Box it up--and out.

AuthorRachmany, Lior
PositionDOLLARS SENSE - Essay

THERE IS NOTHING quite like the thrill--and dread--of moving into a new home. New sights, sounds, and routines all await you, but first you have to get there--with all of your belongings intact. There are few things as agonizing and laborious as transporting every item you own across town, across the state, or, even worse, across the country. However, moving does not have to be a terrible ordeal. With planning and forethought, you can avoid huge headaches and expenses, ensuring that you, your family, and your checking account make it all the way to your new home with nary a scratch.

Research, research, research. A lot of families facing a long move simply rent the largest truck available and overestimate the amount of space they really need to make the journey. A better option is to figure out beforehand the amount of space you will need and then comparison shop all of the available moving options before you settle on a rental truck. Be sure to check whether it would be best to use a shipping company or to drive the truck yourself. Do not forget to factor the price of gas into the cost of a rental truck By thoroughly planning every element of your long-distance move as far in advance as you can, you will be able to come up with the best possible game plan for moving day and reduce your chance for surprise expenses.

Preplanning is your best friend. Do not fall into the trap of the last-minute move--throwing everything in sight into boxes and taping them shut before realizing you have no idea what was just packed or where it should be going. Carefully plan and label your boxes to avoid one of the biggest headaches of moving. Another money-saving tip is to disassemble your furniture. Once everything is ready to go, start loading the truck with the least-important items going first (usually the closets or bedrooms) and most-important items last (kitchen and bathroom necessities) so you are not scrambling to find things as soon as the truck arrives. Also, be sure to take a photo of each layer of boxes in the truck as you go. Accidents happen, and it is important to have a record of the state of your belongings before you go, just in case a valuable heirloom gets destroyed over the course of a move. Having photos of the securely packed trailer can save your family plenty should the worst happen.

If you have not used it in a year, toss it. Get rid of anything you can before the time comes to move. Ditch the cheap furniture and stick with only...

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