Moving is a daunting prospect, but you can take steps to minimize both the financial impact and the stress of relocating.
Here are some tips to keep the costs and the tension down:
1) Time your move to get the lowest rates
If you can be flexible around your moving date, you may be able to take advantage of off-peak rates. Look for mid-week deals, and see if your timeframe can align with the slow season for movers. Summer is normally the busiest time—and the most expensive—to relocate.
2) Use a reputable mover
Ensure that your mover is licensed and insured. Look online for certifications, affiliations and for recent reviews and, when you interview prospective movers, ask for documentation to support their claims. You’ll probably have a wider selection of moving companies to choose from if your move is local. If you need to move out of the area, or to another state or country, your options will be more limited.
3) Get quotes early
Start calling movers as soon as possible, especially if you’re planning to pack up during the summer months. You should finalize your search and lock in a quote at least eight weeks before you move. If you are relocating to a distant state, or out of the country, you must allow considerably more time. You can click here to request a quote from the Mighty Movers
4) Get realistic about what you treasure
Take a hard look at your ‘stuff.’ Moving costs are partly determined by volume and weight. An imminent move is the perfect opportunity to recycle/repurpose/dispose of items that you no longer want or need. We also offer junk removal services in Northern Virginia.
5) Do some of the packing yourself
Use sturdy boxes that can withstand the rigors of moving from one place to another. Tape those boxes securely and label them clearly, describing their contents and where they should go when delivered to your new place.
6) Schedule disconnect and connect times for your services and utilities, and keep a record
Contact your media and other service providers early and lock in a cancellation/begin date to minimize disruption to needed services and possible billing disputes later. Make a retrievable note of each notification, as well as contact information and your account numbers in case there is a problem down the road. You should also cancel newspapers, pest control or lawn services and cleaning help one cycle before you move, so that you are confident that those services have ceased when moving day arrives. Ask a friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your mailbox and front porch for a week or so after you’ve vacated your premises.
7) Pack important and sentimental documents separately
Keep them safe and easily accessible, i.e., under your direct control throughout your move. Children’s health records, passports, family records, insurance information and photo albums should travel with you.
These actions can go a long way toward making your move a less harrowing experience!