Time Tidbits: Moving Tips

Did you know that about a quarter of Americans would rather give up the chance to vacation for two years than pack up and move? This was one of the findings of a recent survey by Unpakt. Almost half are afraid belongings will be stolen, and over two-thirds are worried that belongings will be broken by movers. Plus, over half of Americans also agreed that it is hard to find a good moving company
 
Unpakt offers consumers an all-in-one solution to compare costs, receive exact price quotes and explore an honest referral platform featuring customer reviews. Unpakt was created to bring transparency to an industry that has been known for its uncertainty. Beyond offering a tool for booking a move online, Unpakt is an innovative new way for consumers to make educated and informed decisions about their move, and receive exact quotes rather than estimates. Unpakt also guarantees the quality of the move with a screening process that only admits reputable moving companies, and highlights customer reviews posted on the website for the public to see. In essence, Unpakt is the most comprehensive and honest referral platform for moving companies.

If you're planning a move, Unpakt has some great tips for you.

Timing of Your Move

-          Spring or late Fall are the best times to move;

-          Avoid the first, last and middle of the month if possible;

-          If you are booking a Summer move, book at least a month in advance, for Spring, Fall and Winter, book two weeks in advance;

-          If you can adjust your schedule around the mover’s availability, you may be able to get a better deal;

-          Consider the weather for your area! From winter snowstorms in Boston to extreme Summer heat in Phoenix, keeping local weather in mind is crucial.

Prepping With Your Current and Future Building

-          Ask about any scheduling restrictions regarding your move in date/time;

-          Ask about any elevator restrictions and/or reservations as necessary;

-          Inquire about your buildings requirements on protection required for walls and floors of the common areas (hallways, lobby, etc.);

-          Find out about any requires fees or security deposits;

-          Secure details in advance regarding parking of the moving truck to avoid potential hassle and/or ticket fees.

Quick Tips to Organize Your Move

-          Color coordinate with a designated colored sticker for each box based on the room it should land. The movers will know where to put everything when you arrive, so you don’t need to direct traffic. Alternatively, try giving each family member a color to keep belongings organized;

-          Pack a box of “must-haves” separate with a change of clothes, toothbrush and basic toiletries. This way, you won’t be forced to search through boxes after a long day of moving;

-          Keep like items together to alleviate time when unpacking. For example, keep your clothes with your bedroom items, keep your bookends with your books and keep your kitchen pots and pans near the silverware;

-          Keep important documents with you during the move to ensure their safety. This may include your birth certificate, bank records, realtor info, moving documents, etc.

Money-Saving Tips

-          Declutter your home before you move to help eliminate moving unnecessary items;

-          Read reviews – bad movers can cost more in the long run;

-          Consider purchasing insurance to protect valuables you can’t afford to replace;

-          Prepare a budget so you know what you’re willing to spend;

-          Consider recycled boxes or rent plastic bins instead of purchasing new, cardboard boxes;

-          If you plan to pack yourself, research packing supplies so you can a) estimate costs ahead of time and b) explore cheaper options

o   Don’t buy unnecessary moving supplies – use sheets, towels or old newspapers to protect items instead of packing supplies like bubble wrap

-          Tax breaks – if your move is job-related, you may be able to deduct moving expenses depending on how you itemize your deductions;

-          Measure twice, move once! If you can’t fit your couch, don’t spend money on moving it;

-          Use as much luggage as you can – you can quickly fill duffle bags and suitcases with “don’t forget” items that could get lost in a box for days.

Tipping Your Mover

-          It’s customary to tip if the movers did a good job;

-          Snacks and beverages are a nice gesture for long moves or on especially hot days.

A Few “Don’t Forgets”

-          Change your address with the USPS and schedule a time to update your driver’s license with your new address;

-          Medication: make sure you have enough medication to get you through your move and into your new home before you have to go searching for that pill box at the bottom of a larger box;

-          Change the locks on your new home;

-          Update your homeowners insurance or renters insurance;

-          Schedule connect & disconnect dates with your local utility companies in advance.


How to Choose Your Mover