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After booking a date with a reliable and reputable cross country mover, start getting ready for the move. Of course, the more services and features you take advantage of with the mover, the less you will have to worry about. However, the most important factor in a successful relocation is organization and preparation.

• Study the area you are moving to. If you haven’t been there, visit or go online to learn about the state. Learn about common activities and the placement of common facilities.
• Begin packing, room by room. Start in the room you use the least. Pack the boxes by using proper packaging techniques and materials. Label each box clearly with the room it is to be placed in.
• Have any and all paperwork ready for the movers by the time they arrive. Make sure you give them the key to the next address.
• Write a list of inventory. The movers will also do this, but it is always good to have your own list to refer to. Not only should you have a list of inventory, but a list of all substantial items that already have signs of damage before the shipping process begins.
• Clean the house so clutter is absent. Stack the boxes for each room up against the walls so that there is plenty of space for the movers to maneuver the furniture and boxes out of the house. All entryways and hallways should be free of clutter.
• Be present at the new residence when your belongings arrive. If you cannot be there, ask a responsible party to be there for you, but let the cross country mover know.

Full-service movers take care of virtually everything from packing up your belongings, loading them on to a truck, transporting them to your final destination, unloading all the boxes, unpacking all the items, and even putting the majority away.  Although pricey, this is certainly an extremely helpful service that most people greatly benefit from utilizing.  Although, the term full-service is very adequate in explaining the extent of their duties, do not think that you are off the hook entirely after enlisting their help.

Moving Inventory: To protect yourself from theft and guard against damage, make sure to compose a list of all the items the movers will be taking.  The more detail, the better, so upon arriving at your new home, you can be present during the unpacking process and actively check off each item as it is unloaded.

Because there is a good chance that you may arrive at your final destination before your belongings, pack a box or bag of necessities to transport yourself.  Essentials should include- any prescription medications taken regularly, toiletries, cell phone charger, a couple changes of clean clothes, first-aid kit, snacks, and water.  You may also consider including valuable jewelry, passports, medical records, financial statements, or any other items that you would not want to lose.  You should, of course, also travel with your wallet or purse, plus some emergency cash for any incidentals.

Purge Unnecessary Items: A big move, or even a small one, for that matter, is a great chance to downsize your belongings, and only transport essentials.  Not only will it save you money by having less to transport, you will no longer have items gathering dust or clothes that no longer fit taking up excess space.  Consider donating useable items to the Salvation Army or Goodwill for valuable tax deductions, or even selling unneeded valuables if you would prefer the cash.

Prep Your Home: To potentially save on costs, you should consider breaking down furniture that can be disassembled prior to the movers arriving.  To save on time, make sure all walkways are cleared, and that there are no hazards in areas that the movers will need to be accessing throughout the process.  This can include getting your pets out of the house prior the movers’ arrival.  An animal underfoot could be dangerous and the liability will most likely fall on you as the homeowner.

Obtain Insurance: If you have done your due diligence and hired a reputable moving company, you should feel safe in the knowledge that they will do a good job ensuring your items make it to their final destination in great condition.  However, there is always the possibility that something may be lost or damaged in the move, and the insurance that comes standard in most professional movers’ contracts may not cover the full value of your possessions.  If this is the case, consider purchasing additional insurance, which should help give you peace of mind.  Of course, make sure that your homeowner’s insurance doesn’t already include moving insurance, as there is no point in being double-insured.

By following these simple steps for preparation, moving day can easily go off without a hitch, especially with the help of a highly qualified team of professional movers by your side.

 

Image Courtesy: FreeDigitalPhotos.net / Stuart Miles

Moving is almost always expensive, stressful, and time-consuming, but it is more often than not, a necessary evil.  Whether it is time for an upgrade, a downsize, or a new opportunity, moving may be the only viable choice, regardless of cost.  The good news is that there are a variety of options to obtain financial aid to assist in the moving process.  If one of the following scenarios applies to you, be sure to do your research and take advantage of the benefit completely, to minimize your own out-of-pocket expense.

New Job or Promotion

If you are in high demand and needed in a different state for your current company or recruited and selected by a new company, many employers will offer a RELO, or relocation, package which will dictate a moving allowance.  This package will help pay for movers, security deposits, utilities, and sometimes even hotel stays needed during the move.  Depending on the company, this may be a lump sum that will be entrusted to you to use as you may need (backed by receipts and invoices of course), or it may be set-up as a reimbursement program.  If it is the latter option, you will still be responsible for coming out of pocket for all of the initial expenses, but upon submitting a claim form, along with proper documentation, you will be reimbursed up to a certain limit as dictated by your company.  Many companies offer attractive RELO packages to entice prospective job seekers, but remember to do your own research prior to accepting based on this incentive alone.  If the location you will be moved to is much more expensive than where you currently reside, your salary may not allow you to live comfortably, and would therefore negate the initial RELO appeal.

Natural Disaster

If you are unlucky enough to lose a home to natural disaster, you may be able to receive financial assistance from the Federal Relocation Assistance Program.  This benefit only applies to homeowners and comes in the form of a grant which will help with moving expenses and deposits for a home similar to the one from which they were displaced.  To qualify for financial assistance as a renter, you must be homeless or in danger of becoming homeless, in which case, you can appeal to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program.
Finally, if neither of the previous scenarios apply to you, other ways of raising moving expenses are out there.  One of the most popular and lucrative options is simply selling your own unwanted items.  Not only does it help lighten your load during the actual move, but it can put some quick cash in your pocket to help offset moving costs.  An old-fashioned garage or yard sale can do the trick, but it may be in your best interest to take advantage of some online channels, such as eBay or craigslist to sell some more collectible or high-dollar items.

 

Image Courtesy: FreeDigitalPhotos.net / Stuart Miles and hywards