Got change?

Recent survey data we saw today showed that in 2011, 61% of moves in 2011 were for "life stage reasons." Our clientele definitely reflect this trend - getting married, having children, children moving out, job-related relocation and retirement - are common among the people we move.

No wonder moving can be so stressful! People are not only dealing with the logistics of the move but also these BIG life changes. No matter how joyful or welcome they may be, stress always accompanies change on this scale.

Add to it moving during the Holidays and WOW! So if you or someone you know is going through this all at once - moving, the holidays and a big life change - we welcome the chance to make at least one area of your or their life less stressful: the move!

How much do Americans move?

Happened to see these numbers on the website of the United States Postal Service:

17% of Americans change addresses annually.

45 million people move each year.

Approximately one out of every six families moves each year.

Wow! I have heard that the USA is a very mobile country in comparison to other countries around the world and these numbers seem to confirm it.

I wonder if our local rates in the Sarasota-Bradenton area are higher, lower or about the same? I suspect higher, which is good for us moving companies.

However, moving can be very chaotic and difficult if you're not prepared. Check out our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/strongermoving for short videos to help you pack and prepare like a pro.

Remember, honor and give thanks for our blessings

An Inspector from Southern Manatee Fire & Rescue came to do a routine inspection this week and he told us about the amazing monument they created at their Headquarters.

Located a few hundred yards from our office, we wanted to let everyone know about this special 9/11 memorial. The Bradenton Herald article covered this:

Crafted from a 12-foot, two-ton I beam salvaged from ground zero at the World Trade Center, and more than a year in the works, the memorial has elements representing the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pa.

Read the full article here or see the photo gallery.

We are spending the weekend with our families and observing a moment of silence at 8:46 am. While we remember, honor and give gratitude to those whose lives were lost and since impacted in the wars that followed, we are hopeful about the future. As we look at our children, we feel optimistic about the world they will see and put our faith in the goodness we see in our daily lives. Today and every day we keep in mind the people we have to thank for this.