Tuesday, 25 November 2014
Moving - 7 Tips To Mastering Job Relocation
Relocation. It's a common part of adult life for many: whether it’s in pursuit of a dream job, a move to study or work abroad, or going off to graduate school.
Still, it can be scary. Regardless of how often we do it, moving rarely gets any easier.
However, the more prepared you are, the less stressful it will seem. Here are some starter tips for a smooth transition to a new city.
The author, Megan Halpern, is a contributing writer for Pretty Young Professional.
Finances
Moving isn’t just stressful—it’s expensive. One of the most important things to do before you go is to get your finances in order. Make sure you’ve budgeted for a deposit on a new apartment, a couple months of expenses, and an emergency stash as you wait for those first new paychecks to come in.
Old friends, new friends
Ten years ago, saying good-bye to friends and colleagues when moving was hard. Now we have Facebook, text message, Skype, and cheap cross-country airfare. So, as hard as it is to leave your best friend behind, know that they’re just a phone call or email away.
One way to ease the pain is to set up a scheduled call with a close friend. In a new city, knowing that you can call home every Thursday afternoon at 5:00pm will be a comfort.
Packing it up
As obnoxious as packing can be, this is also a great time to go through your belongings to decide what you need and what’s weighing you down. Donate extra clothes and furniture to friends, or even better, the Salvation Army. Go through your papers and decide what you need to keep and what to trash.
When you’ve finished sorting through everything, box it up and label—in detail. You don’t want to show up exhausted to your new place and not know which box your sheets are in! If you don’t have a permanent place yet in your new city, put things in storage until you do—no need to move twice.
If you have signed a long-term lease on a new place, decide whether you are going to fly or drive and whether you need to hire movers. For a cross-country move, movers may be necessary but if you’re moving to a city only a couple hours away, consider renting a U-Haul or borrowing a friend’s ca
Finding an apartment
This can be tricky, especially if you don’t know the city that well or it’s particularly far away. But this is also going to be the one place you spend most of your time.
Call around—ask friends who know the area for recommendations and read up on up-and-coming neighborhoods. Most major cities have great local magazines that frequently feature areas of their cities, like New York magazine or LA Weekly.
This is a good time to think about what’s important to you: Do you like to go out? If so, aim for a neighborhood with a young demographic, with a lively bar and restaurant scene. Would you rather have a backyard or do you have a car that needs a garage, or at least space on the street? Consider living in a quieter neighbor closer to the edge of the city, or right outside.
It’s best if you’re able to be in the city while looking for a place. That way when you do find a great place, you’ll feel confident about your decision, knowing the city just a little bit better. If you can, find somewhere temporary while you get your bearings.
If you need to find a permanent place right away, make sure you do it in person, or send a trusted friend in your stead. There’s nothing worse than showing up at your new home and realizing it looked much better in the pictures.
Getting your bearings
The first couple weeks are hard without knowing the area. Where do I get my dry cleaning done? How close is the nearest grocery store? Where can I get my hair cut? Use this time to explore your neighborhood, and then further.
Ask questions! There are resources everywhere: your neighbors, your doorman, the guy that checks your ID at the gym, the barista at your new coffee place. Your new co-workers will be a great source of information as well. Take their advice, and take notes. Then, in a month or two, you’ll be the one with restaurant recommendations and the address of that great cobbler you use.
Existing network
Once you’ve settled in, reach out to your extended social network. Look up old friends and colleagues on Facebook and LinkedIn that are living in your current city. This is a great time (and a great excuse!) to reconnect with these contacts—and, by meeting up with them for drinks or dinner, create another chance to explore your new turf.
Hobbies
It might seem obvious, but join a club or sign up for a class. You’re new in town and you don’t know anyone, so you might as well buck up and try something that you’ve always wanted to do.
Did you ever want to sing in an adult choir or take an art class, but just didn’t have time? Is it time to improve your tennis game or train for a marathon? Interested in volunteering? Maybe thought about a book club or wine group?
Group activities are another great way to connect with your new city, and make new friends along the way. Find a few suggestions in After the 9-5: Education and Classes, or add your own in the comments below!
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/moving-soon-seven-tips-to-help-you-prepare-for-the-big-change-2011-3?op=1#ixzz3K7cY6KaB
MOVING - Tips and Advice Professional Movers
Tips and Advice from Professional Movers
Relocating can be a daunting task. In addition to having to deal with all of the logistical details and potentially stressful situations, you are facing the uncertainty of a new environment. To relieve your anxiety we put together this simple step-by-step timeline guide. Now you can check the items off the list and move into your new situation with confidence and peace of mind.
- Four to Six Weeks before the Move
- Two to Three Weeks before the Move
- One Week before the Move
- Day before the Move
- Day of the Move
- Moving in Day
- After You Settled
- Clean out your closets, cupboards, toy chests, shelves, attic, garage and basement. It is a good idea to discard anything you do not want or need. A rule of thumb is if you did not use something in the last year or two, chances are you do not really need it. Consider having a garage sale, gift unwanted items to friends and neighbors or donate them to charities. You may be able to collect a tax receipt on the value of your donation.
- Arrange to collect any advance or security deposits on utilities or rentals. These could be a nice addition to your tight relocation budget.
- Evaluate whether to ship your appliances and old furniture. Consider how old they are and how well they will fit into your new decor. Make sure you do not bring a gas stove into an electric home. Also, if your refrigerator, washer or dryer will not fit in your new home, consider leaving them behind.
- Make a complete list of items to be moved. Decide which plants will come with you and which will stay behind.
- Use up your food. Frozen foods can not be shipped safely. It is likewise unnecessary to carry a heavy load of canned or packaged foods with you.
- Notify the security company and all other regular service providers such as lawn or snow removal companies of your moving date.
- Notify your post office, subscription publications, and other correspondents of your moving date and provide them with your new address.
- Check your homeowner's insurance and make arrangements to renew your policy. You should contact an insurance company at your destination.
- Check the status of your club memberships. The money you paid in advance may be refunded or you might consider transferring the membership to a friend.
- Consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's travel needs and make the necessary preparations
- Collect the items you lent to your friends such as books and CDs and give back all the items you borrowed. Do not forget to return library books and video rentals.
- Research schools in your new neighborhood and register your children. Make arrangements to transfer all necessary school records.
- Check your checking and savings accounts. Plan for transfer of deposits so you will not lose interest. If needed, your bank or Credit Union can be used as a credit reference.
- Plan your moving date and take into consideration your travel plans and the closing date of your new home.
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- Verify the date of your departure and contact the telephone, electric, gas and water companies to confirm the date to discontinue services. Notify your realtor or landlord. Make arrangements with utility companies at your new location to start services on the date of your arrival. Absence of vital utility service is very uncomfortable and often leads to unnecessary expenses for temporary accommodations and meals.
- Discontinue newspaper delivery, sanitation and any other regular services.
- Make sure to check fitness club, school or gymnasium lockers for stored belongings.
- Ask your friends or your current doctors for referrals in the new location. Transfer medical records and get all necessary prescriptions. If any family members have ongoing medical or dental treatment programs, arrange for prorated payments with professionals in your new area.
- Check the contents of your safety-deposit box. It is advisable to carry all valuables (such as jewelry, insurance policies, legal documents and important collections) with you or send them by insured or certified mail.
- DO NOT SHIP combustible or flammable items such as oil-base paint, bleach, cleaning and lighting fluids, matches, ammunition and aerosol cans, including hair sprays, shaving creams, deodorants and household cleaners.
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- Keep detailed records and receipts of all your moving expenses. In Canada, depending on your situation, Canada Revenue Agency allows you to claim these expenses on your income tax as long as you are moving farther than 40km.
- Drain gas and oil from lawn mowers, chain saws, snow blowers, gas grills and kerosene heaters. If you are shipping cars and motorcycles they should have only a quarter of a tank of gas.
- Prepare a "safety box" for last on and first off the van. Include all essentials from your kitchen and bathroom as well as medications and first-aid supplies. Also, include a set of tools with a hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, nails and screws.
- Prepare your children for the move by encouraging them to prepare their own special treasure box with toys, games and snacks for the trip.
- Defrost and clean your fridge and freezer at least a day before the move.
- Remove snow and ice from sidewalks, driveways and steps.
- Put linens and pillows in dresser drawers to have handy for making up your beds the first night. Place draperies lengthwise on hangers and hang in a closet, the movers will place them in wardrobe cartons.
- Keep your telephone connected throughout your moving day.
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- If you ordered a packing crew, it will usually arrive the day before loading. Make sure to stay at home and supervise the packing. Pack all valuables you want to take with you by yourself.
- Make sure fragile items receive special attention. Label each box with the contents and location in the new home.
- Collect all house keys and arrange to leave them with the new owners, your real estate agent or landlord. You may want to notify the police if your home will be unoccupied for some time.
- Notify a close friend or relative of your itinerary in case of an emergency.
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- Compare the mover's inventory with your records and make sure you agree on the condition of your household goods. You may want to take photographs incase a dispute arises. Make sure you get a copy of the inventory list.
- Give a last minute check to every room and closet before the van leaves. Make sure the water, furnace and air conditioner are shut off, windows are shut and locked, and the lights are switched off.
- Check the Bill of Lading for accuracy and completeness before you sign it. Keep a copy for your records.
- Make sure you have the van driver's name and contact information, and give him contact numbers at the destination. Confirm directions to your new home with your driver.
- Turn off the water heater. Set the thermostat at 15 degrees.
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- Be at your new home before the movers. You may be charged for waiting if you are late.
- Contact utility companies to verify service start dates.
- Check the appliances, furnace and hot-water heater. Contact a repair service if something is not working.
- Place a floor plan of your new home by the entrance, so the movers know where to place each piece of furniture.
- Check the condition of each box or household item as it is unloaded. Make a list of all missing or damaged items on the mover's copy of the inventory form. Since you will do most of the unpacking after the movers leave, it is a good idea to make a "subject to inspection for loss or concealed damage" note on the inventory form. By signing the inventory sheet, you are acknowledging receipt of all items listed. Personally report any loss or damage to your salesperson or move coordinator.
- To prevent possible damage, television sets, other electronic equipment and major appliances should not be used before they have a chance to adjust to room temperature.
- Call Canada Post to find out if they are holding any mail for you and ask the services to start.
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- Obtain necessary IDs such as driver's license, health card, etc.
- Register your car at the new address. Most provinces allow 90 days grace period.
- Contact newspapers and other services for home delivery.
- Walk in your neighborhood to get a good idea what is around and where to find things.
- Check opening and closing hours of stores and service facilities.
- Make friends with your neighbors.
- Consult an attorney about any local laws that might be different from your previous residence. These will affect your family as soon as your new residence is established.
- Register to vote.
Moving - 19 TIPS FOR RELOCATING
I just so happen to know a good number of people who are moving now so I thought it would be good to cover some tips for relocating to a new town. Most of these tips will also work if you are just moving across town.
One of my worst moves of all-time was when I was moving to a new apartment right around the corner from where I was living. I thought it would be the easiest move EVER because it was just around the corner so I didn’t pack things as I should. I also drug the whole process out far too long by moving over the course of a few days, instead of just busting it out over a day or afternoon. So, needless to say, now I always pack like I’m moving across the country even if it’s just across town.
Bust it out. Get it done.
Here are 19 tips for relocating across the country (or across town) for pennies:
1. Ask for Assistance
If you are moving due to a job change, be sure to ask your new employer if they offer any type of relocation assistance to help you cover costs of the move and resettlement into a new place. They just might so you don’t want to leave any funds, or help on the table.
2. Hoard Packing Materials
Every time you visit the grocery store ask customer service for any heavy-duty boxes they still have after restocking their shelves. The liquor store is also a good place to get boxes that are segregated which makes packing glasses and knick-knacks much easier. Collect other materials like newspaper and bubble wrap from family and friends to prevent having to spend money on those types of packing materials. Old blankets are a great way to protect the furniture that’s going with you.
3. Start a Packing Timeline
If you are not in a rush, start a few weeks early by writing down a plan of attack. The less stress you have trying to get and stay organized, the less money you’ll spend purely out of convenience.
4. Keep a “Hold All” Box
Keep one larger box or a plastic tub to the side where you will keep all of your must-have items such as packing tape, pens, markers, scissors, paper, important documents, medicines, toiletries, and anything you’ll need until the minute you leave home. This will prevent having to buy new stuff every time you pack away or lose things you need. Keep this box with you at all times so you can get access to these important items when you reach your destination.
5. Keep an “Open First” Box
This is like the Hold All packing box, but not unlike the above box where your priority items are this box will hold what should be considered your 2nd on the list priority items. Give some thought to what items you’ll need (or want) to have right when you get to your new home. Maybe you’ll want to include things like the coffee maker, coffee cups, toilet paper, towels, and toys to keep the kids busy.
6. Label All Boxes
It can be really easy to skip this step or to just do it sloppily. Some people would actually rather go out and buy new items instead of searching through yet another box for something they need. Nip unnecessary spending in the bud by marking each box with a permanent marker noting what room it belongs in with a brief list of what’s inside. Try to avoid my technique that usually comes out at the end of the packing experience where I throw stuff into the boxes and just label them all MISCELLANEOUS…;)
7. Clean as You Go
When you pack up an area, give it a good cleaning immediately after the space has been cleared. This will keep things efficient and prevent you from having to hire cleaners to do your entire residence when you are sick of the moving process. Cleaning will also be beneficial if you rent and are counting on a security deposit refund.
8. Ditch the Junk
Keep a JUNK and GARAGE SALE box close by. While you’re boxing up your keepers, you’ll easily be able to toss your junk and garage sale items into their proper boxes. Moving is a great chance to clear out the stuff that finds a way to accumulate over the years. Plus, you’ll spend more money if you have to move boxes of stuff you don’t even want anymore. Sell anything that is still in good shape by having a moving sale when you near the end of your packing process.
When you make your donation to the thrift store be sure to get a donation receipt because that will come in handy when tax time rolls around.
9. Be a Sell Out
It may benefit you financially to move across the country as light as possible. Consider the cost difference between hiring a large moving truck to haul your large items versus the cost of buying new stuff when you get to your destination. What you discover may surprise you (or it may not)!
10. Check Out Storage Options
For any family heirlooms or pieces you may want back at some point, consider renting a low-cost storage unit to house your items until you can have them set to your new place of residence and cheaper option is to consider asking trusted friends or family to house your treasures in their homes until you can arrange for transportation. If you do decide to go with the storage unit be sure that you don’t forget about it and continue to rack up $50 + a month in fees. (Check out this post for more on the subject: Do You Have Too Much Crap? Money Wasted on Self-Storage)
11. Get Several Quotes on Moving Companies
If you decide to have a moving company move your stuff be sure you get multiple estimates and quotes before making a decision. You want affordability, of course, but you also want reliability.
12. Pack It Yourself
Moving companies will provide you with a moving team, a truck and a driver all you have to do it pack up the truck yourself and they’ll drive it across the country.
13. Be Truck Smart
If you plan to rent your own moving truck and haul your stuff across country on your own, make sure to only reserve the truck size you need. It can be bad to underestimate the space you’ll need in the truck but it will cost you a lot of extra money (in gas and truck rental fees) if you book a truck that is too large.
14. Pack Strategically
It can be tempting to just fling your boxes inside the truck. Give yourself enough time to ensure you pack strategically using every ounce of space in the most logical way. This way you will be able to make sure everything fits and that it will be protected along the journey.
15. Seek Out Hotel Deals
When you have to travel a long distance and plan to do it on the road, you’ll need to consider stopping to rest. You can find valuable coupons in the books available for free at state welcome centers. Look for coupons for hotel deals and restaurants along the way and online before you leave.
16. Reach Out to Friends
If you have friends and family along the travel route, ask them if you can borrow their couch for a night rather than spending your money on hotel lodging. Plan out your travel time so you can leave some extra time to hang out with friends and family you haven’t seen in a while.
17. Camp Along the Way
If the weather is nice and you don’t have any friends or family along your route, consider camping out instead of staying at a hotel. Pick a campground that has showers and you’ll be set for another day of traveling.
18. Pack a Cooler
Depending on the room available in your vehicle you can save a good amount of cash if you pack your own snacks and drinks for the morning and afternoon. Then, only stop for dinner.
19. Don’t Buy Until Settled In
When you make it to your new home, give yourself time to unwind and unpack. Don’t rush out to the store to buy what you think you need. Give yourself time to sort through your stuff and get set up, keeping a list of ideas along the way. If you rush off to the store the 1st week you’re in town it will likely lead to overspending, especially on things that you don’t really need. The only store you need to hit in the first few weeks is the grocery store.
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