Ensure that your next move goes smoothly
When you make the announcement that you’re moving, it’s unlikely that anyone will say, “I’m so jealous. I just love moving!” That’s because moving is a challenge. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first move or fifth. Moving is one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. Some researchers even rank it as high as the death of a loved one or a divorce. Just the thought of all that packing and unpacking, never mind the missing mail, puts a grimace on my face.
Most folks consider May through September the best months to move. That said, no time is the right time if you fail to plan ahead.
Start early
The first step in planning a smooth move is to create a moving checklist. You should try and do this at least four to five weeks in advance of your actual moving date. If you are moving yourself, reserve that U-haul as soon as you can. If you plan to hire professional movers, it’s important to set that up early as well. Waiting until the last minute — particularly during the busy summer moving season — limits your options and may result in disappointment with both available service dates and the selection of the movers. At this stage, you should also begin notifying friends, family, and the post office of your change of address.
Start sorting through your belongings early. Many are pack rats. You have storage units or garages for our stuff, not your cars. Look at your next move as an opportunity to liberate yourself from all that stuff. Hold a garage sale or donate items to your favorite charity. It’s been said that one man’s junk is another man’s treasure. It may even help off-set some of those moving costs. Downsizing will also make the task of packing simpler and
less time consuming.
Pack it up
Proper packing is crucial to a good move, but you don’t have to do it yourself. You can hire professional movers to do the packing for you. By doing so, they typically are also accepting liability for items damaged in the move, but read the contract closely.
If you do the packing yourself, you will save money, but make sure you either pack well or insure your goods. There are several options for insuring your goods against possible loss or damage. If you choose a moving company that is a member of the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA), you will likely have limited liability insurance on your belongings. But this will only provide you with partial coverage. You can also purchase fullvalue protection based on the value you declare for your goods. In this case, any items that are lost or damaged are repaired or replaced, based on current market value. If you have homeowner’s insurance, check to see if it covers damage during a move. Some policies do!
When to make your move
Most people want to move during the summer months, which means professional movers are extremely busy and are likely charging premium rates at these times. Some movers offer lower prices between the months of October and April. It may also be easier to secure the company of your choice during the low season. Additionally, many consumers prefer to move at the end or the beginning of the month because that’s when most mortgage and rent payments are due. If you can move in the middle of the month, during off-peak times, you’ll likely save yourself some money and hassle.
Choosing a company
When it comes to choosing a moving company, it’s important to do your homework. Search or ask around for reputable moving companies.
Get several estimates and never rely on an estimate made online or by phone. Ask for a written, binding estimate. Also ask for references and call them to confirm their service levels and promises kept. You may even ask if the moving company can send a trained professional to your apartment or home for a more accurate estimate.
Binding estimates guarantee the cost of the move based on items to be moved and services listed on the mover’s estimate sheet. But remember, if you fail to list an item or need some packing services because you never got around to doing it yourself, the price will go up.
Protect yourself and consider contacting the local Better Business Bureau to inquire about possible complaints. Also, don’t be scared to ask questions. These movers are holding your life’s possessions in their hands, so make sure you feel comfortable with your decision.
Moving doesn’t have to be misery. With advance planning, you can enjoy a smooth transition, allowing yourself to bask in the joy of your new home.
For the most comprehensive information about Texas real estate, visit HAR.com.