Advice on minimising moving costs

Advice on minimising moving costs

Nearly everybody hates moving. And those who are in fact excited? They get a reality check when they see how much moving places actually costs. That’s why in this post, we’ll give you some useful tips on minimising moving costs, despite you relocating.

Use the right removal company

The first advice we would like to give you when you want to minimise moving costs is to use the right removal company. There are several factors to take into account when deciding whether a company is the right one for you. Ask for removal quotes so that you know if the price is within your budget. Also ask how quickly they are able to help you while moving. Lastly, make sure there are no hidden costs that can cause you problems later on.

Buy moving boxes in bulk

Everyone knows that purchasing products in bulk in a supermarket is an amazing way to save money. But did you know that this is also the case for boxes? That’s why it’s smart to count beforehand how many boxes you need and make the purchase in one go. Do you have friends or family who have a few moving boxes left? Then make sure to ask if you could borrow them, as this will save you money.

Pack everything yourself

You also save a ton of change by packing all of your household items yourself. It may seem like a daunting task at first, but think about the cost benefits. Rope in your friends and family, because many hands make light work! Be sure to clearly label each box with its contents and the room in which it belongs. Furthermore, packing yourself allows you to handle your valuables with the care they deserve.

Plan everything ahead of time

Planning might not sound like the most thrilling part of moving, but a little effort now means a lot less stress later. Start writing down a to-do list a few weeks in advance. Lock in that moving truck early, decide whether you’re going to ask your friends for help, and figure out the logistics well before you’re surrounded by boxes. Do future you a favour and plan the details now, so you can avoid any last-minute hiccups and make the moving process easier.

Sell stuff you don’t want to bring with you

Before you start wrapping everything in bubble wrap, take a moment to sort through your stuff. Are there things you don’t want or need any longer? Odds are someone else might cherish them. Snap some pictures and list them online or have a garage sale. You might be surprised at how much you can earn from the things that no longer spark joy for you.

[disclosure*]

Tips for shortlisting a moving company in 9 steps

Tips for shortlisting a moving company in 9 steps

Many circumstances can force people to leave their homes and move to another location – unaffordable rent, job-related migration or wanting to be closer to a loved one. That’s why moving is one of the most stress-inducing events in a person’s life. However, you can overcome much of the stress of moving by hiring professional movers.

Reliable movers will transport your belongings to your new home in another city, state or country and make relocation a stress-free experience. But finding the right movers can be difficult. In America, the moving services industry has grown by 0.4% in the last five years, so people have many options from which to choose. This post will help you shortlist a moving company in nine easy, simple stages, right here:

  1. Watch out for common moving scams

Moving scams aren’t that common, and only a handful of Americans fall victim to this type of fraud. However, it’s still smart to know how to recognise these cons and keep your belongings safe from fraudulent moving companies. Here’s how you can steer clear of being swindled:

  • Don’t work with movers who ask for a large deposit up front
  • Ensure your moving professional has a valid, physical address
  • Ask for their U.S. DOT number and then confirm it with the FMCSA
  • It’s better if they’re a part of organisations such as the Moving & Storage Conference
  • If the moving company offers an extremely low estimate, it’s likely they’ll scam you later
  1. Get recommendations from different sources

Most homeowners think it’s enough to search online for local movers. In reality, Google may not give you the best names in the moving services industry with just one click. Search engines will mostly show some of the best SEO-friendly sites on the first page, which is not a bad thing per se. But you should ask your family and friends for recommendations.

Many Americans will suggest Coleman Movers as your ideal moving partner. Serving customers since 1914, the company is known to handle residential, commercial and international relocations. Their skilled workers will pack, load and safely transport your belongings to your destination.

  1. Check for reviews, testimonials and work history

Check online reviews for all moving companies you are considering. These reviews will help you find the most trusted moving partners in your area. However, there are tricks to evaluate a mover’s trustworthiness from its online ratings. For instance, 4.9/5 isn’t a very impressive rating when it’s only based on a few dozen reviews. However, when it is based on 800+ reviews, you know the company’s worth considering.

Similarly, you should check external sites such as Quora, Reddit and Facebook to find testimonials, as a moving company can very easily post fake testimonials on their websites. Check their track record, work history and overall experience.

  1. Make sure they serve the area to which you’re moving

Not all movers facilitate commercial or long-distance moves. Similarly, not all moving companies provide their services nationwide. You should ensure the service provider you’re considering covers the state/s you live in and are to which you’re moving.

Professional movers cover more than twenty states and different cities to give customers a seamless relocation experience without any stress-inducing events.

  1. Interview different movers and get free quotes

After collecting the names of different local movers, it’s time to narrow down the list. Contact these movers, get free estimates from each, and compare their quotes to determine which company seems ideal for your situation.

Many companies will give you a number to call or ask you to fill out a form. Their agents will reach out to you and give you an estimate. Don’t sign up for the first name you find on the internet. Do sufficient research.

  1. Investigate hidden and additional charges

Some dishonest movers love to slip some hidden charges without your consent. Watch out for the following ‘fees’ when finding the ideal moving company:

  • Complexity fees: Movers may charge you more based on the complexity of your movers, such as your new home not having an elevator
  • Administrative fees: Getting you a Certificate of Insurance (COI) to cover liability issues
  • Additional mileage fees: When your relocation plans accommodate more distance
  1. Only work with licensed moving professionals

Working with a random moving company might not be safe. You must ensure a moving company is fully licensed, listed on BBB and employs professionals. Never hire movers who aren’t licensed to work in the moving services industry, or don’t have sufficient accreditations. Just work with well-known names in the local relocation industry.

  1. Carefully read the fine print of the moving contract

After finalising your deal with the moving company, don’t forget to read the fine print of your contract. It may contain some hidden, additional details you might not like. Even though trusted movers aren’t guilty of hitting customers with extra fuel expenses or insurance charges, it’s better to read the contract before signing it. Make sure the fine print of the finalised version of your moving contract is exactly what you’ve agreed on with the moving company. If you spot something that’s unclear or wasn’t discussed before, have them edit the contract.

  1. Rent storage units and carry all essentials in person

Here are some additional tips to make your mover-hunting journey easier. You can reduce your burden by renting a self-storage unit. These temperature-controlled storage facilities can hold your clutter for months or even years. You can dump all the junk, bulky and useless objects in these storage units and transport fewer items to your new home. This trick will make movers charge you less for fewer objects, and then you can transport your excess at your convenience in the future.

Also, carry your essentials on your person when travelling to your new home. Don’t trust movers with items such as jewellery and important documents.

Conclusion

If you’re planning to relocate but don’t know how to hire local, reliable movers, this blog explains how to find the right moving company. Follow the above-mentioned guidelines, and you’ll find the best people for the job. Ask for recommendations, check online reviews and work with licensed movers. That’s how you can ensure a smooth move to a new location.

disclosure*

Tips to make the moving process easier for you and your family

Tips to make the moving process easier for you and your family

If you’re planning to move, it can be a stressful experience. However, there are ways to ease the process for you and your family. Here are some tips to simplify and reduce the challenges associated with moving, whether it’s within your current country or to a new one.

Early packing is essential

To pack efficiently, avoid waiting until the deadline. Instead, begin packing as soon as possible and allocate enough time to pack properly. Then, with adequate time, you can sort through your possessions and decide which ones to pack, donate or sell.

Label your boxes

Please label each box with its contents and the desired destination. And don’t forget to mark fragile and heavy boxes appropriately. This will help ensure that unpacking is safe, organised and efficient.

Don’t overpack boxes

When packing boxes, don’t overfill them because they can become too heavy to move safely. Please make sure each box is light enough that you or someone else can carry it easily.

Make an inventory of your possessions

To avoid losing anything while moving, create a list of your belongings before you leave. This should include furniture, electronics, jewellery and artwork. Also, take pictures of all the rooms before you start packing so you’ll know where everything should go in your new home.

Get professional help

If the moving process is too difficult for you, hire professionals who are experienced in handling the job. A moving company can assist with physical work involved in packing, loading and unloading your belongings; and they possess equipment like dollies, ramps and hoists that can greatly simplify the whole process.

Stay organised during the move

When you’re moving, it’s imperative to bring along essential documents and items. These may include a change of address form, citizenship papers, birth certificates, social security cards, prescription medications, medical records and other important documents. Also, remember to pack an overnight bag for each family member with toiletries and any other necessary items that you’ll need in your new home before you’ve unpacked everything else.

Hire a skip bin for easier clean up

To make the clean-up process easier after the move, consider hiring a skip bin. This will give you a simple and efficient way to dispose of any unwanted items like furniture, boxes and debris.

Take time to relax

After completing all the packing and unpacking, make sure to take a break and enjoy your new home. For instance, you could have a family dinner or go for a stroll around the neighbourhood, which will allow everyone to get acquainted with the new surroundings. This will also aid in the quick adjustment to your new home.

Moving can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be if you’re prepared. Make sure you plan ahead and allocate enough time to pack properly while staying organised throughout the process. And don’t forget to hire professionals if needed, as well as get rid of any unwanted items with skip bins for easier clean up when finished. With these tips in mind, your move should go smoothly and hopefully make this transition easier for you and your family.

[disclosure*]

How to prepare for a move to Hawaii

How to prepare for a move to Hawaii

Are you about to move to Hawaii? Congratulations, it’s a beautiful place with a lot to offer its residents. For those with concrete plans as well as those who are just starting out on the journey, there are some essential preparation tips you need before you start the move. Hawaii is a unique place that is bound to be a change of pace for anyone immigrating to the islands, so read the tips below for some guidance.

Pick an area

Real estate in Hawaii is fairly competitive, like anywhere in the world right now. So, when it comes to picking an area, you have to really dive into the narrative of the place to understand whether or not living there permanently is a viable option. Concentrate on the safe areas that may have denser population ratios to ensure quality of living and secure property.

Spotlight area: Wailuku

Some provinces like Wailuku have a lot of potential, for instance, and you could start the search for Wailuku homes for sale quite easily from your phone or computer. Wailuku real estate has a diverse range on offer including a great selection of Wailuku condos. It is an up and coming area with some brilliant parts and some places to avoid so when you’re researching homes for sale in Wailuku, make sure you know which area you’re looking at so you are staying safe.

Prepare for the high cost of living

The next thing you need to know about Hawaii is that the cost of living is relatively high compared to other places in the world. These are islands after all. Therefore, the majority of produce is imported as there are limited provisions for self-sufficiency inland to support all the residents.

Prepare for the tax rates

If you are a top earner in Hawaii, you could be looking at an 11% income tax charge. It’s good to be prepared for this kind of thing before you get there so you can properly budget against the higher cost of living. For lower band earners, the income tax starts at around 1.4% on earnings. There are tax benefits for occupied property that are worth researching in a bit more detail because policies like this can really help.

Embrace a little nature and a lot of wildlife

Hawaii is surrounded by nature and wildlife from sharks in the water to exotic birds in the skies. You can’t really escape it as it is a part of island life. So, if you haven’t spent much time in nature before, it is definitely time to test it out.

Think about transport options

Traffic can be bad, and the public transport links are okay but not amazing. So, if you are going to be working and living here, you might want to think about how you’re going to get around; buying a bike is a great option, for example.

Dress down your wardrobe

When it comes to Hawaiian people, the dress code is always semi-informal even in places of work. It’s warm, it’s laid back, and the vibe is definitely low-key. So, now is the time to casual up your wardrobe, if you need to!

Hawaii is a wonderful adventure, and there are plenty of reasons why it attracts foreign residents every year.

[disclosure*]