If you've recently found yourself needing to move across the country for work, you likely have encountered some anxiety with all the planning that goes into such a monumental task. Moving anywhere is a hassle, but moving thousands of miles can seem downright overwhelming and expensive. However, with a few relatively simple actions beforehand, you can make a big, cross-country move feel a little less stressful. Use the following tips to improve your long distance moving experience and save money:
1. Visit your new home beforehand
If at all possible, visit your new place before you move in -- you might be able to do this during a trip out to work out some things with your new employer, but this can also just be a trip to make sure you've found the right home for you and to get familiar with the area. Bring an inventory of what's in each room in your current home, especially large furniture, and a measuring tape. As you look at each room in your new home, make sure that there will be ample space for all of your things (there's nothing worse than hauling a sleeper-sofa across the country only to find out that you don't have room for it). You can have a yard sale for, donate, or give away to friends anything that you don't have room for.
2. Talk with your new employer about relocation
Oftentimes companies will contribute to a new employee's move from far away, sometimes even picking up the whole tab. Talk with your new employer about what options the company may offer to help you relocate to take the job.
3. Move during off-peak times
If you have any control over the timing of your move, choosing to move during a less-popular time of month or year can make moving more affordable and make it easier to find a mover. Most people wait until the end of the week, month, or warm-weather months to move. If at all possible, plan to move during a colder time of year, in the middle of the week, and early in the month, to take advantage of better rates.
4. Plan, plan, plan
One of the most expensive and stressful things about a long-distance move is the trip itself. Things like meals on the road, hotel rooms, and gas can all add up. Mapping out your exact route beforehand will save you the headache of getting lost and help you save money in a couple different ways. To save on gas, there are websites that direct you to the cheapest gas stations along your route. Also, try to fill up in bigger cities and towns, as middle-of-nowhere gas stations tend to be more expensive.
If your trip will take more than a day, look to alternatives to traditional hotels like vacation rental and bed-and-breakfast sites or, if you're feeling especially thrifty and adventurous, bring a sleeping bag and tent and find a campsite along your route. Another way to save money -- instead of spending extra dough at a fast-food drive-thru for every meal, pack your own sandwiches, drinks, and other foodstuffs.
5. Save on your taxes
One of the biggest advantages of making a cross-country move because of work is that you're likely to qualify for tax breaks on the move because it's considered a business expense of a sort. Many of your expenses from the move -- hotel rooms, moving company costs, and other travel expenses -- are generally eligible for tax deductions when you move long distance for a job.
Relocating for work is a big step, but you can save time and stress by following these tips. Contact a long distance moving company today or check out websites like http://www.wheatonworldwide.com to find out more.
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