How to cut costs, save time and reduce stress when moving.
1.Determine your budget. If you are hiring movers, you’ll need a reasonable budget, which will vary according to the size of your move and how far you are moving. Start by asking friends who did a similar move what their costs were and about the details of the move. You can also locate moving companies in your area by entering the search terms “movers” and “moving companies” into any search engine and either filling out their “request for free quote” form or by calling them directly for a quote. If you are informed about the rate details ahead of time, you can make a good comparison and best determine a reasonable budget.
2. Book your move as far in advance as possible. You’ll usually receive better pricing the farther in advance you book your move. Ask about promotions or if there are less expensive days to move. Generally, weekdays and off-peak days will be at a lower rate and less busy if that’s an option for you.
This post was provided by the great folks at www.ssmovers.com
Starving Students Movers has 34 locations in 10 states, and they perform both local & long distance moves!
3. Order packing supplies in advance. You can order boxes online or purchase them at home improvement stores or office supply stores. If you are using a moving company, request boxes in advance so you don’t have to wait until the day of the move to begin packing. You might also want to stop by the grocery store for scrap boxes. These aren’t the best for keeping your precious items safe, but they can come in handy for extra items you didn’t consider or as packing material – You can never have too many boxes when moving.
4. Invite friends and family over to help you pack and /or unpack. This is a good time to get together since you are moving and you are often busy with moving arrangements and final details – make sure you have plenty of beer and pizza available!. Most moving companies also offer packing services which can save you a lot of time and stress to have professionals pack your boxes for you.
5. Prepare your furniture for transit before the movers arrive. You can purchase bubble wrap at office supply stores to wrap corners of furniture which often get scuffed up during a move or wrap smaller items such as lamps or other items. You can also rent blankets from a U-Haul store or you can ask the movers if they can provide blankets ahead of time so can prepare your furniture to save time and ensure proper coverage – make sure you have plenty of duct tape available. Anything you can do to prepare for the arrival of your movers will speed things up, save you money and often ensure proper protection.
6. Plan the placement of your furniture before the moving day. Some people prefer to organize their furniture near the door for easier transit to save time & money, while others may prefer to have the movers move everything once they arrive. A lot of time can be lost with large, difficult-to-move items such as refrigerators. If your movers have trouble taking a large couch downstairs for example, they may have to find an alternate route. Measure furniture and door frames to verify that furniture will fit in your new location and think about where you’d like it to go. This can help you with cable company arrangements as well in case you need new cable connections for your TV.
7. Map the route for your movers and provide them either a printed map or email them online directions for the route – don’t assume every mover has GPS or that they can accurately follow you in traffic without getting separated or can rely upon verbal directions. Suggesting the best route for your movers to drive to the new location can save you time and money. Avoid traffic and roads that are difficult for trucks to maneuver. Make sure that your movers also know the best way to access your new home and where to park ahead of time.
8. If you have bed frames that need assembling, make sure to notify your movers that they will need to bring tools with them to put the frames together. This detail can often be overlooked and not all moving companies will bring a tool set unless specifically requested. Bring your own toolbox with you in your car as a backup or to ensure that you will be able to assemble any new furniture, put up shelves and pictures on your walls.
9. Fill a suitcase, box, backpack or whatever container necessary for items that you will need direct access to. Keep this container in your car with you during the move so you don’t have to go searching through a truck filled with boxes to locate these items. Write the list out ahead of time what you will need during your first 2 days of the move in your new home – A bathroom kit, eating utensils, hammer, nails & tools, food & water bottles, etc.
10. Download a moving app to your smartphone or utilize online lists to create a plan 6 weeks before your move if possible. Organize your packing by room, buy labels for boxes and plan on the moving day taking twice as long as you budget.