Summer Before School

The school term is fast approaching and summer home buyers are finally settling into their new residences. We want you to take a moment; ask yourself, did you have fun this summer? We know that planning a move can take the joy out of summer. We also know that vacations can be expensive. Here are some cheap to free day trip ideas that the whole family can enjoy!

Events in Georgia This Weekend

• Slide The City- Want to ride a record-breaking water slide? This Sat, Jul 15, 2017 at 10:00 AM Slide The City is coming to Atlanta! Learn more Here.
• Atlanta Braves vs Arizona Diamondbacks- An experience worth your time would be visiting the new stadium. Seats starting at $19! Learn more Here.
• The Waiters Race- Waiters race to win a free trip to Paris while holding a loaded tray of drinks on Bastille Day, July 14, 2017 at 4pm in the center plaza at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. Learn more Here.
• Cocktails in the Garden- July’s theme is Play! Enjoy a specialty cocktail, live music, themed games and activities. Learn more Here.

Day Trips in Georgia

• Lake Lanier- One of the largest lakes in Georgia and biggest attractions! Learn more Here.
• Dahlonega- The center of Georgia’s wine country! There are five vineyards and 12 wine tasting sites. Learn more Here.
• Amicalola Falls State Park- This towering waterfall is located 7.5 miles by hike from the southern end of the Appalachian Trailat Springer Mountain, and it’s the closest access point to the AT via paved roads. Learn more Here.
• Callaway Gardens- Lakes, nature exhibits, walk through gardens, historical pioneer log cabins, and a certified Butterfly Center can you say family trip? Learn more Here.

For more ideas on Georgia Day Trips that are family friendly visit Here. For hiking trails near the Atlanta area check out the top 10 Here.

Back to School

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Looking for back to school ideas we have a board for that!  Back to School.

Fireworks and Pets

Did you know that Atlanta is in the top 10 best cities for dog owners in the United States? About 54% of Atlantans own a dog in the city and 40% of them are afraid of loud noises! With Independence Day fast approaching us we have decided to inform you on how to make your pets feels safer using packing materials.

To reduce the impact of the noise and flashes from the fireworks try building them a thunder shelter. Small dark places with familiar toys and bedding will help alleviate their stress. You can build one from scratch with cardboard boxes. If you have a designated kennel/cage for your pet, you can use cardboard boxes or blankets nested around it to mute the sound. Make sure that there is enough room in between the boxes and blankets to allow air circulation. Without proper air flow your pet could overheat.

Here are more tips on how to handle your pets during fireworks/thunderstorms:

• Don’t try to comfort or scold your dog. By scolding him it reassures him that something is wrong. By praising your dog can reassure him that his behavior is correct and his reactions can become more intense.
• Try training your dog to settle and focus in a specific part of your home. This can develop into a healthy habit for your dog.
• If your dog is friendly with other dogs, try hosting a playdate with a non-fearful dog. This can encourage yours to be less influenced by loud conditions.
• Don’t ignore the fact that your dog has a fear. There are steps you can take to prevent this from happening ever again.

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For more ideas check out our  Pets + Move Pinterest Board!

Fourth of July Events in Your Area!

Chamblee Fourth of July Celebration

July 4, 2017, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

 Keswick Park, 3496 Keswick Dr. Chamblee, GA 30341

Looking for a family friendly event that is free to the public? There will be live music, food, activities and fireworks!

Activities

Bike Parade – 5 p.m. from Chamblee Middle School

Decorate your bicycles, tricycles, wagons, etc. in a patriotic manner for a 1/4 mile parade. Each contestant will receive a participation prize!

Train Rides – from 5 to 8 p.m.

A mini locomotive will be onsite offering free train rides!

Corn Hole Tournament – 6 p.m.

This tournament will be open to the first eight teams that register so be fast!

Live music by Band X

Fireworks Show

No need to compete with the Atlanta traffic to be able to see a phenomenal fireworks display!

For more information go Here.

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Pied Piper Parade, Concert and Fireworks 

July 4, 2017, 6:00 pm

 First Baptist Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave, Decatur, GA

Join the Pied Piper Parade as it makes its way through downtown Decatur on July 4 for free! Gather friends and family, ride your bike, walk or skate in this community parade – it’s for anyone and everyone! Neighborhoods and organizations are encouraged to make floats and join the fun too. And don’t forget your red, white and blue!

Anyone may participate in the parade, but those with vehicles must registered.

Sponsored by City of Decatur and the Decatur Business Association.

For more information go Here.

For more Fourth of July events in your area checkout events Here.

Hot Moves!

The movers are coming, the movers are coming! Or at least that’s what you will be yelling this weekend. Why you ask? Well Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25, is TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® busiest move weekend with more than 5,500 moves during these two-days. Don’t be alarmed by our hordes of moving trucks rushing about the Atlanta area, in fact feel free to wave at our amazing movers or tag us in pictures! In the meantime, here are some not so heat friendly items to think twice about before packing in your summer move.

Things To Think about in the Heat:

Candles can make your new home smell welcoming, inviting and cozy! Packing them in the summer can lead to a box dripping in wax, which is never fun to clean. Try taking these items in your personal vehicle. They will not melt, no chance of them breaking, and ease of access for when you get to your new place!

CD’s, videos and cassettes are more things to keep in your personal vehicle. I know, in the day and age with all the technology in the world at our fingertips why worry about these items? As MOVERS WHO CARE we know how much more valuable these items can be. A tape of your parents first dance, your daughters 5^th birthday party, and so many more memories have been documented. So please pack those with you as well, preferably not next to the candles but still in a safe place away from the heat.

Air-conditioning aka AC. There’s going to be a lot of foot traffic inside and outside of your home. That means lots of open doors. This can cost a pretty penny if your air conditioner is running for hours on end. More importantly make sure that the electricity is turned on in your new home if it’s going to be hot there too.

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For more ideas on how to get packing check out our  Pinterest.

Low-balling It

We all love to save money. Cutting out unnecessary items here and there really does add up! However, moving is a better safe than sorry situation. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Decatur understands the frustration of wanting to save for important things. Relocation is one of the most important tasks you’ll endure throughout your life. Vacation is just more fun.

Our Atlanta moving staff works day and night to ensure the safety of your belongings. We’re able to pack, move, unpack, store and deliver as much or as little as requested. Check out our tips on making your move make sense not dollars:

1. Make sure you check the box for the highest level of accountability for damages. Most moving companies will hide behind their itemized damage insurance form. Our movers, managers, customer service reps and in-home estimators are trained to explain what each level of responsibility means. If you have further questions, just ask.
2. Better safe than sorry. Let us pack for you. If we pack and break items in boxes we pack, we’re obligated to do the right thing and reimburse, fix or replace the item. If you or a loved one pack, please make sure you check out our packing guides on Pinterest.
3. You get what you pay for. $40/hour moving companies hire untrained, fresh out of a college mid-term, inexperienced employees. That translates into a month-long headache as you barter with the moving company over damages. Property damage can take even longer to settle if you don’t own your home. Sprinkle in a favorite vase chipped or love seat rip and it’s a party.

Bottom line, vet the company through your friends and strangers online before you call. Ask TWO MEN Decatur how we can best help relocate you!

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For more ideas on how to get packing check out our  Pinterest.

Thanksgiving Packing & Travel

Headed to see family? Excited about meeting out-of-town friends for a long-overdue rendezvous? Ready to meet the newest bundle of joy? Us too! No matter where life takes you for Turkey Day, don’t forget the essentials.

• Bring activities, snacks and literature for the ride. Kids ages 0-99 love to be entertained. For a few extra minutes of peace pack a few back up snacks. Gas station food gets old fast. Airlines only give out so many packs of peanuts and magazines. MARTA and bus lines are great for temporary people watching. In combination, travel can be both mentally and physically exhausting to coordinate. Books, Netflix, fruit, gummy bears, coloring books & crayons/markers, headphones, etc. work wonders. And coffee, lots of coffee, for the coordinator.

Coffee for you

Sugar for them

 

• Don’t forget the pillows. Long or short, plane rides are literally the worst in terms of comfiness. Don’t kid yourself into thinking this time will be different. Pack a pillow or fluffy jacket for your squad. Fluffy blankets are optional, but strongly suggested.

 

• Send things ahead of time. Always forget a couple essentials before your fall trek? Get ahead of the curve this time! Ask a loved one to store a few family necessities for you until Thanksgiving weekend. Our Decatur office has multiple sizes of fresh boxes to ship. If looking for a more permanent solution, consider using our Value-Flex service to move your favorites ahead of time. After all that turkey and cranberry spread the fam might want to stay a while.

Leave the packing to the pros, not the neighborhood bros

• Divvy out the cooking. With so many tasks during the workweek, school week, weekend sporting events, kid’s practices and family activities who actually has time to salve over the stove? Not us. Probably not you either. Try making a potluck out of Thanksgiving this year. You’ll thank us later :]

Fruit and soda still count, right?

Stay safe, y’all! From the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Decatur family to you and yours, we wish you a plentiful feast and a fun Black Friday.

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For more ideas on how to get packing check out our  Pinterest.