Two-Month Moving Checklist

Two-Month Moving Checklist

Follow this two-month checklist to keep your move on track. So what does this mean for those planning to move this summer? Plan ahead! Make your moving reservations as early as possible to beat the surge and put your organizational skills in overdrive.  If possible, give yourself eight weeks to handle the moving to-dos in an orderly, low-stress manner. Use the steps below in this two-month moving calendar to keep you calm and prepared. Simply follow these steps and check them off one-by-one:  

Simple tricks to pack your suitcase easily

Simple tricks to pack your suitcase easily

Why does packing always seem like a bigger job than it really is?It can be a chore in itself, but a lot of the stress of packing probably comes from the stress of not really knowing what you need when you get to where you’re going.Below are some helpful packing techniques that will make it easier to pack your suitcase efficiently and keep your clothes in tip-top shape when you’re on the go.How to pack fragile itemsUse clothing as a pillowWrap fragile items in thick, durable clothing. Put them in the center of your bag surrounded by a “cushion,” says Laura McHolm, co-founder of NorthStar Moving, a Los Angeles-based company that moves 5,000 people (and their precious china) every year. If you’re carrying bottles of alcoholic beverages, clip them to the bottom center of your bag.

NorthStar Moving Co-Founder Honored for Leadership Excellence by the International Association of Movers

NorthStar Moving Co-Founder Honored for Leadership Excellence by the International Association of Movers

Laura McHolm named Excellence in Leadership Award finalistLos Angeles, CA, Dec. 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NorthStar Moving® Company, the leading eco-luxury mover in California, is pleased to announce that its co-founder, Laura McHolm, was a finalist for the International Association of Movers Excellence in Leadership Award 2022.The International Association of Movers’ (IAM) annual leadership award is given to an individual who has most positively affected the global moving and mobility industry over the past year. The Excellence in Leadership award recognizes an individual who demonstrates a commitment to professional growth and provides leadership to their team that is effective, motivational and consistent, while also providing an equitable working environment for all team members. The award applicants are nominated by their peers in the IAM membership community. A selection committee of current IAM members determines the recipient of the Leadership Award. The council … Continued

Inspirational Women: trends, updates, forum and leadership awards

Inspirational Women: trends, updates, forum and leadership awards

At our second annual Inspirational Women Forum & Awards, which was held on October 18 at The Beverly Hilton, we highlighted the accomplishments of outstanding women from corporations and nonprofit organizations throughout California who demonstrated noteworthy success and accomplishments over the past 24 months in 12 award categories.[…]One of the few women at the helm of a moving company, Laura McHolm’s NorthStar Moving is the go-to mover for A-List celebrities, The Getty and other movers and shakers. She has single-handedly crushed the dim view consumers once held about the moving industry. McHolm coined the phrase “eco-luxury moving services” and is changing the way people move by offering the red carpet treatment. Honored with more awards for service than any other moving company, she is breaking the long-held notion of moving and storage as burly men doing one job.NorthStar Moving contributes … Continued

NorthStar Moving Co-Founder Named Inspirational Woman Entrepreneur of the Year by the Los Angeles Times

NorthStar Moving Co-Founder Named Inspirational Woman Entrepreneur of the Year by the Los Angeles Times

Laura McHolm recognized for outstanding accomplishments & philanthropic workLos Angeles, CA, Nov. 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NorthStar Moving® Company, the leading eco-luxury mover in California, is pleased to announce that its co-founder, Laura McHolm, was awarded the Los Angeles Times Inspirational Woman Entrepreneur & Founder of the Year 2022 in the mid to large sized company category.The Los Angeles Times B2B Publishing’s second annual Inspirational Women Forum and Awards event recognized business leaders who have demonstrated noteworthy success over the past two years. The October 18th awards luncheon was held at the Beverly Hilton and honored accomplished female leaders from corporations or non-profit organizations throughout California in ten categories. “I am truly overwhelmed by this recognition,” said NorthStar Moving Co-Founder Laura McHolm. “Every morning, my mother would read the Los Angeles Times from cover to cover. She would point out articles and we … Continued

Electronics recycler partners with moving company

Electronics recycler partners with moving company

NorthStar Moving Co., Northridge, California, and Homeboy Electronics Recycling, Commerce, California, have announced a partnership through which NorthStar Moving’s corporate clients will be provided secure recycling of their old electronics prior to office relocations.“This is such a simple way to do good. Do good for mother earth, do good for humanity and do good for your company’s move,” says NorthStar Moving co-founder and Chief of Organized Living Laura McHolm.   

NorthStar Moving Partners with Homeboy Electronics Recycling

NorthStar Moving Partners with Homeboy Electronics Recycling

Partnership provides e-waste recycling for corporations on the moveNorthStar Moving® Company, the leading eco-luxury mover in California, announced today a new partnership with Homeboy Electronics Recycling, a certified and award-winning social enterprise providing proper disposal of IT assets. The new partnership provides NorthStar Moving’s corporate clients with secure and seamless recycling of old electronics prior to an office relocation. Homeboy Electronics Recycling provides corporate customers with electronics recycling solutions while employing people who face systemic barriers to work. As a Responsible Recycling (R2) certified company, they provide proper disposal and management of IT assets under strict guidelines. Their team recycles computers, mobile phones, printers and other devices that can’t be refurbished in a manner that protects our environment. And, as a certified data destruction service provider, they are fully equipped to handle sensitive data destruction needs. When a company is relocating … Continued

Ball for Claire’s Place Foundation to Raise CF Funds, Honor Founder

Ball for Claire’s Place Foundation to Raise CF Funds, Honor Founder

The Claire’s Place Foundation, a nonprofit that supports people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and their families while honoring its late founder, will present its Third Annual Clairity Ball on Oct. 22 in Santa Monica, California.Billed as “a magical evening that transforms lives,” the event raises funds for foundation programming and celebrates founder Claire Wineland, a CF patient who died in 2018 at age 21. Tickets are $300 each. Tables for 10 and 12 attendees are $3,000 and $3,500, respectively.Held at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalow, the seaside affair will feature celebrity guests, dancing, and live music by The Lucky Devils and Honey & Blue, plus a performance by multi-platinum recording artist Andy Grammer.In addition, awards will be given to longtime supporters of Wineland and the foundation for their dedication to her legacy,

Claire’s Place Foundation Unveils Third Annual Clairity Ball, A Magical Evening that Transforms Lives

Claire’s Place Foundation Unveils Third Annual Clairity Ball, A Magical Evening that Transforms Lives

Multi-Platinum Recording Artist Andy Grammer, Vice Mayor Richard Montgomery & Founders of NorthStar Moving Company to be honored for their dedication to Claire’s legacyLos Angeles, CA, Oct. 11, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Claire’s Place Foundation, a non-profit organization providing support to children and families affected by cystic fibrosis (CF), is proud to announce its Third Annual Clairity Ball, a fundraising evening by the sea, celebrating the life and legacy of their late founder Claire Wineland. The Clairity Ball, a fundraiser to support Claire’s Place Foundation, will be held at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica, California on Saturday, October 22, 2022. The ball will feature hors d’oeuvres and cocktails served under the twinkling iconic Moreton Bay fig tree, plated dinner, dancing, live music by The Lucky Devils, celebrity guests and performances including Multi-Platinum Recording Artist Andy Grammer who will perform his song “Don’t’ Give Up … Continued

6 Best Moving Companies in San Francisco of 2022

6 Best Moving Companies in San Francisco of 2022

There are many details to manage when you’re moving to a new home. Yet in the midst of budgeting for moving expenses, changing over utility services, and registering your children to attend new schools (if you’re a parent), finding the right moving company can take an important worry off your plate.The best moving companies in San Francisco are equipped to handle your possessions with care and professionalism — whether you’re moving a short distance or relocating from the other side of the country. And of course, you’ll also want to find movers with affordable and transparent pricing.Read below to discover our reviews and top picks for the best moving companies in San Francisco for 2022. Find out whether one of these San Francisco movers might be the right fit for your next move.

4 Steps to a successful move with kids!

4 Steps to a successful move with kids!

It’s no secret; No one likes to move, and that includes your kids. Moving is one of the most stressful times in life. It brings a lot of change, to-do lists, and financial concerns, and for your kids, it means making new friends or maybe adjusting to a new school. Long before you break out those cardboard boxes, use these pointers to help your kids get through the process. Consider timing, transition, getting the kids involved and adjustment.

LA Food Bank Names NorthStar Moving’s 2021 Food Drive “Fundraiser of the Year”

LA Food Bank Names NorthStar Moving’s 2021 Food Drive “Fundraiser of the Year”

NorthStar Moving’s 2022 food drive surpasses 2021’s, providing over 178,000 meals to feed hungry kidsLos Angeles, CA, Sept. 27, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NorthStar Moving® Company, the leading eco-luxury mover in California, is proud to announce that the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank awarded their Let’s Send Hunger Packing Food Drive 2021 “Top Fundraiser of the Year.” NorthStar Moving raised the most donations out of almost 200 #WeFeedLA fundraisers and is featured in the food bank’s annual report.“I am so proud that our food drive is being featured for this recognition,” said NorthStar Moving Co-Founder Laura McHolm. “I wish our food drive was enough to feed all the hungry children, but the Los Angeles Food Bank needs everyone’s assistance to meet the massive need. I challenge other businesses to do all they can to assist the Food Bank. They are … Continued

Ask The Expert

Ask The Expert

At NorthStar Moving, we seek franchisees who share our commitment to client service, the community and to team members. In terms of fit, you must be a natural leader. You must be smart, have a sense of urgency, place a high value on integrity and be able to both inspire people doing intense physical labor and instill a sense of pride in a job well done. It’s vital to also embrace the concept of under-promising and over-delivering — to make certain that every client you move will want to use you as “their mover for life.”

Top 8 Moving & Storage Franchise Opportunities

Top 8 Moving & Storage Franchise Opportunities

The rise in work-from-home options since the pandemic began has opened up opportunities for many people to relocate. In fact, the number of Americans who moved in 2021 jumped 20% above 2020 levels. Consequently, the moving services industry has grown to be a $19 billion market and is anticipated to see even more growth, according to IBISWorld.For those looking at franchise opportunities within the moving franchise space, here are some of the top moving and storage opportunities to franchise with.

Special Report: Women-Owned Businesses – Laura McHolm

Special Report: Women-Owned Businesses – Laura McHolm

Moving a household is among the most stressful events a family can endure.“Everything is uprooted,” said Laura McHolm, the co-founder of NorthStar Moving Co. of Northridge. Moves typically are made amid “the chaotic backdrop of not being able to find your favorite pair of socks or the kids’ night light because everything is in boxes.”What’s more, a move often is the result of some big life change: marriage, divorce, new baby, new job. And it typically involves the apprehension of new schools for the kids and finding new friends for the whole family.“Let’s face it, it’s stressful and nobody enjoys it,” said McHolm. “It’s truly the time we could all use a little TLC. But the moving industry was a service industry that sorely lacked service.”So, she set out to change that with her company by emphasizing service. And she … Continued

What To Pack For Your First Night In Your New House

What To Pack For Your First Night In Your New House

Moving day is approaching and your to-do list just keeps growing! But, there is one more to-do to add to your list. This to-do gets you ready for a peaceful first night in your new home. You’ll thank me later. Actually, you’ll be too tired to thank me, but that’s okay. Your first night will be great and that’s all the thanks I need.The last thing anyone wants to do after a long moving day, is to open box after box in search of your pjs, toothbrush, pillow and your kid’s night light. No one wants to go on a treasure hunt at the end of moving day!Here’s how to have a restful first night:

Let’s Send Hunger Packing Food Drive Feeds Hungry Kids

Let’s Send Hunger Packing Food Drive Feeds Hungry Kids

NorthStar Moving® Company is pleased to launch their 10th Annual Let’s Send Hunger Packing Food Drive. NorthStar Moving has once again teamed up with Compass Real Estate to raise much needed donations for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank in order to feed hungry children in Los Angeles County.“We started our Let’s Send Hunger Packing food drive to ensure kids have access to nutritious meals even during summer vacation,” said NorthStar Moving Co-Founder Laura McHolm. “In nine years, our food drive has raised almost half a million meals. We will not stop until every child is well fed. Today, one in four children in Los Angeles County does not know where their next meal will come from. It’s simply heartbreaking, children are hungry right here in our backyards. And, with the rising costs of food, the need is even greater. We hope to make our … Continued

5 Keys to Unlock Your Ideal Work-From-Home Fairytale

5 Keys to Unlock Your Ideal Work-From-Home Fairytale

Sharing home life with work life is not easy. When I first started working from home over a decade ago, I envisioned myself as Cinderella blissfully singing as I worked with little birds circling around to help me. Well, that fairy tale quickly came to an end. Even though you are not fulfilling these dreamy expectations, you keep on trying, setting yourself up for disappointment each and every day. And then the awakening comes — it’s time to be your own fairy godmother and set up a new approach to successfully work from home.How do you turn your plot around? Be honest with your ability to focus while in the midst of home distractions. Instead of setting yourself up for disappointment with lofty goals, set up your work-from-home schedule for the real you versus the fantasy you.After years of working … Continued

Thinking outside the box for 28 years

Thinking outside the box for 28 years

NorthStar Moving believes in delivering excellent service and loves turning clients into raving fans. With a desire to make moving as stress-free as possible, the company makes it their top priority to provide special customized client care. NorthStar Moving offers clients red carpet treatment and was the first in the industry to offer eco-luxury moving packages.Truly, a key to their success is the company’s culture. A family of loyal, diverse, and dedicated team members, many have worked at NorthStar Moving for more than five, 10, and even 20 years. In fact, NorthStar Moving has won “Best Places to Work” for 10 consecutive years from the Los Angeles Business Journal. 

NorthStar Moving Marks 10 Years of Feeding Hungry Kids

NorthStar Moving Marks 10 Years of Feeding Hungry Kids

NorthStar Moving teams up with Compass Real Estate to kick off annual “Let’s Send Hunger Packing” Food DriveLos Angeles, CA, June 23, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NorthStar Moving® Company, the leading eco-luxury mover in California, is pleased to launch their 10th Annual Let’s Send Hunger Packing Food Drive. NorthStar Moving has once again teamed up with Compass Real Estate to raise much needed donations for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank in order to feed hungry children in Los Angeles County.“We started our Let’s Send Hunger Packing food drive to ensure kids have access to nutritious meals even during summer vacation,” said NorthStar Moving Co-Founder Laura McHolm. “In nine years, our food drive has raised almost half a million meals. We will not stop until every child is well fed. Today, one in four children in Los Angeles County does not know where their next meal … Continued