How to Save Money on Relocation

A long-distance move is costly and companies vary on their relocation benefits for new hires. Some offer no financial help while others defray most to all of the costs. Today, more opportunities to save money on relocation are available online, saving both time and money. These tips can get you started.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Research time

Save Money Moving

1. Learn what you're up against as far as cost-of-living and other demographics in a proposed relocation area. Also find data on crime and local sales tax that affects your insurance and other expenses. You can research these facts online (see Resources below).

2. Scope out your new home area online using Google Maps or MSN Live Maps. Find not only the street maps but a 3-D view for exploration. This will better enable you to find a home in an area you like and save money on relocation travel.

3. Search online maps using the main business categories or store names you plan to have a relationship with. If these locations are too far, consider home hunting in a different area. Otherwise, print plenty of maps for your initial trip and settling in period.

4. Find special deals online for rental properties using leading apartment search websites. Explore more than one website for best results and compare to hidden treasures you may find on the likes of Craigslist.

5. Visit the Chamber of Commerce, state and local government as well as non-profit visitor websites to eliminate unneeded traveling and document hunting. Verify what is needed to transfer your auto, driver's license and health care coverage to the new location.

6. 
    
   Obtain at least 3 quotes from moving companies.

   Save money on relocation by comparing moving services and packaging retailers. Obtain at least 3 quotes. Also note that per hour rates can be misleading. Go with services that demonstrate a good efficiency record and a low ratio of broken items in transit. Self-service moving usually saves money on relocation but should also be compared.

7. Change your address online at the United States Postal Service website (see Resources below) and find a variety of deals to save money on relocation expenses upon completion.

8. Communicate with the visitors center and even local store clerks to find the best deals on short-term lodging, shopping and other places you are unfamiliar with. You may save a bundle with the help of local residents who are often eager to help you acclimate to your surroundings.

Tips & Warnings

• Reduce your grocery shopping weeks before the move if possible, lest you need to trash your good perishables (frozen meats, condiments, etc.)
• Give away or sell items you don't use to save on relocation expense, time and space.
• Be cautious of ordering moving boxes online--used boxes as they can harbor bed bugs and various insects--and allow ample time for delivery.

Resources

• Sperlings Best Places, City Statistics
• Moving Scams to Avoid
• United States Postal Service

[anilnagdev]

on 4/10/2009 Thanks for sharing.Very useful tips for whose who are relocating. I would also like to mention few points here which are of uttermost importance for those who are hiring international movers.*check whether they have the legal license to ship your belongings overseas.*compare prices with other moving companies. I would highly recommend http://www.intlmove.com/ as they deliver what they promise.

[jpwhickson]

on 2/12/2008 Good tips