Travel Wisely
Making travel plans well in advance can save you money on hotel reservations and flights. Use travel clubs like AAA to save money on hotels and car rentals. Make sure to have cash or travelers checks with you to avoid having to pay ATM fees if you are in sudden need of cash.
It’s Free
Start to collect coupons for discounts and other deals which you can use prior to your move, while in transit and on the other end.
Eat Creatively
A few weeks before your move date, begin to use the food you have in the freezer and refrigerator as well as dry goods you do not want to move. Frozen or perishable goods cannot be moved with a carrier and canned goods can add to the weight and cost of your move. As you get closer to the move date tailor your shopping list so that you are not left with partially consumed or unwanted products.
Get Your Deposits Back
Whether it is a utility or apartment deposit make sure to fulfill all of your obligations and commitments to insure you receive your deposit back in full. It is much easier to get your money back before you move then to try to collect from the other side of the country.
Don’t Forget….
Don’t forget to collect items you may have left in consignment, loaned to friends, or are being cleaned, stored or repaired. Make sure you collect any spare items at your children’s school or day care or personal items in your place of employment.
Get Your Dues
Check any clubs and organizations you belong to, to see if you can sell your membership, get a refund or transfer the membership to your new location.
Contact the IRS
Notify the IRS about your new address for tax refunds or other important tax information. A change of address form (form # 8822) is available on the IRS website (www.irs.gov)
Pack Yourself
Save money on moving expenses by doing the packing and unpacking yourself. Start early in the process so you have enough time. You may consider starting with seasonal clothes, books and games, and other items you will not need before or during your relocation. Ask your moving consultant for advice and check the 1st USA Van Lines web site for packing tips. Some big box stores sell “Moving Kits” which can save you money on materials. Remember to use appropriate cartons and packing materials to protect the contents. While using old boxes may save money, if they are not strong enough to protect the contents you may end up paying more to replace the items then you saved on the used boxes.
Need Storage
If you intend to place your items in storage for a short period take advantage of 1st USA Van Lines, Free Storage Option. You will save the monthly storage fee as well as the cost to move your items out of storage and into your new residence.
Cash It In
The weight of your shipment impacts the cost-so consider lightening your load. Getting rid of unused or unwanted items can cut the cost of your move and perhaps put a little money in your pocket. Check out the “Unwanted Items” information sheet in the “Library Section” of our web site.
