| Whether moving locally or across country, moving | | | | good customer service, to avoid having a breakdown |
| can be a very stressful experience; especially if you | | | | on the road. |
| are low on funds. A lot is involved in the process | | | | - When the truck arrives, inspect it for damage |
| from packing your belongings to unpacking and | | | | before signing the rental agreement. |
| setting up the new place, all of which can result in | | | | - If using a mover, give them a list of items that you |
| stress. There are many ways that you can make | | | | will take in order to get the quote. Some companies |
| your move a less stressful, more enjoyable and even | | | | will give you a rate based on area used and not |
| pleasant experience. Preparation is the key, whether | | | | weight. |
| on a budget or not. Below are ways in which to | | | | Cost of other items if renting a truck. |
| prepare for and tips to use for a pleasant and | | | | - Packing supplies |
| successful move. | | | | - Hotel/motel accommodations |
| Preparation for your move | | | | - Gas and food |
| 1. Decide on a moving date | | | | - Truck insurance |
| Start early and decide on a moving date. This will | | | | - Shipping your car and/or car rental at your |
| give you time for your preparations. Cheaper rates | | | | destination. |
| are usually found with moving companies or rental | | | | - Storage at the new place |
| trucks if moves are made six months in advance, on | | | | - Fees for turning off the old and turning on the new |
| weekends and during the months of October or April. | | | | utilities. |
| 2. Establish a budget | | | | - Rent for the first month and the cost of setting up |
| The very next thing to do is to determine how much | | | | the new place. |
| money you have to spend for the entire move, | | | | Other helpful tips for moving at each step of the trip |
| whether it's a local move or across country. A | | | | 1. Packing for a self move |
| budget will keep you focused and your finances on | | | | Save on money for packing supplies |
| target. Make a list of all the expenses that you are | | | | - Get boxes from stores |
| likely to incur. The amount in the budget will also | | | | - Use old blankets for padding |
| depend on the number, weight and size of the | | | | Remove excess belongings |
| objects that will be moved and the distance of the | | | | - Discard |
| move. Necessary expenses to include in the list are: | | | | - Donate to charities. This is tax deductible. |
| Cost of a mover or a rental truck. | | | | Get friends and family to help with packing. |
| Decide if you will rent a truck or use a full service | | | | 2. Food and lodging for the trip |
| mover that handles all aspects of the move including | | | | Stock up on snacks, and drinks |
| packing, loading, driving and unpacking. Decide how | | | | Plan ahead for each hotel/motel stay and make |
| much work you can do yourself before hiring a full | | | | a reservation at least a day ahead. |
| service mover. | | | | 3. Periodically call friends and family along the way to |
| - Get quotations from several companies. | | | | inform them of your location. |
| - If renting a truck for a self-move, determine the | | | | 4. Depending on its location, don't go alone to the |
| size of the truck needed by asking how many rooms | | | | restroom. |
| will fit into each size truck. | | | | 5. Stay away from shady characters and hitch hikers. |
| - Make sure that the company has a good reputation | | | | 6. After arriving at your destination, inspect the truck. |
| for them condition of their trucks and is known for | | | | |