Prepare for the Move...Or Suffer the Consequences!

Stress Free Move to Your New Home (edit/delete)

So you found the perfect new home!!! Now the hard work begins...and I am not speaking the inspections, loan and closing. Though there is some effort to move through these steps, your Realtor will do most the heavy lifting and provide assistance along the way. Rather it is:

                                                     THE MOVE TO THE NEW HOUSE

Packing up your things and moving them to the new place can be fraught with varied emotions and involves a list that can see endless. So you could be tempted to take a pass on seriously evaluating this part of the transition. And you could find both your peace of mind and wallet to take a huge hit in the process.

If you have never moved(or it has been years), you may not know: Moving can be quite expensive. According to the American Moving & Storage Association(www.Moving.org), a intrastate(move within same state) can cost around $2500 while an interstate move typically is $4300 for a full-service move. Then add the challenge of the class of movers termed "Rogue Movers" discussed on 20/20 and like news programs, you could be part of the notorious fraud and dirty tactics seen in the moving industry. Rest assured, there are many reputable moving companies. But like in all industries, you have watch out for the bad eggs.

Here are some tips to make your move simple and reduce the hassles:

• Choose the type of move:

1. Do-it-Yourself: U-haul, Hertz etc---trailer behind the car up to 40' to 45' truck
2. Full Service Move: Moving Company does work; $/mile instate; weight & mileage across state lines. Extra service for extra fees.
3. Hybrid Move: Mover drop container, you load, they haul to new location, drop container for you to unload.

                Do-it-yourself is least expensive but takes a few friends. Hybrid move is more expensive but  

                substantially less than Full Service as you do all the heavy lifting.

• Hire a Quality Mover. Get references regardless of the type of move. This is not the time to go down the Yellow Pages or simply to Google movers in Chesapeake, Virginia. Friends, your Realtor and web rating sites are good reference points. Facebook your friends...go to Angies List or even www.Moving.org. A moving company's reputation does count.

• Be Flexible. As is typical in service industries, flexible dates can help you save money. Pick the busiest time for the mover, pay more. When is that: summer weekends near mid-month and last weekend of month. Move mid-week or in the winter to save money.

• Throw Out and Lighten the Load. De-cluttering the house and cleaning out garage and storage areas prior to the move will eliminate paying to move "junk" that you give away or sell after you move. It could have the benefit of improving your home's appearance in the selling process. Nice bonus, huh!

• Consolidate. On long haul out-of-state moves, check into consolidating your move with another move enroute or to the same destination. Frequently, your move doesn't fill a truck(or God forbid you didn't declutter and you started a 2nd truck) so another person's move may share the trip. This can reduce your cost!!!

• Insure the Load. First check any homeowners/renter policy for move-intransit coverage. If not, talk to the moving company. Typically the standard insurance is $.50 to $.60/lb. So have a 100 dining room table crack in half, you get $60. Get Replacement Coverage Insurance. Check moving company against outside sources as rates vary. Movers usually are competitive.

• Don't Pack the Books. Mailing is so much cheaper....imagine that!

• Beware the Cost of Boxes. Ask the Mover for used boxes(they did just unpack someone yesterday) or get free ones from somebody who just moved(Ask your Realtor...they have their connections!!)

• Be Prepared!!! Mark all boxes by room location in the new home. Prepare a layout of the house with locations of all major pieces of furniture. Having the mover wait, relocate, wait, relocate furniture as you ponder the best location for your California King Bed will cost you more.

          If moving to metro area or any area where parking is tight, talk to neighbors(or ask Realtor, if
          needed), to move cars to allow room for moving truck. Or as might be needed in some very dense
          metro area, save the spot with your cars or cones or friends as may be the case!!!! If the mover
          must carry boxes an "excessive distance", there could be a surcharge.

• Tax Implications. If the move is job-related,negotiate the best relocation package and then look at the unreimbursed costs for tax implications(check Publication 521 Moving Expenses via IRS.gov)

• About the Tip. Typically one should tip the driver and each helper if deserving. Various sources note a $2-$5 per hour rate. Sound high? Think about your heaviest piece of furniture and having to move it yourself into and out of the truck(they did both ends of the move). It may not seem that expensive!!