday in all states and territories.

On Australia Day we come together as a nation to celebrate what's great about Australia and being Australian. It's the day to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our great nation.

It's the day for us to re-commit to making Australia an even better place for the future.

There are many great things about this country:

The people - The life savers on the beach and the farmers in the bush; the larrikins; our sporting heroes, artists and visionaries; the volunteers who dedicate their lives to others; the spirit of pulling together in hard times and achieving beyond expectation; the eminent Australians from all walks of life, the battlers and the ordinary Australians who are anything but ordinary.

Our land - Fragile yet enduring. Harsh and extreme, lush and bountiful-a continent like no other. Our ancient land offers boundless opportunity, sustains us and makes us who we are.

Our diversity - A nation of difference and unity. People from the city, the country, different nations and backgrounds; we are one people, living together. Through our diverse beliefs and experiences we learn from each other and grow together.

The indigenous cultures - The rich and resilient spirituality; the knowledge, art and history. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are part of Australia's identity and culture.

Our freedom and democracy - A society built on fundamental rights and responsibilities.

Freedom of thought and expression - Participation in government and respect for and equality under the law.

A fair go for all - An enduring spirit of mateship and fairness. A compassionate society committed to access to employment, housing, health and education. Ours is a land of opportunity where we can do anything.

Residential Moving Tips - Part 10 of 20

• Lawn mowers, air conditioning units and any outside equipment must be cleaned and drained.

• Set aside Professional Books, Papers and Equipment. This includes anything needed to perform military duties. Ex: uniforms, awards, tools and equipment needed by technicians or mechanics, special dive suits or cold weather apparel.

Magic Movers "Moving Quote"

"Through perseverance many people win success out of what seemed destined to be certain failure."

Benjamin Disraeli

Just For Fun - French and Saunders

Just For Fun - French and Saunders

Residential Moving Tips - Part 9 of 20

• You can take all the pictures off the wall and clean them. If you have silk arrangements, do not let them separate the arrangement from the vase.

Residential Moving Tips - Part 8 of 20

• You are not allowed to pack: perishable food items, combustible or corrosive liquids,batteries, explosives, flammables, gases, aerosol cans, chlorinated hydrocarbons in decorative lamps and they will no longer ship propane tanks.

Magic Movers "Moving Quote"

"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

Nelson Mandela

Residential Moving Tips - Part 7 of 20

• You can have your valuable and expensive items appraised before hand. Do not ship small valuable items, it would be better to pack them in your suitcase.

• You will need to disconnect all your electrical equipment before the movers get there. You can tie the cords and color code them with ribbon- blue for computer, red for stereo etc...place all your remote controls in one area.

• Depends on your mover if they will pack candles. Make sure you wrap them in paper towels and bag them. Seal in a shoe box. They have been known to melt, so make sure you at least bag them.

Relocating Tips

By Ross Bainbridge
Relocating is a major decision, especially when an entire family moves from one city to another. It has an impact on the financial status, daily routine of an individual and his or her contacts with friends and family. The cost of living is higher in many cities, giving rise to the need for a bigger pay packet. A thorough study of the job market is essential. Though employment opportunities may be plentiful, due consideration must be given to finding a job appropriate to ones qualifications.

Whether relocating to a nearby city or far across continents, the service of a relocation specialist is desirable. They have in-depth knowledge of all aspects of relocation and can make moving a pleasant experience. Relocation specialists provide valuable information related to the destination and relieve the stress of moving to a new environment. They also provide assistance on mortgage and destination assessments. The Web is the best place to find and compare relocation specialists.

Moving can be a trying time for many children. Often, family and friends are left behind. Children should be made to feel included in the relocation process and be made fully aware of where they are going. By being part of the relocation process, a child feels more involved and informed, reducing their levels of tension and fear. It is essential to ease their transition into a new home. Giving priority to their rooms, letting them join community organizations and escorting them to school in the initial stages of relocation, gives them a feeling of security.

On arrival in a new city, it is best to make use of the telephone directory and the Yellow Pages to locate local retailers, grocery stores, government agencies, and service providers. The local motor vehicle office must be approached for vehicle registration and a driver's license. Prior to reporting for a new job, it is important to unpack, relax and get acquainted with neighbours. Often, when people relocate, they have a need for interim housing. Realtors assist people find suitable interim or permanent homes.

Strategic planning and research on the city of one’s choice can ward off problems and minimize potential headaches involved with relocation. If planned well, moving can be an exciting and memorable experience.

Relocating provides detailed information on Relocating, Relocating Tips, Relocating Overseas and more. Relocating is affiliated with NYC Moving and Storage.

Residential Moving Tip - Part 6 of 20

• Empty and clean your trash bins, they will pack them, as is, if you don't.

• Set aside uniforms and your children's special blankets, so they will not get packed by accident.

• Plan ahead as to how you want things unpacked at the other end. If you have baskets all over the house and you want them all together at the other end, put them in one area so they are packed together.

Magic Movers "Moving Quote"

Most people fail in life because they major in minor things.

Anthony Robbins

Residential Moving Tips - Part 5 of 20

• Knobs and drawer pulls can be removed, placed in a cloth pouch and taped inside a drawer.

• You can take pictures out of their frames, so that you can hand carry them if you prefer. You can hand carry or mail irreplaceable mementos to avoid damage or loss.

Happy New Year 2008

Happy New Year . . . now it's back to work!!

Happy New Year to All

Wishing everyone a healthy and prosperous New Year in 2008 from management and staff at Magic Movers Interstate Furniture Removals.

Magic Movers "Moving Quote"

"You are educated. Your certification is in your degree. You may think of it as the ticket to the good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world."

Tom Brokaw

Merry Christmas

A very Merry Christmas to all our clients and to our suppliers and all your families from all the staff at Magic Movers Interstate Furniture Removals!!

Magic Movers "Moving Quote"

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

Theodore Roosevelt

Residential Moving Tips - Part 4 of 20

• Place all your clean linens and clothes in a scented trash bag and tie it closed.

• Plan ahead and set aside items that you want immediately at your new house. Items like bed linens, paper products, plastic cups, bowls, and spoons. A couple of videos and small TV/with video player and a few paperback books. Light bulbs, kitchen items and a corded telephone are usually good items for this box. The packers can leave you an empty box and mark it the next day.

• Tape the ends of all board games, puzzles, anything with lots of pieces. Place small toys in Zip-loc bags.

Residential Moving Tips - Part 3 of 20

• You can have the Post Office hold your mail until you get to your new address and then send the card forward to them.

• Use large Zip-loc bags to organize your drawers. Place all your eating utensils, junk drawer etc into these bags or you will have a big mess when you unpack.

• Clean all appliances that aren't used often and place them in a trash bag.

Magic Movers "Moving Quote"

Success is steady progress toward one's personal goals.

Jim Rohn

Residential Moving Tips - Part 2 0f 20

• Videotape all electrical equipment while turning them on and off, this will document them in good working condition. Videotape your entire household too.

• Write down all the serial numbers to your big ticket items. You can also write down how many videos, cd's and DVD's that you have. Make a copy so the movers will have this available.

• Clean out drawers, cabinets and closets before your move is scheduled. Defrost freezers and don't forget to drain your washer and disconnect dryer hose.

• Call your current cable, electric, gas and phone companies to give them a cut off date.

Magic Movers "Moving Quote"

What I know is, is that if you do work that you love, and the work fulfills you, the rest will come.

Oprah Winfrey