By John Groth
Relocating is exciting for some and a big problem for others. There are many reasons for this. You may move for a career opportunity, to move into a bigger home, or even to start a new life. You might be really looking forward to moving to a new area, meeting new people, and having new experiences. But if it is not carefully planned, relocation and runaway relocation costs can turn what could be a smooth move into a difficult and stressful experience.
Here are 5 key things to consider to make your moving and relocation an overall stress free experience:
1. Whenever you make the final decision to move, consider the possible changes in living costs in the new area. Things like utility costs (you may be considering moving into a larger home in a warmer or colder climate) commuting costs (there can be as much as .50 a gallon or more in gas costs state to state) or higher state and local taxes all can take a big bite out of a new salary. You want to be sure that you can afford to live in the new area, and that your new job will pay you accordingly or if moving to retire, won’t eat up your planned retirement income.
Don’t forget to factor in all the relocation costs of the move. Is it a corporate relocation with a relocation package and everything reimbursed or are you going to be paying for the moving van and everything associated with the move?
2. After you’ve made the decision, make a checklist, with as accurate as possible calendar of all the things you need to do. For example, important documents such as warranties, tax records, receipts, medical records, genealogy documents are just some of the items that should be set aside and kept safe. Get referrals from you doctor and dentist on professionals at your new location. Establish a bank account at the new location (maybe you’ll get lucky and you present bank has a branch in your new area).
3. Hire a moving company with a great reputation. Ask friends and have the prospective moving company give you the names of three recent customers. Call the customers to get their experiences. Problems, how were they solved? Did the company back up their promises? Check with the BBB. If the company is not competent enough, you might end up in a long drawn out mess. Have all the costs and payment methods in writing and upfront. You don't want to have the moving company damage your belongings with no quick method of getting the item fixed or you compensated for the loss.
Most moves occur in the summer, so if possible try to move at other times of the year. You will be more likely to have the first team making your move.
4. If renting, you may not want to cancel your existing lease too soon. Your travel date may be postponed or some other unplanned contingency may come up. You will end up sleeping on the street. Build in some extra time in your moving plans. Also, if you own a home, don't make the closing timeline to tight. If possible, make the relocation first and then go back for the closing later. Build some time into your moving plan so the new home is vacant for the time it would take for you to remove wallpaper, paint, and have carpeting replaced or floors refinished. (Nothing raises more havoc with the new move than having to move furniture while you paint and do other renovations.)
5. In the new area find an experienced Realtor who really knows the entire area. Interview, by phone, at least three Realtors from the new area. Write out your questions before the phone interview. Pick the best, but if the first three come up short find three more to interview. (The internet is great for sourcing Realtors). The right Realtor with a broad knowledge of the whole area will help you focus on homes that match your financial and other requirements.
6. (Bonus if you have children) Most of the time, children resist changing their neighborhood. They have friends they do not want to leave. They are comfortable with their school. However, keep them informed on the decision making process. If possible take them on a trip to the new area. Be positive and explain they will still have their bed and toys and other familiar things. If you’re positive about the move they will pick up on your attitude.
Follow the above 5 tips in getting started and you’ve made a good beginning toward a smooth stress free move.
John Groth is a relocation specialist with over 20 years experience. For more great relocation ideas and tips http://www.relocationideas.com has it all. Also at http://www.relocationideas.com/blog you can see posts of the latest ideas and tips in relocation and moving.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Groth
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By Alan Moore
Relocating to another state needs thinking about carefully and there are several things that you should think about before the move. All the states of America are different and you should do a little research into the new state that you are moving to. For example, Alabama is a completely different state to New York. In fact, they are so different that it can be quite a culture shock to make the move between the two. It is vital that you read a relocation guide relevant to the state that you are moving to. In this way, you will have a guiding light to help you decide about living and working in your new home state.
And now for the big question: how do you find a state-related relocation guide? Well, your first step should be to the local bookstore or library. It is almost a certainty that they will have a large area devoted to travel and books on different area of the country. Try to search for information that is direct and specialized on the area that you are moving to rather than the country as a whole. Local information will help you during the move and after you've moved. Remember, it will take you some time to fully adjust to the move. Think long-term rather than short-term.
If you'd prefer a different route, why not look on the internet? Often this information is far better than a book because it is often more up to date. On the other hand, the information in a published book can often be more reliable. I would suggest you research using both methods: books and online.
Once you've gathered all relevant information, you can then keep the important stuff, abandon anything irrelevant, and thus know what to expect in your new state and what culture will be present. Why not create a file or folder where you can collect important information about your move? You could include website printouts, photocopies of pages from library books, or even snippets of information gleamed from participating in online blogs or chat rooms. Don't neglect any avenue of information. Gather together as much as you can, then read and select the good stuff and abandon anything that seems irrelevant.
Relocating to another state isn't difficult IF you have all the facts to hand. Don't neglect the research if you want to have a smooth move.
Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Relocation and Moving Home...
Free report: 'Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Relocation, but never dared to ask!'
For the best online relocation guide, visit http://www.RelocationPower.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_Moore
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By Patrick Mcnulty
There are many ways in which a slow down in the property market might benefit rather cause problems for people looking to sell their house.
So look past the doom and gloom and see the clouds silver lining.
Everyone Struggles – if there is a slowdown all vendors will be in the same boat. It doesn’t look like one kind of house is more likely to lose money than another and even geographically there doesn’t seem to be the huge difference in prices there was before the boom. This is good news because it’s likely your next house is likely to change price at the same rate as your current home. Unless there’s a huge crash most people won’t actually lose out.
Small improvements really matter. If a house prices fall this will probably mean the supply of houses exceeds the demand from buyers. In a situation like this any improvements to make you house more saleable can have a huge influence on how likely you are to sell. A few weekends and couple of hundred pounds could ensure your house is more likely to sell than other similar less well looked after houses.
Others might get dis-heartened. If selling a home becomes slightly more difficult many people who are serious about moving house will be discouraged from keeping their home on the market. Less people selling their homes makes it easier for the more confident homeowners to shift their house.
Might encourage first time buyers – many couples are keen to purchase a house but are having difficulty raising the money required. If prices remain static or fall slightly it’s very likely these people will be encouraged to organize a mortgage which will help anyone selling a property whether to first time buyers or not.
Encouraging people to shop round – when buyers realize that people are having trouble selling houses it will probably encourage them to shop round a bit more. This can be great news if you have a house, which isn’t instantly appealing. So if you are on the outskirts of town or could probably benefit from some modernization the willingness for people to compromise could turn out to be quite good news for you
Patrick McNulty writes on behalf of A Quick Sale UK who specialise in helping people who are having difficulty selling their homes.
If you can't sell your house visit A Quick Sale might help solve your problems
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patrick_Mcnulty
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By Jayson Gibson
Moving into your new home is an exciting time, but most of us dread the idea of packing and unpacking all of our belongings. It can be a daunting task, and no one looks forward to the work involved with a big move. Valuable items get lost or broken, and our sense of organization all but disappears during a move. These packing tips can make the transition on moving day go smoothly and almost stress-free.
1. Start early!
You might want to hold a yard sale to help clear out unwanted or unneeded items. Thrift stores and consignment shops will gladly accept your unwanted clothes. The fewer items you have to move, the easier your move will be. In addition, you may raise some money while getting rid of things! Prepare for packing by getting the necessary supplies:
Strong, corrugated cardboard boxes
Box labels or stickers
Foam peanuts or “popcorn” and bubble wrap
Tissue paper or newsprint for wrapping delicate items
Packing tape to seal boxes
Markers
Scissors and/or Exacto knife
When packing boxes, keep their weight between 25-35 pounds. Pack heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes. Pack items from the same room together. Seal the box with packing tape, and clearly label it, indicating the general category of contents and which room the box’s items come from. (Color coordinating box labels will make unloading easier, too!) First, pack possessions you rarely use, like items from the garage or storage areas. Once you clear out the garage, you will have space to store the boxes until moving day. You can also save time and space by ordering a “pod” or “pack rat,” a portable storage container. Pack a few cartons each day, so your workload doesn’t seem overwhelming.
2. Pack dishes and other fragile items
When packing fragile items, it is important to keep them safe and secure from breakage. Select a medium-sized box and line the bottom with crumpled packing paper. Carefully wrap each item individually, and place in the carton. When packing glasses and stemware, fill them with crumpled packing paper. Place items in an upright position. Separate layers of items with packing paper or bubble wrap, and be sure to fill in any empty space to prevent shifting of items. Mark the box “FRAGILE,” and always stack at the top.
3. Pack small appliances and electronics
When possible, you should pack small appliances and electronics in their original packaging. These items fit efficiently in their original boxes, and are often awkward to fit into other types of cartons. If you do not have the original packaging, choose an appropriate-sized box, and place protective padding on the bottom of the carton. Wrap an old blanket or protective pad around the item, and place it in its carton. Wrap cords separately, label to identify usage, and place in a plastic bag away from delicate surfaces. Non-detachable cords should also be wrapped. Place cords between the padded item and the box.
4. Pack Mirrors, Paintings and Pictures
Wrap small mirrors, pictures, paintings, and frames, and place on edge in cartons. For added safety, place tape diagonally across mirror to protect better against damage. Do not place newspaper directly against paintings, because ink will transfer from the newsprint to your artwork.
5. Pack clothes
Use wardrobe boxes to pack clothes on hangers. You can keep clothes smelling fresh by placing a scented dryer sheet in the box with the clothes. Keep folded clothes in dresser drawers, and take the drawers out before you move the dresser into the moving truck or pod. Once the dresser is loaded, replace the drawers during the actual move. Be sure the drawers are not overloaded, as this can cause damage to the dresser during the move. When you unload into your new Arizona home, remove the drawers first.
6. Disassemble beds
Near the date of your move, disassemble beds to prepare for transport. Take the mattresses off the frame and disassemble, being sure to keep all nuts, bolts, and other hardware in a sealed plastic bag. Label the bag and place in a box labeled appropriately. Secure bed rails with tape or twine.
7. Pack food items
When packing canned goods, place upright with no more than 24-30 cans per box. Wrap glass containers and boxed foods individually and pack in small cartons. Try to consume all perishable and frozen food items before your move, as these items are difficult to move to a new Arizona home safely. If packing medicines, seal caps with masking tape. Wrap and pack upright in small cartons. If needed during travel, carry medicines with you.
8. Pack a survival kit
During your move, you may be unable to find some important everyday items that you will need the first few days in your new home. Pack a "survival" kit to carry in your car or have first off the truck. Some important, often overlooked items to place in the survival kit include the following:
Basic Tools — Hammer, screwdriver, knife, tape, etc.
Bathroom products — Soap, shampoo, toilet paper, towels, etc.
Kitchen items — Disposable utensils, cups, plates and snacks, drinks, paper towels, etc.
Cleaning products — Cleansers, broom, dustpan, sponges, etc.
First aid supplies — Bandages, disinfectants, pain relievers, etc.
9. Stay organized
When loading moving cartons into your pod or moving truck, it is important to stay organized and load efficiently. This will ease the unloading process and keep your items more secure from damage. Keep boxes from the same room together to help the unloading process. Stack heavier boxes near the bottom, and lighter boxes near the top. Always stack fragile items at the top.
10. Ask friends for help
Your friends can be a helpful and inexpensive resource to utilize during your move. Ask for their assistance, and let them know your move date well in advance. Offer to reward them during and after the move, as this will encourage their enthusiasm to assist with the move.
11. Unloading
Once you arrive in your new Arizona home, the unloading process begins. When removing boxes from the moving truck or pod, take them to the proper rooms where they belong. Stack boxes neatly and allow ample space for moving furniture into the room.
12. Unpacking
If possible, take off an extra day or two from work. Having a couple of days to unpack will make the job less overwhelming, and you will return to work a little more refreshed than if you were rushed to unpack. Unpack larger items first, and assemble items you had taken apart for the move. Focus on one room at a time, starting where you feel most comfortable.
NewHomesSection.com. New Homes Section lets new home buyers browse Arizona new home listings from builders across the Phoenix area. New home ads for new developments and communities are updated daily. Browse Arizona New Home Listings at NewHomesSection.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jayson_Gibson
mydreamlocale.com says: Some really great suggestions here to relieve the stress of moving
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By B. Kramer
One of the most significant things that you can do to reduce your costs when hiring a moving company is to pack well. If you have a lot of items that are not packed or are improperly packed, this will significantly increase the amount of time it takes to complete your move as well as risk damage to your property.
1. Do not use garbage bags to pack your property in since they do not provide protection for your property, are very difficult and time consuming to pack on the moving vehicle, and they often break during a move.
2. If available, used moving boxes are often the most economical option for packing supplies. Often neighbors or friends will have these, or some local moving companies will sell used boxes at a discount. You should verify that these boxes are in good condition and not weakened by previous use. If you try to get boxes from a local retailer, such as a grocery store, try to get the same size boxes, make sure that they are in good condition and that the top or bottom of the boxes have not been cut off. Be aware that often boxes that retailers have available are not as strong as standard moving boxes and are not recommended for moving. If you can only find random boxes of different sizes, it is recommended that you purchase moving boxes instead. While you may save money on the purchase of moving supplies by using these random size boxes, you will increase the cost of your move, as it is more time consuming to move and pack boxes of random size. Typically you will get the most economical price on moving boxes from your local moving company. Some local retailers, such as home improvement stores, also sell boxes at competitive prices.
3. For short distance moves, you can use cloth materials such as towels, blankets and quilts as padding material for packing if you do this carefully. Be aware that these items usually do not provide as good padding for fragile items, but can be used effectively if the concern is to prevent items from getting scratched. Also be careful not to tightly pinch your towels, blankets or quilts between furniture as they might wear through or get stained. This is especially a concern for longer distance moves where items tend to rub against each other for longer periods of time.
4. It is recommended that you purchase packing paper for your move. If you shop around a little, packing paper typically costs roughly the same as newspaper and you don’t have to worry about getting newspaper ink on the items you are packing. Packing paper can be purchased from many local moving companies. It is usually the most cost effective padding material to use inside of your boxes. Bubble wrap and packing peanuts should be used on more fragile items, but in general, they are significantly more costly packing materials than packing paper.
5. Tape your boxes well. If your boxes are poorly taped, your movers will have to spend more time handling the boxes and your property may suffer damage if a box fails. This increased cost in moving time will more than offset any money saved by using less tape. It is recommended that three bands of tape be used across the bottom of the box and one band of tape be used across the top.
By packing well and being organized you can greatly reduce your moving costs and better protect your property.
Brad Kramer has written several articles related to moving in Dallas He is part owner of the Apex Moving Company, a top Dallas mover More information on moving resources can be found on the Apex Movers web site.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=B._Kramer
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By Jennifer A Strong
Relocating residence can be a very stressful and anxiety ridden process if not planned systematically. The easiest way to get most of the work out of your hands is to hire the help of a professional movers company. The primary idea is to plan well ahead of time. The following moving checklist can help you plan things and chores well before the moving day is due and help prevent last minute panic and confusion.
1. Most moving companies expect you to schedule a day for the move at least 30 days in advance.
2. It is helpful to chalk out a week by week moving checklist.
3. Start planning about four weeks before the move.
4. Start with discarding things which you would not need in the new house- damaged furniture, clothes that you don't wear anymore.
5. You also need to check homeowner's insurance policy to see if they cover the moving process. Ensure coverage, like theft, fire and other personal property insurance for your new place. Arrange transfer of school records for your kids.
6. Three weeks to go means that you should start using up perishable items which wont survive the journey, like packaged and frozen food materials.
7. Take care of your pending bills, tax assessments etc. moving companies do not allow transfer of flammable materials and aerosol cans and sprays as change in temperature and pressure can cause them to burst or catch fire. Use them up or discard them before the move.
8. Get your tools and electronic appliances repaired and discard what is non- functional.
9. It's a good idea to arrange for travel tickets for you and your family about two weeks before the move. Remember to notify the post office and service providers like gas, electricity about the impending change in address.
10. Start returning stuff that you have borrowed from those around you or libraries and start collecting things that you gave out.
11. Dispose of cleaning liquids, acids etc. to protect your goods from damage during transportation. One week before the move would be a good time to arrange for disconnection of cable TV, and transferring bank accounts. Also arrange for domestic supplies at your new home.
12. Getting a floor plan of the house would not only help you to pre-decide the arrangement furniture but help you to figure out what can fit and what can not.
13. Keep important things like medicines and documents on your person or in the car if you are going to travel by one.
14. Leave alone stuff that is to be packed by the movers company. Start packing other things and your suitcases.
15. A day before the move would be a good time to clean and dry your refrigerator and finish packing your suitcases.
16. On the moving day you should be forever around to give required directions, answer questions and sign documents like the bill of lading etc.
17. Before leaving make a final check to ensure nothing has been left behind and all the doors and windows are secured.
18. A moving checklist would help you systematize your move and ensure that things run smoothly.
To find a reputable moving company go to http://www.movingcompanies.us where you can get Free Moving Services information and an instant moving quotes from qualified moving companies.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_A_Strong
mydreamlocale.com comment: Good checklist here. Of course, if you have done your research on the place that you are moving to by using the in depth reports here, moving should be an exciting time that is worth the temporary stress. Have fun in your new home and neighborhood- after all you knew it was right for you before you moved by checking out the area and demographics.
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By Jennifer A Strong
Meet Nancy. She is a no-nonsense career minded woman who has decided to move to Manhattan from Brooklyn. She plans to rent an apartment here primarily to save money and time on commuting. She knows that since her new office is also situated in the heart of Manhattan city, she will be able to cut down on her traveling and shuttling between home and office..
There is only one challenge which lies in her path. She has never moved or relocated before at anytime in her life. May be once, when she was a kid but then, she was too young to know what was going on at that point in time. She knows that when she hires the services of a local New York moving company, she is going to entrust that company with her precious and prized belongings. She just wants to be doubly sure that the local moving company in New York which she chooses is the one which she can trust blindly.
How do we help her make the right decision? Here are some very important pointers for her:
1. She can research various local moving companies in New York through their websites. She can read about their past history and the various kinds of offers they give.
2. She can check with the Better Business Bureau and find out if any grievances or complaints have been filed against the company.
3. She can also check if the local mover in New York belongs to any trade organizations, such as the American Moving & Storage Association or a state movers association.
4. Another important research point which can work to her benefit is to find out if the local mover is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The website of FMCAS gives a list of only "interstate" companies, meaning those that can move from one state to another. However, you can use an interstate mover, even if you're moving locally within the state.
5. She can check if the New York local company whose services she is going to take has a “dispute settlement” plan in place. This will make reassure her that she will not have any problems with the moving company and even if they do rise, they will be ably resolved.
6. She can contact her friends, neighbors, colleagues and find out if they have had a good or fantastic experience with a particular moving company. Word of mouth publicity is the best publicity for any company.
7. She can check whether the moving is insured or bonded. Highly regarded moving companies whether they are local or interstate, will offer some kind of insurance against damage to her goods or belongings.
8. She should try to get estimates from more than one moving company in New York. This should happen only after she has short-listed some reliable moving companies. She can get a quick estimate on the Internet or simply call up the company for the estimate. A good moving company will always arrange for their representative to come over to her place to see how much share of the belongings can actually be moved. She has to keep the details about the floor of her current residence, the floor of the new residence, the address of her current residence and the address of her new home she will be moving to, ready to get an estimate done. She should let the moving company know if there is a lift or an elevator in either or both of the residences. The other bit of information which a moving company needs is if there is parking space for the moving truck in either or both of the residences. If she lives in apartment which restricts moving hours to certain timings only, then she should let the moving company know about the same also. Nancy can also assume at what hours the traffic would be on the lesser side and instruct the moving company to dispatch the truck accordingly.
New York moving services which do local business charge by the hour only. Like mentioned above in Nancy’s case, the circumstances like the floor you presently reside on, the floor you will be moving to, the presence of an elevator on either of the buildings (buildings in affluent areas of New York like Manhattan which has a lot of high rise buildings have elevators in them), the number of luggage and packages that you have and the peak hours of the New York traffic can affect the duration of the move and cause the price for the move to go up also.
moving companies
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_A_Strong
mydreamlocale.com comment: Good detailed advice from Jennifer. Nancy probably did her investigation on moving to New York first by clicking here then looked at the Real Estate Overview followed by the State level School data, Checked out her future neighbors using the Demographics including how people commute to work and had a look at all the places within the New York Metro. Once she had a list of places she could check out the detail on our Locale Comparison report.
Check out all the Other State and major city information which is all FREE! by scrolling down this page
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By Jennifer A Strong
We live today in a fast moving, fast changing world. As such, change has become a part of our lives. Thus, moving to a new location has become a part of the modern American story itself. Sometimes the move is a required part of your job, sometimes it is undertaken for personal reasons. Whatever the reason, moving your whole household can turn out to be a tough task. You can either decide to do it yourself or entrust it to household goods movers. You need to keep in mind quite a few factors in mind before deciding upon a moving company that would suit your needs.
Most household goods movers provide free quotes for their services. You should take advantage of this fact. The 'quote' is calculated keeping certain key factors in mind. The first of these is dependant on your household itself, or more specifically, its size. The second is the distance involved in the move – are you moving just across the town or across the country? Another factor is the amount of time that will be involved in completing the move. Finally, all these calculations would be tied in with your budget.
Household goods movers normally provide a range of services. You can neither opt in for a full service, a self-move, truck rentals, or storage facilities. A full service move involves hiring professionals who take care of every aspect of the move for you. This includes packing facilities, the loading of the goods, transportation, unloading at the new site and then unpacking.
If you have staircases in your home, it would add to the cost of moving. Also, packing facilities can prove to be costly. You might want to consider to do the packing yourself. This brings us to the next type of service that is gaining popularity – a self-move.
The household goods movers whom you employ would take care of the transport facilities of your belongings. However, as mentioned earlier, you have to do the packing and unpacking yourself. We now come to the third kind of move – the 'small move'.
This might involve (but not necessarily) a small distance (say, within a state) and also, the amounts of goods to be transported might not meet the weight criteria of the commercial van lines. Also, this facility allows you the freedom to move only a few goods, for example, antique furniture, bulky household appliances etc. Also, a small move comes with its full complement of moving services.
Many household goods movers provide storage facilities to their clients too. This can be either a long term or a short-term contract. Before you settle upon the services of any one of the several household goods movers, keep a few things in mind. Check the references of the company. Make sure that they are reliable and that they have a history of completing the move on time.
Also, inquire about the insurance facilities that the company would be willing to provide for your belongings. Be alert to the fact that some companies might provide you with a very low estimate in the beginning. However, when the time for final billing comes, they might tack on a huge 'extra costs' to your tab. The only way to guard against this is to insure that the final contract mentions that the financial charges are 'binding'.
http://www.movingcompanies.us
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_A_Strong
mydreamlocale.com comment: Moving Interstate is a big step but one that thousands of people a year do with ease. The key is to research their intended location first using the Internet to focus their searches with programmes like Locale Insight(sm) which takes the legwork and stress out of chosing any area. We have looked at more than 25,000 cities, towns and villages so that you dont have to! Our more detailed Locale Reports then provide additional information in greater detail making you better informed from the comfort of your present home.
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