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Hi, I'm Jill Czeczuga, one of the hundreds of writers here at LifeTips.com. Enjoy these 241 Moving Tips! If you’re a business, why not hire the expert writers at LifeTips? And if you’re a writer, apply for freelance writing gigs.
Are your Professional Movers Professionals?
If you are paying for a professional moving company to move you, make sure that they are professional movers and not hired day laborers. Many times moving companies hire additional workers per day to fill out the crew.
Professional movers are properly trained for moving. Professionals should take less time then day laborers because they know how to do things right with one try. Make sure you get what you pay for.
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U-Pack Moving Tip: Making the Most of Your Moving Rental
Self-moving is a great way to save money, but be sure you save your sanity as well. Here are a few tips for loading your moving truck on the big day:
Whether you're packing up a trailer or a self-storage unit, be sure to get a size that can accommodate up to 15% more than you really need.
Pack heaviest items first, at the back, then move forward with the smaller and lighter items.
Be sure to have a few sizes of dollies to choose from. Never overload them; it's always better to make more trips than risk injury or breakage of your possessions.
Use soft items like blankets and pillows as cushioning between pieces of furniture.
Unload dresser drawers before loading them onto the truck.
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Deduct Your Move From Your Taxes
Since your move is often tax deductible, make sure you get an appropriate receipt. You cannot use a moving quote and a cancelled check as a moving receipt.
Each state has a different bill of lading that is used as a receipt. Check the IRS website and your state's Department of Revenue website for a list of the necessary receipts and forms you'll need for the tax season.
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U-Pack Moving Tip: Driving a Van or Trailer
Moving vans and trailer rentals are great options for local moves or smaller long-distance moves. However, you'll need to keep in mind that driving them in traffic is quite different than driving in your car! They take up more space, so make sure your rearview and side mirrors are all functioning.
When braking, leave plenty of space. Stay alert on the road and anticipate about a three-second space between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Always use turn signals, even in remote areas and parking lots. Give yourself plenty of space when backing into driveways or positioning the moving van on the street. Remember to leave room for adequate door opening during loading and unloading as well.
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Hidden Charges
Find out from your movers if there are any hidden charges, like mileage fees, when getting estimates and quotes. Many times movers charge extra for stairs, wardrobe boxes, moving pads, tape, etc. You will want to use a mover who will not sneak in any additional charges and will be upfront with the price. It is also important to know all the additional charges that you may incur when evaluating potential movers.
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U-Pack Moving Tip: Getting Started on Your Move
Moving can be a daunting prospect for anyone from an apartment-dweller to a homeowner. The best way to begin tackling a move is to start with basic packing supplies. Here are the essentials:
Boxes: Always get more than you think you'll need. If you don't order them specifically from your moving company, start scouting grocery stores and liquor stores to find empties. Don't be afraid to ask a store clerk for boxes; chances are they'll be happy to get rid of them.
Packing Tape: Again, pick up more than you think you'll need. Tape can get expensive, so seek out your supply from dollar stores.
Scissors: If you don't have packing tape dispensers, then get some trusty scissors. Every time you cut tape, fold a corner of it back so that tearing off the next piece will be easy.
Newspaper: Start saving it up now! You can use newspaper as padding in all your boxes that hold breakables, and also use it to wrap glasses and plates.
Colored Stickers or Pens: You can color code each box based on which room it will go into. For example, green for the kitchen, red for the bedroom, blue for the living room. Keep a key with you at all times.
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Contacting Moving Companies
Once you decide that you are going to use a moving company for your move, it is time to start calling for estimates and quotes. The more moving companies you contact the better, but try and get at least three estimates. You should not only compare price, but also your level of comfort with the moving company and the moving companies experience.
When you find a moving company that has a competitive price and you are comfortable with, make sure you ask if the company will be performing the actual move or if the job will be subcontracted out to another moving company or franchise.
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U-Pack Moving Tip: Trailer Moves
Moving companies that offer the most flexibility are generally the best ones to select for your big moving day. A great option some movers have is the Trailer Move. With this method, an 28-foot trailer is delivered to your home. You have a set period of days (usually around three) to pack up the trailer. After you're done, the moving company will pick up the trailer and move it to your new location for unpacking.
When should you use this option? When you aren't sure of how much you'll actually be moving (after yard sales and give-aways), and when you're on a budget. Trailer moves charge only for the amount of space you take up in the trailer. It's a great choice when flexibility is important!
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Cost Effective Long Distance Movers
When researching moving companies, you will usually find the most cost effective way to move your possessions out of state is to get a large national company to do the move for you.
Larger moving companies may have cheaper prices because they usually combine moves by putting a few loads on the same truck. The more loads on the truck the more people to help absorb the cost of fuel and travel time.
The downside of using a larger moving company to transport your items long distance is that since there are several loads on the same truck, delivery to your new location may take up to a month in travel time, and some items may get mixed up with other loads, so mark your boxes properly.
