4 Steps to Making Your Move Easier

[Alan PileHood]

Hi Every Body,
According to a recent study done by the communications company AT&T, stress levels from relocating, comes in higher than changing jobs, getting married or a having a baby.

To facilitate a simpler, money saving move, consider these steps:

Step 1 - Choose An Off Season Time To Move

The busiest times for a relocation is during the summer months when kids are out of school, so if possible, scheduling a middle of the month or off season move usually will save money.

The demand for good moving companies is high during the peak months so the price will reflect this demand. By moving during an off season, the most experienced crews are available and rates are usually lower.

Step 2 - Shop Around

It's always a good idea to get at least 3, written proposals before choosing a moving company. Start by asking for a referral from local friends or family members and then check with the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to find the most reputable companies.

If a company insists on a large down payment, find another service, this could a predatory type company that is more concerned about profit than the safe transfer of your property.

Step 3 - Don't Move Everything

Here is where it gets fun. The less "stuff" you pack, the less your moving bill will be. Be brutal with your packing decisions. Go through each and every item in your home and place them in the following categories:

Trash Or Recycle: The accumulation of items that no longer serve a purpose for you or anyone else needs to be disposed of. This could be unmatched Tupperware lids, unread newspapers, books that are gathering dust, clothing that no longer fits, to many coffee mugs, tools never used etc...why take them if you don't use them?

Returns: Things borrowed should be given back and items "stored" for others need a pick up deadline.

You may be the parent of an adult child and you have stored items from their growing up years, it's time to return those items. Give the kids a call and give them a time frame to either pick up their stuff or you will dispose of it. Experience has shown they have lost interest in the items years ago. Those tools from Tom or the Punch Bowl from Kate all needs to go back they will appreciate your consideration and you will appreciate the lighter load.

Sell: Make money to fund a portion of your moving expenses by selling items you just don't use any more. Don't wait to the last minute to plan a yard sale to get rid of those excess items. Hold a garage sale or find a consignment shop. Register on eBay or Craigs list sites, these will usually will sell items of value quickly. Watch eBay, however, since you will be required to ship most items purchased through this service.

One of the most important tips to yard sale success is to: Once they are out - THEY MUST NOT GO BACK INTO THE HOUSE - once the sale is over, pack everything up immediately and deliver them post haste to the local Good will or Salvation Army store.

Step 4 - Smart Packing

Save money on packing materials by using your sheets, towels, clothing, pillows etc. as packing material. Rather than stack empty cartons such as laundry baskets, garbage cans, suitcases etc. smaller items can be put into those contained spaces to save on boxes. Recycle those old newspapers by shredding them and using the shreds to pack your most fragile items.

One word of warning, however, electronics need some special protection, so you may want to not cut any packaging corners when it comes to your LCD T.V. and sound system. Clearly mark any of your electronic boxes with fragile, and "this way up" type of warnings. Don't pack them too tightly to avoid cracks or broken nobs during the transport.

Get advice from your moving company as to the most secure way to pack these items.

Best Regards.......