You make the decision to move and after weeks or months of searching you find the new house of your dreams and purchase it. You start making arrangements to move and start to think about packing supplies and things you may need for the new homestead.
While these are important things to contemplate, there are many other things that need to be addressed. These things, if forgotten about or not dealt with properly, can cost you a lot more money when your moving day finally arrives. Below are steps to take to ensure you do not incur additional costs when you move.
1. Insurance
The moving process is an excellent time to review your insurance policy and make sure you get it changed over to the new address beginning on the date that you move. It is also essential to check if your policy includes coverage for your contents and that the details of the new house are detailed properly on the new policy. Damage or loss to your items could be incredibly costly if a new policy does not reflect that they are indeed covered.
Regarding coverage for your items during the moving process, confirm with the moving company that they do provide coverage. You would hate for your belongings to be lost or damaged in transit to the new home with nothing in place to cover replacement. If the company does not provide coverage or dodges your inquiries, hire a company that has insurance and is more up front in giving the information.
2. Movers
Many people choose to undertake the moving process themselves with the help of some family and friends. However, if you have a bigger home, are disabled, or have no one to assist you, hiring a professional moving company should be considered. While this may be an easy decision to make, you need to do some research to make sure you do not overpay for services.
To find a moving company that falls within your budget and is able to meet your needs, ask family and friends for recommendations. Also use the internet to research reviews on companies that you are considering. Request quotes from approximately 3 or 4 of the recommended companies to decide which is the most cost-effective. To reduce costs even more, book at least 6 weeks in advance so companies do not take advantage of the fact that you may be desperate to secure their services. Also, consider moving during the week rather than over the weekend.
3. Organize your utilities
Utilities such as heat, hydro, water, telephone, and cable may not be the top of your list of priorities when moving but it needs to be done to avoid extra costs in the long run.
Approximately 2 weeks to one month leading up to the move, contact all utility companies and request that your service is disconnected the day that you move out. At the same time, request that your account is transferred to the new address also on the day of the move to ensure you have service the day that you move in.
This is an excellent opportunity to review your spending and consumption and see if there are any areas you could be saving money. For example, if you are spending too much on your telephone or cable bill, you can choose to seek to arrange services from a different company for your new home.
4. Packing
If you hire professional movers to assist with your move, chances are they will charge you based on weight or amount of items moved. If you undertake the process yourself, you will be paying a lot in gas for numerous trips transferring your belongings. Renting a moving truck means you need one big enough for all of your items and a bigger truck equals more money. Therefore, downsizing as much as you can before moving will allow you to save a noticeable amount of money.
During the moving process, go room-by-room and try and clear out any clutter and items you are not using. Take these items to thrift stores or charitable organizations. You can also have a garage sale or post them for sale online. The less you have to move the more money you will save.
Some people pack their items in way that prevents them from finding what they need when they get to their new home. This causes them to run out and by that item if needed right away. To avoid having to re-purchase things because you cannot locate them, make sure you label your boxes clearly with contents and an assigned room.
