Helpful Hints To Help You Find A Moving Company

Whether you're moving to be closer to relatives, to save money in these tough economic times (and you know times are tough when even Google's struggling) or you're tired of being ridiculed for having eight children that result in you being called "Octo Mom", moving isn't always the most fun thing to do. On top of that, you have to pick out a moving company and be sure that it's the right one for you and that you'll be satisfied with your move. Needless to say, the idea of gathering up all of your belongings and loading them into a truck to take them to a new location can be daunting to say the least.

So with that, here are some questions you should ask when picking out a moving company for your big move:

• Are they licensed and insured?
• How do they charge hourly or by weight?
• Are there any additional fees?
• Do they charge extra for large items?
• Is there a minimum number of hours or a minimum charge?

Find more tips just like these when you visit Starving Students.

Moving? Hold A Yard Sale!

Reduce clutter at your new home by holding a yard sale or donating to charity.

Sometimes moving can be quite a burden. You never know how much stuff you have until you have to take each item and find a way to get it from point A to point B without losing it, making sure it doesn't get broken and so forth. A simple way to reduce the amount of clutter that's outgrown its usefulness around your house is to hold a yard sale or donate it to your neighborhood church. Not only will it benefit someone else, but there's a good chance that it can be written off come tax season -- a nice way to help get through these tough economic times.

For more tips like this one, visit Starving Students today!

Pets on Moving Day

Animals can become confused and frightened during a move. Consider leaving your pet(s) with a friend on the day of the move.

Keep these packing materials handy for a smooth move

• Markers and labels for labeling boxes
• Foam peanuts
• Bubble wrap
• Packing paper
• Tape & tape dispenser
• Scissors or a knife

Packing Tip #6 - Cushioning

Create cushioning to avoid damage. Pack 2-3 inches of loosely crumpled packing paper at the bottom of boxes and leave room at the top for more crumpled paper. Fill in empty spaces with more crumpled paper to prevent shifting.

How to save money on your move

The best way to save money on a move is to prepare as much as possible for moving day. A couple things you can do to speed up the move (thus cut costs) are:

• Pack all your items into boxes and do not use garbage bags. Boxes are faster and easier to move than plastic bags on the verge of ripping.
• Place the boxes near the main door or a garage, so the movers can quickly grab and load the boxes into the truck.
• Move smaller items yourself and leave the bigger, heavier items for the movers.
• Save or reserve a nearby parking spot for the moving truck. A closer parking spot means less time spent walking to and from the truck.

Moving Checklist - After the Move

• Turn off the utilities at your old address.
• Walk and drive around your neighborhood and community to orient yourself.
• Get new driver's licenses, library cards, voter registration cards, and bus passes.
• Order checks with your new address
• File your moving receipt. Some moving expenses are tax-deductible.
• Check your mail at your old home. Make sure mail is being forwarded to your new address.