SAVE MONEY ON YOUR MOVE

Moving can be tough on a tight budget – but not impossible. If you’re wondering how you’re going to get through your next move without spending a fortune, here are some of our favorite ideas.

Save money on packing

Did you start packing yet? It always seems to surprise people when they begin packing up all their belongings that they have so much more than they thought. How much stuff you move can have a significant effect on what it costs to move it since most moving companies charge by weight, so unloading unwanted items before you move is key. As you pack, decide what you no longer need and donate it before you go.

Save money on supplies

Boxes can be expensive. But why buy them when you can get them for free?  Many businesses will gladly unload their empty boxes if you ask them — produce boxes, liquor boxes and copy paper boxes are especially good for your move. Also, check the free section on Craigslist; many people who just moved will post their empty boxes.

Another way to save on supplies? Use some of the items you are going to pack anyway to cushion other items, instead of buying packing peanuts. Clothes and towels are great for protecting dishes, and blankets are perfect for making sure framed art and mirrors don’t get scratched. As your moving date approaches, save newspapers and circulars that come in the mail – they’re great for protecting anything fragile.

Save money on labor

Some moving companies give discounted rates if you pack your own boxes – call around and get estimates from several different movers. Do you have some friends or family who owe you a favor? Round them up on moving day to help load the truck. If you have some flexibility with your moving date, you can save by scheduling your move during off-peak times. Shoot for the months between September and May, when rates tends to be the lowest, or during the week or the middle of the month.

Save money with the post office

Books are heavy, making them one of the most expensive things to move. If you’ve got a library to rival that of the Library of Congress, consider boxing up your books and shipping them through the US post office via Media Mail. They’ll take a little longer to arrive, but you won’t need those hardcover copies of Harry Potter while you’re unpacking in your new place.

Save money on your taxes

Did you know that you might be able to deduct your moving expenses on your taxes? While the IRS has strict rules about who qualifies, be sure to save all your moving receipts and ask your tax accountant next tax season. If you’re moving for work, your employer may also be willing to cover some if not all of your moving costs.

While moving can be a daunting and expensive task, there are certainly ways that you can save if you get creative and stay organized. With the money you’ll save, you can splurge on massages for the whole family after you’ve unloaded and unpacked all those boxes.

HELP YOUR KIDS SETTLE INTO A NEW SCHOOL

Moving into a new home can be a very exciting experience. But if you have kids and you’re moving more than a few neighborhoods away, chances are they’ll be going to a different school. This means learning new routines, getting to know new teachers and, most importantly, making new friends.

Changing schools can be a difficult transition for some kids to make, especially as they head into their teen years. Here’s what you need to know to help make that switch as easy as possible for them.

Involve your child

Before you move, involve your child in the process as much as you can. Let them have a say in where they would like to live and what school they would like to attend. Be enthusiastic about the move and talk with them about all the positive things that can happen as a result. Listen to your child’s worries and discuss them.

Tour the school

If possible, arrange for you and your child to have a tour of the new school before classes start. First days are always tough; first days where you are totally unfamiliar with your new surroundings are even tougher. Walk through their schedule with them, make sure they know where their locker and bathrooms are, and let them ask any questions they have.

Find opportunities to meet people

Once you’ve moved in, look for opportunities to meet your new neighbors, especially if any of them have children that are around the same age. Knowing a familiar face or two in a sea of strangers will help calm your child’s nerves on the first day. If you move over the summer or a school holiday, see if there are any classes, workshops or organizations your child can join to help make some friends before they start at their new school. Once school starts, encourage your child to sign up for after school activities and clubs. It’s easier for some kids to make friends in smaller groups than it is in a large classroom of 30 or more.

Establish a routine

Most kids feel more stable if they have a routine they can count on. Take the same route to school every day and stick to a schedule at home. The sudden upheaval of moving can be disorienting, so try to establish a new routine as quickly as possible.

Have patience

It could take a few weeks for your child to feel comfortable in their new school, and their grades could drop while they’re settling in. Don’t fret too much about it. If the problem persists after more than a couple of months, seek advice from teachers and the school counselor.

While helping your child settle into a new school can be stressful, it’s important to maintain perspective and be encouraging. Your child will most likely follow your lead, so if you remain positive and look for the good in each situation, your child will eventually follow suit. Play dates and sleepovers with your child’s new friends will be just around the corner!

WATCH OUT FOR THESE MOVING SCAMS

If you’re getting ready to move to your new home, you’ve no doubt been advised to research moving companies. While it may seem like a huge inconvenience to spend time vetting movers, there are some out there that are less than honest. Keep a look out for these common moving scams and avoid them at all costs

LOW-BALL ESTIMATES

If you’ve contacted a moving company and they are willing to give you an estimate without actually inspecting your home, be wary. Most people have more possessions than they realize, and moving companies generally factor in their weight and the amount of space they take up.  You will not get an accurate cost estimate if the moving company does not inspect your belongings themselves.

Also be on the lookout for moving companies who only do a cursory glance at your belongings without asking specific questions about what you intend to take with you and what you’ll leave behind. You may likely get a low quote that doesn’t accurately reflect what you actually have. You may find yourself in a pickle on moving day when the cost rises dramatically. Or worse, the company could hold your belongings hostage until you pay the difference.

ASKING FOR A LARGE DEPOSIT

Good moving companies will not request a large deposit up front for their services. Most reputable companies expect payment upon delivery. Those that collect deposits are often the same ones who don’t show up on moving day, or who take much longer to deliver your items to their final destination.

DIFFERENT NAMES

If a company has received complaints to the Better Business Bureau, they will often get around them by changing their name. When researching movers, make sure they answer the phone with the full name of the company. Ask for local references and follow up with them. Get all the names the company does business as and find out their license numbers and if they are properly insured. Research the company online to see if there are any complaints or bad reviews posted.

HIDDEN FEES

Some moving companies inflate the final bill by tacking on hidden fees. Be sure to request an itemized bill and look for charges that weren’t discussed beforehand. You could be billed for living in a two-story house, living on a narrow street that won’t fit the truck, or having to park the truck more than a certain distance from the front door.

INCOMPLETE CONTRACTS

If a moving company asks you to sign a blank or partially completed contract that they’ll fill in later, decline and find another company. You want all the details spelled out from the beginning, including the delivery date, price and under what conditions additional fees may be incurred.

While it may seem a little daunting to research and hire a moving company, doing your due diligence will ensure that your move goes as smoothly and quickly as possible. The peace of mind you’ll gain is more than worth the extra time to find the best and most reputable company for your budget.

HOW TO LOAD YOUR MOVING TRUCK

If you’ve decided to save some money on your move by packing the moving truck yourself, you’ll want to make sure you maximize the space available while minimizing the damage to your belongings. Take these tips from the pros to pack your truck the right way.

Items you’ll need

Before you even begin loading those boxes onto the truck, gather all the supplies you’ll need. These include:

• Moving blankets or paper padding for furniture
• A dolly
• Plastic stretch wrap
• Plastic sheets or tarps
• Packing tape
• Tie downs like bungee cords, rope or ratchet straps
• Gloves
• Step ladder

Before you load the truck

If you take a little time to make a game plan before you start loading, you’ll save yourself time and more than one headache.

• Make sure all your boxes are properly packed to safeguard against damage during the move.
• Defrost refrigerators and freezers at least 24 hours ahead of time.
• Prepare washing machines.
• Label all your boxes with what’s inside and where they go in the new place.
• Disassemble furniture that can be taken apart.
• Wrap furniture and other unboxed items with plastic wrap, paper padding or furniture pads.
• Pack an overnight bag.
• Take very fragile items and electronics like computers in the cab or car with you.

Packing the truck

There is a strategy to packing a truck, and following these steps will make the job much easier.

• Park the truck as close to the entrance as possible and make a clear path to it.
• Lay the tarp or plastic sheets on the bottom of the truck to keep items clean.
• One person should stay on the truck to organize all the items, while the others bring the items from the house to the truck.
• Move as much furniture as possible outside so you can better see what order it should go into the truck.
• The first things onto the truck should be the heaviest and largest items like appliances, mattresses and couches. Start with the appliances, then load sofas, chairs and entertainment units.
• Don’t place an item with sharp edges against a fabric piece, as it could cause damage.
• Place wrapped mirrors or glass in between mattresses or cushions.
• After all the furniture and appliances are loaded, then load the heaviest boxes.
• Stack items floor to ceiling, using every available space.
• Pack the truck in tiers, and tie down each tier with ropes or ratchet straps.
• Think of packing like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Pack items tightly into every crack. This will help ensure that items don’t shift while en route.
• Make sure heavier boxes are on the bottom and lighter boxes are on the top.
• The lightest boxes, awkwardly shaped items and fragile pieces should go on last. Rolled up rugs and other odds and ends can be placed on top.
• Don’t forget to tie down the last tier to prevent the whole load from shifting backwards while driving. Make sure you leave enough room for the door to open and close.

While moving can be a real pain, if you take some time to plan ahead, packing your moving truck won’t be as difficult. Happy moving!