Moving Doesn't Have To Cause Stress

Summer is moving season, and that can lead to stress. Kelli Grant, Sr. Consumer Reporter for SmartMoney.com, has some advice for making your move as stress free as possible.

Moving can be a pricey prospect. "It can be hundreds of dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on how much stuff you're moving and where it's going," says Grant. "Make sure you get estimates from at least three moving companies." She suggests checking www.CityMove.com. Here, moving companies bid on your business, which gives you an accurate idea of how much a move will cost.

While estimates are good, it's also important to have companies come to your home to do an in-person bid. No two jobs are alike; a two-bedroom house may be stuffed to the brim or barely furnished, which can make a difference in the price. An in-person visit eliminates surprise charges on moving day.

Also, use common sense. If a price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Check into a company's reputation before you hire them. This way, you can avoid being scammed or ripped off. "Check with the Better Business Bureau, Yelp.com for these consumer reviews and check the reputation there," says Grant. "You also want to be looking at your state's Public Service Commission to just make sure that they have a good standing."

You'll also need to weed through your belongings before moving day. Throw out, sell or donate anything you don't necessarily need or want. If you're having trouble eliminating excess, keep in mind that you're going to be charged for the weight of the items moved and/or by the hour. The more household goods you're moving, the more it will cost. In these tough times, most folks can't afford extra expenses, so use your wallet as a motivator to eliminate unnecessary belongings.

You can also save some cash by doing some of the packing yourself. If you have fragile or odd-shaped items, such as a prized vase or a tall floor lamp, bubble wrap or box them yourself. By taking care of knick-knacks or breaking down bed frames, you're saving the movers time and energy - and that saves you money.

Finally, prepare for the worst and be sure your belongings are protected. "Before you move, you want to be talking to your homeowners insurance agency because a lot of policies will cover your belongings in transit," says Grant. "If they don't, then and only then do you want to look at the coverage the movers offer." The problem with mover's policies, though, is that they often don't look at how much an item is worth; instead, they look at how much it weighs. So, your ultra-slim flat screen television may have cost you $5,000, but because it's light weight, you'll only be reimbersed for a fraction of that if it's damaged en route. "They're not a great option, but it's better than nothing if your homeowner's [policy] does not cover you," says Grant.

For more information on moving, as well as additional personal financial advice, click here to visit www.SmartMoney.com.

By Erin Petrun