Whether you have recently graduated from college or are a professional in the middle of your career, raising your roots and moving to another state brings several headaches. Is it better to hire a moving company or rent a truck? How will you secure your belongings during the transfer? What expenses will your new employer cover? Before taking out the boxes and packing tape, consider these 6 ways to simplify the moving process.
You better contact an expert on this area, here at Five Star Removals we can offer the assistance you need related to fixed price conveyancing in Melbourne provided by the leading office removalists in Adelaide.
- Make a budget and start saving
Shipping, fuel, hotel and insurance costs accumulate quickly. Add rental guarantee deposits and hire services in your new home and it will be clear that moving requires several upfront expenses that can drain your bank account. Making a budget and a savings plan to cover costs will help smooth the transition, but don’t rely on your old home’s security deposit to cover those costs. Sometimes it takes weeks or even longer for a landlord to refund your security deposit (check your rental agreement to make sure).
Your budget planning should not be finished when you arrive at your destination. The cost of living varies from region to region, and your current salary may not allow you to give yourself the same luxuries after the move. Use a life cost calculator to determine how far your current salary will take you in specific cities across the country and decide whether moving to another state is a smart tax idea.
- See what your employer will cover
Some companies cover transfer costs, but it is important to know exactly what they include in that concept. Your employer may reimburse you for the costs of shipping services, packing services, transportation and travel expenses associated with finding your new home, if you are moving specifically to take up the job. Negotiate during the hiring process and ask if your employer will cover other costs such as loan cancellation fees, real estate agent assistance, temporary accommodation and storage.
- Decide what you are going to move
Is it really worth moving a ten-year-old armchair that weighs 100 pounds and an old TV? Evaluate everything you own (especially bulky furniture and electronics) and determine if it would make no sense to sell the items before moving in and reinvesting your earnings into replacements once you arrive at your destination. Do not forget to consider what you could save in time, money and energy by not moving these heavy items. If you can’t afford to buy new furniture, consider looking for used items on websites that sell furniture online, use your moving truck to transport your findings.
- Get a refund in the next tax season
If you are moving for work and your move meets certain distance and time requirements, you can deduct the related expenses in the next tax payment season. Just make sure you keep receipts.
- Plan to have to pay state taxes for part of the year
While deducting expenses on your federal tax return at the time of filing, keep in mind that you may have to file two separate state tax returns when you move out of state. If you generated income in two different states during the fiscal year (unless you move to or from a state that does not charge individual income tax, you will have to file a statement in each state to cover the time you lived there.
- Research moving companies, truck rentals and shipping companies
Look for a good company that that will yourself and the company you transport. Although each service has its own advantages, prices can vary significantly:
Professional moving companies:
If you choose the full service, the company staff will pack, load, transport and unpack all your belongings, so all you have to do is tell them where to put the chair. Many people choose to pack everything themselves to save money and make sure they are handled properly.
Estimating the costs of a professional moving service is not as easy as entering a website. Moving companies like United Van Lines send an expert to your home to evaluate your objects and give you a budget. Unlike moving trucks and shipping services, moving companies often do not consider miles but the weight of cargo. Professional moving companies can be expensive, but their services will allow you to focus on other urgent issues of moving.
Truck rental companies:
Renting a moving truck is not for anyone. You have to feel comfortable driving a large vehicle without a rear-view mirror (and using the side mirrors), and you need to be aware of the additional length and width of the vehicle when changing lanes and manoeuvring through narrow streets. Most truck rental companies do not offer any training on how to drive a large truck, so people who do so for the first time may need time to adapt. Normally the only requirements to rent a moving truck are that the driver is 25 years old or older and has a valid driver’s license.
Truck rental companies usually base their rates on the size of the truck (measured in lengths between 10 feet and 26 feet), travel distance, days of use and insurance. Additional items such as carts for appliances (approx. $ 10 for two) and furniture protectors (approx. $ 10 for a dozen) are optional. Be sure to evaluate the size of the truck compared to your belongings so as not to pay for space you don’t need. Many rental trucks come with a crane so you can hook your car and take it with you. Do notforgettotakeintoaccount fuel costs.
Regardless of your decision you will need a team of responsible people that is committed to the task of delivering your goods to your new place without any trouble. Here at Five Star Removals we protect your belongings.