Countdown: 5 tips for Moving Day

Poway, CA, May 26, 2015—No matter how much you pack and prep, a big move is always a hassle. Below, Dave Burningham, REALTOR® at CENTURY 21 Award shares five top moving tips for streamlining your process.

The Month Before:

Purge. Before you begin packing, purge, purge, purge. “Purging before a move makes sense – the less you have, the less you have to pack,” says Dave. Use your move as an excuse to have a yard sale, make a few trips to the dump, and donate those old clothes or toys.

(Image via FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

Master that pack list. Dumping everything in a box will only make matters confusing when it comes to unpacking. Instead, suggests Dave, organize regions of your house by number (one for kitchen, two for bedrooms, three for garage, etc.) and then number the boxes accordingly. Color coding is also a great way to efficiently organize your move.

The Day Before:

Make your moving-day kit. Your move will get messy fast if you don't take care of the essentials, says Dave.Pack a moving-day kit to help you transition easier from your old place into your new. Toiletries, a change of clothes, coffee—whatever is a must-have for that first night in your new place.

Enlist extra help. Nothing makes moving easier—and more fun—than happy helping hands. Invite friends, family and neighbors over to help you move on the big day. Entice them with a build-your-own sandwich lunch or a few celebratory beers at the end.

The Day of:

Be well rested. “Nothing derails a big day faster than a scant night's sleep,” notes Dave. Before the big move, clock a solid eight hours of rest and have a big, healthy breakfast before you get things going.

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For more information on moving, please contact Dave Burningham at dburningham@century21award.com, (858) 837-1727, or www.century21award.com/agents/davidburningham

For additional information on real estate, please contact CENTURY 21 Award at info@century21award.com, (800) 293-1657, or CENTURY 21 Award.

Your 4-Step Moving Plan

(BPT) – No matter the distance, moving is a big deal. Prepare now to move your belongings with this four-step plan from the experts at Penske Truck Rental.

1. Less is More – The less you have to move, the easier your move will be on your body and your wallet. It will also be easier to fit everything into your new house. While packing, create three piles: the first is your "must-go" pile; the second is your "must-sell" pile, which includes anything you haven't used in the last year, anything you have multiples of and anything you just don't want; the third is the "must-throw" pile, which contains anything that can't be sold at a garage sale or donated. Start creating these piles now to make moving day much easier.

(Image via FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

2. Stock Up on Supplies – Big boxes might seem like a great idea because they hold so much, but what happens when you try to lift one or carry it down a flight of steps? Stock up on boxes of multiple sizes, and keep in mind that smaller is much easier to carry. Purchase foam and bubble wrap to protect your fragile items, a good supply of packing tape and bold markers for labeling boxes. You'll also want to have moving blankets and hand trucks to make it easier to transport your items.

3. Pack Smart – Load the heaviest items in your car or on the truck first. When you've got a sturdy base of the heaviest items, you can start stacking on top. This is when it's handy to list a box's contents on its side. If you have friends and family helping, they'll know not to set books on top of your china, for example.

4. Stay Safe and Secure – Trucks are taller and wider and require more stopping distance than the vehicle you are used to driving. Take extra precaution, especially when the truck is loaded. Watch out for low-hanging tree branches and building overhangs, and use extra caution when cornering. To protect your belongings, park in well-lit areas and padlock the rear door. To make sure you've got everything you need on moving day, keep a travel bag with paperwork, credit cards, identification, a change of clothes, drinks and snacks close at hand. 

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2015. All rights reserved.

A Helpful Guide to Moving

If you plan to move, planning ahead can save you time and money. Things like packing and finding a reliable moving company are just some of the ways you can avoid problems. And, depending on your situation, you may be able to deduct moving expenses from your federal tax return.

(Image via Freedigitalphotos.net)

When you're ready to move, make sure to keep these tips in mind:


Packing

• Instead of packing what you don't use anymore, sell anything you don't need. You can also donate clothes or household items that are in good condition to charity.
• Use recycled packing boxes. Look for unused boxes at local stores or supermarkets. Save the boxes if you have a moving date ahead.
• Write on the box what it contains, for example: kitchen utensils, bathroom towels, tools, cosmetics, etc. This will make it easier to unpack in your new home.
• Use newspaper to wrap any fragile or delicate items.

Choosing a Moving Company

• Request written quotes from various moving companies so that you can compare rates and services.
• Make sure to pick a moving company that has a number with the U.S. Department of Transportation, known as U.S. DOT #, and check if the mover is properly registered.
• Make sure the company offers damage insurance.
• Check to see if the moving company has a history of complaints by calling your state or city's consumer protection office.
• Thoroughly read over all the terms in your contract, as well as any other documents related to your move, before signing.

When Filing Your Taxes

• If your move this summer is work-related, you may be able to deduct moving expenses on your next federal income tax return if you meet certain requirements:
• You move close to the date you begin your new job.
• Your new workplace is at least 50 miles farther away from your previous home than your old job location was from that home.
• You work full-time for a specified amount of time after moving.

Source: USA.gov and GobiernoUSA.gov

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2014. All rights reserved.

Six Money-Saving Tips for DIY Movers

Moving without the assistance of a professional moving company is no easy feat. DIY movers must pack and unpack an entire household, risk breaking or losing possessions, or ship items and travel long distances.

One way to alleviate moving day woes is to rent a truck. Cut rental costs by keeping in mind these six money-saving tips:

(Did you know that CENTURY 21 customers get 20% off Budget truck rentals? Check it out HERE)

1. Rent early. Most moves happen over a weekend near the end of the month. Save extra by renting on a weekday or earlier in the month.

2. Seek discounts. Shop around to find discounts. Many rental companies offer markdowns for students, municipal workers, seniors or AAA members.

3. Use your insurance. If your existing insurance continues during a move, see if it extends to cover moving vans. You’ll save on paying more for the truck separately.

4. Get an accurate size estimate. Renters often charge more for larger vehicles, so be sure you’re only reserving what you absolutely need. Most companies have online tools that will help you get a precise estimate of space required.

5. Save on boxes. Take advantage of grocery stores, which often give away cardboard boxes for free. Select U-Haul locations also participate in a swap where movers can drop off or pick up no-cost boxes.

6. Stick to the schedule. Rental companies typically allot specific times that the truck may be used. Be sure to return your truck in a timely manner (preferably as soon as you’re finished unloading) to avoid late fees.

Source: Bankrate
Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2014. All rights reserved.

Top Five Moving Mistakes

Whether moving across town or across the country, packing up and moving can be stressful, costly and full of surprises. From shady movers and inaccurate price quotes, to over-packing or not allowing enough time to get the move set up, every step of a move has the potential for mistakes that can make a move a nightmare.

These tips will help anyone preparing for a move, whether they currently live in a house, an apartment, a dorm, with friends or with mom and dad.

1. Hiring a shady mover.

We've all heard horror stories about moving scams, and perhaps maybe you've been the victim of a moving scam yourself. You can steer clear of a less-than-upstanding mover by doing your homework. The Better Business Bureau, Angie's List, your state transportation regulator and the U.S. Department of Transportation—and even your relatives, friends, neighbors and colleagues—are all good sources of information about whether a moving company is on the up-and-up. Doing some homework online can save you a lot of heartache on moving day.

If you've done your research and still aren't confident in the movers you've come across, you always can go

(Image via Freedigitalphotos.net)

the DIY route—just be sure you're up for the task.

2. Messing up the quotes.

If you hire a mover, you should be able to have someone from that company come to your place for an in-home moving estimate. If a moving company won't do an in-home estimate, you should think about shopping around for another mover.

Along those lines, don't rely on just one quote from one mover. Contact several movers for quotes. If you really like one mover over another but your favorite company is a little pricey, try negotiating for a lower price. Always make sure to get a moving estimate in writing.

3. Packing too much stuff.

Do you really need those old boxes of baby clothes that you haven't laid eyes on since your 6-year-old was in diapers? Before you move, you need to "edit" your belongings. Think about whether you can trash some of your possessions, donate them to charity, or give them away to friends and relatives. Perhaps you could hold a garage sale to clear out some of the clutter. If you haven't seen, worn or used something in a year, it's best to think hard about whether you need to keep it—and whether you need to haul it to your new place.

4. Failing to schedule your move well in advance.

During the summer months, good moving companies are booked up quickly. Rather than waiting till the last minute, make sure your move is scheduled weeks—or, better yet, months—in advance. You don't want to be scrambling to find a mover the day before you're supposed to head out. Moving already is stressful enough without adding that frustration.

5. Ignoring the need to pack ahead of time.

You'll find very few people who'll say that packing is fun. In fact, a 2013 survey commissioned by SpareFoot found that people who'd moved in the past year identified packing and unpacking as the biggest hassle in the process.

You can lessen the load by beginning to pack well before moving day comes along. Start by boxing up stuff that you won't need right away -- for instance, if you're moving in the summer, pack up your winter clothes so that they're out of the way. Also, be sure to carve out time in your schedule to check items off your packing to-do list.

If you get down to the wire and need help with packing, enlist friends, neighbors, relatives or colleagues to lend a hand. Make sure you've got plenty of food and beverages as a "thank you" for your volunteer helpers. If you can't rustle up any free help, consider hiring laborers to do the packing for you; that may be a small price to pay to alleviate moving-related stress.

Source: SpareFoot.com

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2014. All rights reserved.