How to Afford to Move Out of State

When you're looking to relocate, especially from state to state, it's extremely important to plan ahead. Terry Moving and Storage can help you with all of your moving needs. The most crucial part of a move? The moving budget. Many people can ruin their fresh starts by going broke during a move, here's how to budget for yours.

Things You'll Need:

A phone or the internet
A calculator
A pen and paper
Your spouse or family members to include in the planning

Instructions:

1. First of all, budget for your moving truck. U-Haul is an option, but know that they are typically the most expensive. Try Budget or a lesser known company for cheaper rates. Check rates online or over the phone. They vary greatly and for large moves can cost up to $1000.00, sometimes more. So don't neglect to plan for this, or you'll get a nasty surprise come moving day.
2. Budget for gas, for your moving truck and your vehicles. The bigger the move, the more you should budget. Don't leave it to chance, you'll feel better knowing how much it will cost.
3. Instead of just finding old cardboard boxes, consider investing in plastic totes or cloth shelving boxes/drawers that you can find at LOWES or other home improvement stores. These will last you a lifetime and instead of having to throw them away, they can work for you in your new home, keeping you organized. Budget at least $100.00 for these, and your move will go more smoothly.
4. Check into whether or not you will need to put a deposit down on your utilities. Some companies do require this, and the regulations vary from state to state. Know in advance if you'll need to put down a deposit and prevent a monetary surprise that could really throw you off.
5. Budget for your first month of groceries. As we all know, when you move, you'll need to fill that fridge. The longer you take to fill the fridge, the more you'll be spending on pizza and chinese as you unpack. Budget at least a hundred for milk, fruit, vegetables, snacks, and a couple of home-cooked meals during your first week.
6. Don't forget your monthly bills that will go with you. Think about a car payment, insurance, loans, etc.
7. Set aside a small amount for unplanned circumstances, such as a flat tire or an unexpected hotel stay. As we all know, we should expect the unexpected during a move.
8. As always, you should either pay your first month's rent and deposit in advance, if you're moving to an apartment. Or have the terms of your mortgage and moving date all figured before you set out on the road. No surprises in this area, otherwise, you could be paying way more for hotels than you bargained for.
9. Figure all of these costs in advance, even if you've overestimated, your trip will be far more peaceful and much less stressful!

Tips & Warnings:
-Also, if friends or family are helping you move, it's important to treat them to lunches and their hotel stays. They're help is saving you big money on the cost of hired movers.

Use Terry Moving and Storage for your relocation needs.

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How to Get Organized for Moving

Moving is generally regarded as one of life's more stressful events. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be that way. Use our easy, step-by-step guide for getting organized for moving. Terry Moving and Storage can help you with all of your moving needs.

Things You'll Need:

Pencil and paper
Planning calendar

Instructions:

Step 1
Start Early

The biggest problem with organizing a move is not allowing enough time. On average, it takes a college student approximately 5 hours to pack up a dorm room when moving out. That's a single room where often only half the items belong to the student moving. If you multiple that by the number of rooms you have in your current place, you'll quickly realize that the amount of time you'll need just for packing is substantial.

Starting early gives you a huge advantage. While most people wait until just a few days prior to the move date for the majority of their packing hours, you can eliminate much of your moving stress by getting a jump on your moving tasks. People who follow this advice often have much smoother moves and lower stress levels for the entire process.

Step 2
Have a Plan For Your Move

There's a huge temptation to just start the packing process with little or no planning. Unfortunately, it's also a huge mistake. You wouldn't start building a house without blueprints, and you shouldn't start your move without a basic plan. The plan doesn't need to be complicated, but it should include the following:

• Number of days between now and your move date
• Tasks required for your move, including getting moving supplies, changing your address, and packing
• Number of rooms that need to be packed
• Amount of help you'll have available from friends, family, and professional movers
• Quantity of items you have in each room
• Amount of time you have available each day between now and the move

If you assign tasks by day and closely monitor your progress as you go, you're much less likely to be surprised by running out of time.

Step 3

Using a moving checklist (courtesy of ShutterStock.com)
Use a Moving Checklist

One of the reasons moving is so stressful is the fact that there are so many details to track. All of your possessions (and much of your sense of security) are suddenly out of their usual places and "in flux." Most of the usual landmarks are about to change, from where to get groceries to what your new address and phone number are going to be.

This is where the moving checklist comes in. One of the great things about moving is that you're not alone- between 12% and 16% of American households move in any given year. That's more than 30 million people! Many of those people have contributed to several moving checklists in books and on websites. Use these checklists both as a source for your plan and a set of reminders for what needs to be done. Some of the items may not apply to your situation, but they should give you an excellent starting point. One place to start is with our free, printable moving checklist with categories and priorities already assigned.

Step 4
Create a Moving Kit Organizer

Moving involves a great deal of paper. Leases and mortgages, moving estimates, new addresses and perhaps employers, checklists- it all adds up to a lot to track. It's a good idea to have a central place for all that information. We recommend using a binder with pockets for the papers to be kept, with dividers to keep key information separated.

Step 5

Friends moving
Create "Open Me First" Boxes

It's not unusual for a move to involve over a hundred boxes. And for each room in your home, there are some items that just seem more important on your first morning than others (for me, the coffee maker comes to mind). If you reserve one or two boxes for each room as Priority Boxes (also known as "Open Me First" boxes), you'll have a much easier time on the other end of your move. Label these boxes with a "PB" in red on the side or with special labels that they'll be easy to find after the move.

One word of caution- don't fall victim to the temptation of having more than two Priority Boxes per room. If more than 2 boxes are Priority Boxes, the whole concept starts to lose its meaning, and it will end up causing more confusion instead of reducing stress.

These few steps can lead to a much more organized moving experience, and should do wonders to lower your stress level on the big day and after.

Tips & Warnings:
-Don't get overwhelmed. Almost 40 million Americans survived their moves last year, and you'll survive yours, too!
-Take each phase of your move one at a time. It will keep you on track and lower your stress level. :-)

Use Terry Moving and Storage for your relocation needs.

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How to Use a Moving Checklist for Home Moving

Home moving is a detailed undertaking and using a moving checklist helps to keep those details in order and under control. Besides packing everything you own into boxes, moving them, and unpacking the boxes there are details that need to be taken care of. Use a moving checklist to make the home moving efficient and less stressful. Terry Moving and Storage can help you with all of your moving needs.

Instructions:

Step 1
A Moving Checklist Starts With the Broad Picture

Start by looking at the entire move and break down tasks as follows:
• Create an inventory for each room - Make a list of what items go in which room. You will mark your boxes accordingly when packing.
• List what items are needed in each room the first day. These items will go into a box or boxes labeled 'first day - unpack first'.
• List what items will be sold at a moving sale.
• List items that will be placed in a storage facility.
• Begin a manila envelope (or closable folder) to put important documents. Here you will put insurance information, itinerary for traveling, any types of tickets, keys, and any bills that need to be paid after the move.
• Start a 'To Do' list and keep it somewhere it will not be moved around. Whenever you think of something write it down so it is documented and off your mind.

Step 2
Moving Checklist of Fine Details

There are so many little details that need to be done when home moving. Ensure that these are on your moving checklist and check them off when completed.
• Transfer bank accounts as needed.
• Transfer your child's school records.
• Pay final utility and last time bills before move.
• Ensure utility company has move date to cancel service.
• Notify the post office (this can be one at www.usps.com)
• Change address on subscriptions, gyms, and other places you have a membership.
• Order enough medications to get you through the first month in the new place and switch your pharmaceutical needs.
• Purchase travelers check so you do not carry cash during the move.
• Organize legal papers, manuals of utilities in the house (furnace, water heater and softener, oven, etc), and extra keys that will be handed to new owner of your home.

Step 3
Moving Checklist for Moving Day

Have these items ready so when moving day arrives you are organized and ready.
• Pack a box or suitcase that is labeled 'moving day travel'. This is where you will put the travelers checks along with toiletries, a change of clothes, a couple days of medications, some food, games for the kids including ipods and keys for your new home.
• If using a moving company create a folder containing company's name and phone number, add in the job number or tracking number, and have the check for final payment so it is ready when you arrive at your destination.
• Assemble an 'important papers' envelope for birth certificates, medical records, car titles, etc. Some of these items may be needed right away at your new home.
• Have a list of utilities that need to be activated at your new home. List phone numbers, who you spoke with to start service, and when service should be activated. This includes gas, electricity, cable, water, garbage pick-up, phone service, etc.
• Know where your box labeled 'First day - unpack first' is so when you arrive at your new home you have the essentials.

Tips & Warnings:
-Organization for a home move means less stress. Use a moving checklist to keep you prepared, organized, and ready to move to your new home.

Use Terry Moving and Storage for your relocation needs.

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How to Moving to Mainland from Hawaii

People might think that you're crazy...but if you are considering moving to the mainland from Hawaii, you may have a lot of questions about how to go about getting things done, especially if this is your first move off of the islands. Life on the mainland is very different and things you needed in Hawaii may not be required elsewhere. On top of that, the logistics of moving across the ocean can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help get you started if you are moving to the mainland from Hawaii. Terry Moving and Storage can help you with all of your moving needs.

Things You'll Need:

Computer & Internet (for research)
Moving Company
Plane Tickets

Instructions:

Step 1

The mainland is a big place!
~ Decide Where you are Moving ~ 

The mainland of the United States is a BIG place, compared to the Hawaiian Islands. Each city in each state is different and unique. If you don't know exactly where you are going, you'll want to do a lot of research on the internet, and in person if possible, to help you decide where to live.

Step 2

Will You Move your Belongings?
~ Decide What to Take ~ 

Moving to the mainland from Hawaii is expensive. If you are planning to ship your belongings, you've got to get them on a container and then possibly on a train or semi-truck from California to your final destination. Check Matson to see what it will cost to move your items - if the cost is higher than what your belongings are worth, you may be better off selling them and buying new when you reach your final destination. Keep in mind, that almost everything costs less on the mainland - expect for maybe pineapples!

Step 3

Will you Move Your Car?
~ Decide If & How to Ship Your Car ~ 

Cars have to go on container ships, just like other belongings. The cost to ship from Hawaii to California is about $1,000 and you can easily spend another $1,000 getting your car to your final destination. Decide if it's worth it to ship your car, and then make arrangements to get it shipped. Decide if you'll fly to California to pick it up at the port or if you'll have it delivered to your new home. Consider the cost of driving and hotels as you price these options.

Step 4
~ Make Travel Arrangements for You & Your Belongings ~ 

You'll have to buy plane tickets for yourself and your family and you'll also have to book transit for your belongings or car, if you are shipping them. Keep in mind that it will take 3 weeks for your belongings to get from Hawaii to California and additional time if they have to be shipped to another location. Consider having your car or belongings leave before you do so you can meet them at your new home, or make arrangements to rent a vehicle until you receive your own.

Step 5
~ Pack Carefully and Close Out All Hawaii Business ~ 

When moving to the mainland from Hawaii, you must remember that you'll be thousands of miles (and an ocean) away. The time difference can make dealing with business difficult and you can't just pop back to Hawaii to pick up things that you forgot. It's best to start early and make sure everything is taken care of before you leave.

Tips & Warnings:
-Use lots of lists to keep everything straight when moving to the mainland from Hawaii. Consider starting a notebook to keep track of travel reservations, moving quotes, and other important information.

Use Terry Moving and Storage for your relocation needs.

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How to Prepare for International Moving

Picking up your entire life and moving it clear across the sea is more than a notion as you can't simply borrow a friend's truck to get the job done. Some thoughtful preparation goes into developing a plan that ensures everything goes smoothly. Terry Moving and Storage can help you with all of your moving needs. Here are a few simple steps to follow in order to make the international moving process an easy one.

Instructions:

Step 1
Contact a capable and reputable moving company as soon as you know you'll be moving internationally. The sooner the better. Your movers will appreciate being notified well in advance so they can have ample time to prepare for your move.

Step 2
Plan to meet with your movers face-to-face early in the process so you can discuss your international move and set a precedent for clear and regular communication. This will eliminate tons of potential stress in the long run. Plus you'll both have a clear picture of what to expect from one another while you establish a precedent for open communication.

Step 3
Focus on what your international moving company offer rather than the cost of their services. While price is a major factor, it's not always the best indicator of quality. If you haven't yet settled on a particular company, then check the records of your prospective movers against the Better Business Bureau.

Step 4
Secure visas for yourself and family members along with all the other needed documentation for your move overseas.

Step 5
Consult your state department of consumer affairs to see if they can make you aware of international moving laws or anything else pertinent to your relocation process that you may not know about. You should also check with family members and friends who have moved from one country to another to get some pointers from them.

Tips & Warnings:
-Be sure you're abreast of the laws in your new country. Some things that are legal in the United States may get you in legal trouble in another country. You don't want to find yourself standing in court for something as silly as spitting on the sidewalk.

-Keep personal items with you during your move, especially if you have children.

Use Terry Moving and Storage for your relocation needs.

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10 Tips For Relocating With Ease

Let's face it, relocating is not always easy. Even if you are an experienced mover, anxiety can permeate every aspect of the process. The unknowns of moving to a new city, the mental and physical strain of getting your house ready to sell, getting rid of stuff you don't need anymore, packing, etc. cause stress even for the most laid-back of people. If you have children, you'll also be dealing with their anxiety over changing schools and making new friends. You may be starting a new job. There are so many things going on at once that it can simply become overwhelming. The little details seem to pile up and begin to feel gargantuan. I've put together a list of some helpful hints that will make your move a little smoother.

1. Research the school district in the area to which you will be moving. This will help you narrow down potential neighborhoods for your home search. Most cities have school information on-line which makes it easy to evaluate and compare school report cards, academic programs, sports programs, music programs and special needs. Write down phone numbers so that you can make a personal visit to the school during your home hunting trip.

2. If you have children who have particular hobbies or play sports, you may also want to research local facilities and programs. This may also narrow your home search.

3. Locate a realtor that will be ready to help when you arrive. A good realtor will ask the right questions in advance so that they can show you homes in the neighborhoods that will best suit your family's needs.

4. In advance of your home-hunting trip, get a list of the local lenders from your realtor. Not only will it be important to have a pre-approval letter with you in order to make an offer on a home, but using a local lender can be a blessing if there are any last minute issues at closing.

5. When you arrive for your home-hunting trip, use the time to also check out daycare facilities, elderly care, after school care, or any other special needs you may have.

6. Bring measurements of your furniture with you during your home-hunting trip. It's highly unlikely that every piece of furniture you own will suit your new home, but having the size of the major pieces with you will certainly help wean out those that will be completely unsuitable. Obviously, this means you need to take a tape measure with you also!

7. Keep important papers in your possession - do not pack them! Birth certificates, marriage licenses, stock certificates, divorce decrees, custody papers, passports, social security cards, etc. should all be brought with you. Anything that may be required to register your children in school, close on your home, or would be difficult to replace should be brought with you. Shot records, social security numbers, birth certificates, and in the case of divorce, child custody papers are generally a requirement to register children in school.

8. Get copies of all medical records, including any important x-rays such as mammograms, to bring with you to your new home. There may be a small charge for this, but it is worth it for the continuity of your medical history.

9. Ditto with school records; some schools will only send them directly to the new school, but you can give them written permission in advance to do this. The new school can of course request the records at registration, but it is much better for purposes of planning your child's curriculum to have them at the new school as quickly as possible.

10. Make a list of the phone numbers of all the people/companies you need to call to cancel service in your old home. This includes cable, phone and utilities, but don't forget lawn care, daycare, cleaning people, etc. When you are ready to leave and all of your paperwork is packed and on a truck, you will not be wracking your brain trying to remember who you are supposed to call. Your realtor should be able to provide you with a list of all the services you may need -cable, phone, electric, gas, etc. - in your new home.

Use Terry Moving and Storage for your relocation needs.

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Moving And Relocating Tips

I know how stressful and chaotic moving and relocating can be. We moved from one part of Tucson to another in March of this year, and then in June we bought a home and relocated to Colorado. Here are some of the lessons others and we have learned.

1. Make and use lists. We all forget things, even after remembering them several times. Put them on that list during one of these times. Make a list of things to do before the move, including getting school documents transferred, filling out change of address forms, returning borrowed books and movies, transferring prescriptions, getting maps, and arranging utility shut offs and start ups.

2. Call the moving company and make the reservation a month ahead. You don't want to discover that they are booked up on the date you need them. We found out that the type of van we wanted wasn't available, but this was easily resolved because we started the process early.

3. Sell and throw away things. Carefully consider what you need to keep. Many people spend hundreds of dollars to move things that will probably be thrown away some day. It isn't just about the expense either, but also about the hassle. When you are moving and especially when you are relocating to another city - this is the best time to get rid of the things you really don't need.

4. Have a rummage sale. This is a good way to get rid of those things, and you might even raise enough money to pay for the move. Again, it is best to be rid of your things before the move. We went to a after-the-move rummage sale the other day. What a shame to pack and pay to move all those things just to have to work to sell them for pennies later.

5. Start packing early. not only is it difficult to predict how long it will take until you are doing it, but you never know how much time you'll have later. Starting early means avoiding running around looking for boxes and packing materials at the last moment.

6. Pack an "essentials" box for when you arrive at your new home. This should have the things you need to make your arrival easier, like toilet paper, paper plates, soap and such. Carry the box where it is easily accessible.

7. Let everyone know where you are relocating. Give family and friends of your new address and phone number(s), and do this before you have the current phone shut off. Call all your credit card companies with your new address. Change the address on any subscriptions too.

8. Check weather reports for moving day. You don't want to arrive in a snowstorm with your coat packed away somewhere. You will also need to allow for extra moving time if the weather is going to slow down traffic.

9. Save all your receipts. Keep receipts for moving expenses, like gas, hotel rooms, and anything else related to moving and relocating. Ask your accountant or tax accountant if you are eligible for a tax deduction for moving expenses. Usually you are, if the move is for employment purposes.

10. When you move into your new home, try to reestablish your routines quickly. If Friday night is normally movie night, don't break with the tradition. Moving and relocating are less traumatic if you have some consistency in daily life. If you're moving with children, this could be one of the more important moving tips.

Use Terry Moving and Storage for your relocation needs.

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