Moving Soon? Save Money With Moving Coupons that Really Work

Moving is a stressful time. It is not only stressful, but it can also be expensive. Finding companies to move you, or a company that you can trust with your precious belongings without breaking the bank can be a long process.

Whether you are moving across country or just across town the prospect of moving can be daunting to say the least. To help you on your way I have rounded up some of the best deals around, as well as a few moving tips to help your move go a little bit smoother. Since I recently moved myself I can tell you that these coupons really work.

Moving Companies

If you are looking for a total move, you will want to look for a company that is bonded and well insured. Companies like Bekins Van Lines and United Van Lines have been trusted with people’s belongings for years and have built a reputation of trust and reliability. These services offer packing and unpacking services, provide materials for a do it yourself pack, and even offer moving tips to help your change go smoothly.

Bekins Van Lines: Currently offering a “Middle of the School Year” offer of $150 off your move. Go to their website to cash in on their offer at www.bekins.com.

United Van Lines: United Van Lines has a “Special Offers” page that helps you with savings on a variety of services you may need for your move. They have coupons and offers from major retailers who have teamed together to make your move easier. You can find deals on appliance disposal from Lowes, new T.V. services from Direct TV, home security services from ADT, and specials from home décor companies like Bed, Bath & Beyond just to name a few.  You can access this page at http://www.unitedvanlines.com/moving-services/offers.

Do-It-Yourself Moving

If you plan on moving yourself you will need a moving truck and supplies. Popular moving truck companies that are known for their quality of service are Penske, Ryder, U-Haul, and Budget. These companies often offer one way options and a variety of special offers to help discount the prices of their trucks.

Penske: Penske has a discount page with a variety of offers, much like the full-service Van Line companies. Their current offer is unlimited miles or 20% off one-way moves. You can access these savings at  http://www.pensketruckrental.com/discounts/.

Ryder: With Ryder you can save 25% with an online truck rental or get 100 free miles by using the following coupon codes:

Save 25% use code: YPFPC

100 free miles use code: ESAT

U-Haul: U-Haul Is currently offering a weekend special. Pick up on certain days and save when booking online.

Coupon code: MVG12
for 15% off Fri - Sat pick-ups
Coupon code: MVG13
for 20% off Sun - Thu pick-ups

Budget: Budget Rentals is by far the score on coupons for moving truck rentals this month.

Coupon code: 56000163859
25% off Truck Rental

Coupon Code: 56000058459
AARP Members Save 20%

Coupon Code: ADV20
20% off base rate for one way and local moves

Deal of the day! 40% off of selected one-way moves go to: budgetpromotioncode.com to see if your move qualifies.

Portable Self Storage

Pods units are becoming more popular all the time as a way to move across town or across the country. The portable buildings you see sitting in parking lots and people’s driveways are great because you can pack and unpack on your own schedule. Just call one of the many companies offering these units and they’ll deliver a Pod to your driveway or wherever you need one. Then you can pack it when you get a chance and call them when you’re done. Then the company delivers it to your new location and you unpack it at your leisure.

There are a few Pods coupons available online but the best one is at easystoragesearch.com. Use the promo code to save 5% off renting a Pods storage unit.

Coupon Code: R101
5% off base rate for one way and local moves

Supplies

Finally, many of the trucking companies mentioned here offer supplies for sale for your move. But in addition to going to their websites, here are a few more offers to help you get the most for your moving dollar!

www.CheapMovingBoxes.com has everything you will need to move from blankets to tape. They offer free shipping on orders above $35 and most orders are delivered in 1-2 days.  They also offer buy back on all unused boxes, as well as, a 90 day no hassle return policy.

www.UBoxes.com is offer a break on dinner. With all orders of $50.00 or more you will receive a $25.00 restaurant gift card. Simply use promo code REST12. Other u Boxes savings:

Coupon Code: HEAVY
15% off orders $75.00 or more

Coupon Code: CLICK HERE TO CLAIM
15% off instantly of moving boxes and kits

www.EcoSmartBoxes.Com offers free shipping on all orders with a delivery time of 1 to 2 days. They also offer no tax in most states. Other offers from eco smart are:

Coupon Code: BOXKIT
15% off Bargain Hunting Moving Boxes Kit #1

Coupon Code: BOXKIT3
$26.95 off Bedroom Frugal Moving Boxes Kit #3

Movers vs. Brokers

Know who you’re dealing with: Movers vs. Brokers

It’s important that when you choose your mover, you understand who you’re dealing with.  Is the company that you’re working with the actual mover?  Are they the people who are going to load your goods and move them, or are they front men for a series of companies that do that? There are a lot of middle men involved in the business, and when you have middle men involved, there’s often an additional charge.  There’s also another layer of distance between you and the ultimate service provider, so that can get a little bit tricky. I would recommend that you go direct to the mover. Make sure that you know who you’re doing business with.

What is a moving broker?

A moving broker is definitely not a mover. Brokers do not have the operational and logistic capabilities moving companies have. They do not have moving trucks, professional movers, proper moving equipment, and in a lot of cases not much moving experience. Moving brokers are sales teams that book your move and sell it to an actual moving company.

Sometimes the broker is not able to sell the job for various reasons - low estimates, availability, resources and the list goes on - in this case you can get stuck without a mover on the day of your move. Many moving brokers operate from call centers located anywhere in the country.

When you book your move make sure to ask the company to conduct the move whether they are an actual moving company or broker. For example, ABC Moving is a local moving company with an office (and supervisors) close to you that can assist with any problems or concerns that may arise during t

To ensure this, confirm that the company uses their own crews and trucks to pick up your shipment.

What could go wrong with using a Broker?

There are several things that could go wrong with using a Broker:

• They may book a mover for you who is not licensed.
• They may give you a low estimate only to have the actual moving company charge you something higher.
• They may not have much actual moving experience and may not be able to answer your moving related questions.
• They may not be able to find a mover for you and won’t tell you this, letting you think you have a mover booked for your move.

If you opt for moving broker follow this checklist 

https://www.protectyourmove.gov/consumer/awareness/protect/broker-vs-mover.aspx

What You Need To Know When Renting a Storage Unit

At some point in our lives or another, many of us need the use of a self-storage unit.  Whether it is for general storage, moving, downsizing, or even college, using a self-storage unit remains a viable alternative for those of us with basically too many things.

Though, if you have never used a self-storage unit before, the process of finding one may become overwhelming.  For example: What is Climate Control, and why would you need it?  What should you bring with you on the day that you plan to store your belongings?  Will your storage unit end up on the TV show Storage Wars? If these types of questions have crossed your mind when you thought about renting a storage unit – here are a few tips that will guide you through the processes of renting that self-storage unit.

Where to Start?
If you do not already have a Self-Storage Company in mind, you can start by using websites such as Google, SpareFoot, or even the Yellow Pages.  Many of your local Self-Storage Companies offer promotions, deals, as well as many discounts on their storage units.  So do some research on the various storage companies in your area, in the long run it will save you money.

What is Climate Control?
There are many Self-Storage Companies that now offer Climate Control Units; it is becoming very important to understand exactly what Climate Control is and just how it may help you.  The most basic form of climate control guarantees that the unit that you rent will stay with a certain temperature range.  The temperature range is often between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.   There are many self-storage companies that offer humidity control as well as climate control, make sure to ask if you are still unsure if they offer either of these benefits.

If you are planning on storing things such as wood, wine, leather furniture, art work which are temperature sensitive items. Extreme highs or lows in temperature changes can affect the quality of these possessions.

Security
Before you commit to a self-storage company, walk around the premises and ask about their electronic security measures.  Check to see if there are security cameras and gate access.

Locks
In most cases, Self-Storage Companies require you to purchase and use your own lock.  So ensure that you have one when you are ready to move your belongings in.  Keep in mind that standard or combination locks can be easily picked and broken into, stick with the closed shackled padlock, cylinder lock or disc lock.  

Storage Pods - How They Work and What They Cost

Stuff. We all have it – in fact, most of us have far too much – and from time to time, many of us need for our stuff to be somewhere other than where it currently resides.

When we’re getting a new home, we need to move it permanently, perhaps from one corner of the country to the opposite one or maybe only a few blocks from where we live now. Sometimes we just want to shove it aside temporarily while we complete home repairs or renovations, and sometimes we simply have no space to house belongings that we’re not quite ready to part with. Whatever the circumstances, when the need arises to displace or transport a fair amount of stuff, portable storage containers, often called pods, might be the right solution.

The difference between portable storage units and traditional self-storage facilities can be found in the name – they’re portable. Rather than putting your possessions into a unit at a fixed-site storage facility and securing them inside, a storage pod is delivered to your home or business and left there. Once you have finished loading your belongings into the unit, it can be left on your property until you no longer need it or picked up again and either stored at the company’s facility or moved to the location of your choice.

Storage pods are particularly useful for people who need to clear a room or two while they are doing major home renovations such as putting in new flooring or doing structural work. Rather than crowding furniture and household items into other rooms where they will be in the way for perhaps weeks or months, they can be temporarily stored in a pod placed on the homeowner’s property. This is especially convenient if there are items you might want to access during the renovation period; simply keep that possibility in mind when you pack the unit and make sure those items are within arm’s reach. Of course you’ll want to secure the unit with a good lock even though it is on your own property.

If you don’t want a portable pod in your driveway for an extended period, some companies offer the option of off-site facilities where your unit can be stored for an additional monthly fee. Look for an indoor, climate-controlled warehouse, preferably with a good surveillance system and the ability to access your unit if you want to retrieve something or add more items.

Pods can also be a handy way to transport your belongings when you’re moving to a new home. They are less expensive than a full-service moving company, and you can rent only the number of units you need, which is especially advantageous for those with fewer possessions. Again, the pods are delivered to your home and left there, and since they typically are rented by the month, you can pack them at your leisure rather than being confined to the several-hour window imposed by professional movers or rental trucks that you drive yourself. Because the units are placed at ground level, there’s no need to haul heavy furniture up and down a sometimes-precarious ramp, and you don’t have to maneuver a large truck because when you’re ready to move, the storage company picks up the units and transports them to your new location. And if you plan and pack carefully, when you reach your new home, you can unload and organize one room at a time, again taking several days or even weeks to complete the process.

One advantage professional movers hold over portable units is that they provide muscle – a team of experienced people who have the brawn, equipment and know-how to get your furniture and even breakables from one location to another efficiently and usually intact. While your pod provider will take care of the transportation, you’ll be responsible for loading and unloading your furniture and other belongings.

If a temporary storage unit sounds right for you, here are a few things to consider:

·         Size. Containers typically are available in 7-foot, 12-foot and 16-foot sizes, said to be appropriate for one room, two to three rooms, and three to four rooms respectively.

·         Material. Units might be constructed of steel, wood, aluminum, vinyl or a combination.

·         Cost. While companies attempt to be competitive, costs do vary, so check around before you make a selection.

·         Extra charges. If you are considering using a storage pod for a few weeks while doing home renovations, you’ll pay a monthly rental fee as well as a fee for initial delivery of the unit, but be aware that there is an additional charge for final pick-up when you are finished with the pod. If you’re moving to a new home, there probably will be extra transportation or fuel charges, so be sure you know exactly how much you’ll be paying – and for what – before you pull the trigger.

·         One more caveat: before you call or go online to rent a pod or two, check the zoning regulations for your city and neighborhood. Some impose restrictions on where portable storage units can be placed and how long they can remain on your property. If you’re moving, of course you should check regulations at both your current location and your new home.

To provide an idea of what’s available, we comparison-shopped the leading national companies using the example of one 16x8x8-foot container leased for one month in a mid-sized community in the Northeastern United States. Based on information available at the time of this writing, here is a little of what we learned:

PODS (use promo code to save 5%)

·         For home use only:

o   Rental fee of $159.95 per month

o   Initial delivery fee of $87.95

o   Final pick-up fee of $87.95

·         For storage at one of the company’s secure facilities:

o   Rental fee of $179.95 per month

o   Initial delivery fee of $109.95

o   Redelivery and final pick-up fee of $109.95

o   On-site access to unit available with 24-hours advance notice

PACK-RAT

·         For home use only:

o   Rental fee of $154.95 per month

o   Initial delivery fee of $79.95 per month

o   Final pick-up fee of $79.95 per month

·         For storage at one of the company’s secure facilities:

o   Rental fee of $174.95 per month

o   Initial delivery fee of $79.95

o   Move-in fee of $60

o   Redelivery fee of $60

o   Final pick-up fee of $79.95

o   On-site access to unit available with 48-hours advance notice

Other companies operate on a more limited basis. For example, Door to Door offers services in fewer than 25 markets and on-site storage in only four California cities plus Seattle. In addition, larger units are not available, nor are immediate online quotes. U-Pack specializes in long distance moving and has limited storage capabilities to help customers as they are transitioning to a new home, but offers similar services in terms of delivering, retrieving and transporting smaller portable units that customers pack themselves.

The bottom line? Portable storage units are a cost-effective option for temporarily storing belongings during home renovations, for longer-term, off-site storage of seldom-needed items, and for moving a couple of rooms of furniture from one home to another. However, if you’re moving the contents of a four-bedroom house from Connecticut to California, the time commitment and physical labor involved might outweigh any cost savings. 

5 Tips for FSBO Homeowners Still Trying to Sell Their Homes

Selling your home by yourself can be a difficult endeavor to undertake, and it isn't one that many people opt to do the majority of the time. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) only 13% of homeowners opt to go the FSBO route annually in the U.S. By cutting out the realtor you can save a lot of money, but selling your home by yourself will have a lot of work involved! The following tips really can make a huge difference in selling your home by yourself. 

1. Hold Open Houses with Refreshments 

Selling your home by yourself always involves interacting with lots of strangers, so you might as well try to consolidate the social expenditure by holding open houses frequently. Offering beverages (preferably clear liquids) and small snacks like cookies, help people associate a positive memory with your home.   

2. Let Everyone Know Your are Selling Your Home by Yourself 

According the NAR around 45% of FSBO sales were between two parties that knew each other. If you are selling your home let everyone around you know. Put up statuses on social media, post fliers at work, and tell everyone you run into to make sure if anyone is in the market for home, they may consider buying your home.  

3. De-clutter the House with Self Storage 

One of the best things you can do is keep your house as empty and clean as possible when you are selling your home by yourself. This allows the buyers to envision what they could do with the space. You can utilize self storage to stow away anything you don't need at the moment. Also, throw away, donate or sell any items that you don't plan on moving to your next home before potential buyers start seeing your home. 

4. Professional Photos 

If you look at online home listing sites like realtor.com, you'll notice that a lot of pictures are of low quality, if there is even a picture at all. Modern media has made it so people are very used to accessing images to what they want to see, when they want to see it. Even in the olden days of real estate, it was common to at least have on picture of homes for sale. 

Hiring a professional photographer to get high quality images to put on our fliers and online listings really can make a huge difference when it comes to selling your home by yourself. A picture taken with an iPhone looks a lot less appealing than a picture taken by a professional photographer. Usually this service will run for only around 50-100 dollars, so consider making the investment for your FSBO process. 

5. Make all Minor Repairs 

Loose knobs, hanging cabinets, broken screens, burnt out light bulbs and tiny little repairs really can be an eye sore. What is worse is that they can knock off thousands of dollars when your buyer makes an offer. Make sure that before you show your home you make any minor repairs that you can. People tend to remember more readily what was wrong with a place rather than what they like about it, so make sure they don't remember your home for something like the light bulb being burnt out in the basement.  

Calling all renters! Manage your bills with these 3 apps

Remembering to pay your bills is a thing of the past with new smart phone apps. Using these three apps (that are available for Android and Apple) you'll never have to worry about managing your bills again. Budget, pay bills and pay rent automatically all from your smart phone.

1) Budgeting App

The Level Money is a simple app that allows you track your income and bills, so you know how much spending money you have available. You can track how much you spend every week, so you can know when you are going over or under budget.

• Level Money for Apple 
• Level Money for Android 

2) Rent Payment App

This simple app lets you automatically pay rent to your landlord. All you have to do is sync it to your bank account, and it will pay your rent on the same day every month.

• RentPayment Mobile for Apple and Android 

3) Automated Bill Payer

These two apps allow you to set up your bank account to pay all of your bills. Utilities, cell, rent, student loans, credit cards, etc., can all be easily paid using these apps.

• Pay Any Bill from Apple 
• Pay Bills from Android

Do you have any apps you use to manage paying your bills? Let us know with a comment below! 

10 Quotes about Moving

Moving is a time when we experience a wide variety of emotions ranging from excitement to fear to indifference. We chose a wide variety of quotes to cover the many emotions of quotes that most people experience when setting out to move. If you find yourself feeling down about moving, re-visit these quotes to inspire you about your move. Ultimately moving is a wonderful (if stressful) part of life that opens up a whole new realm of possibilities, so let yourself get caught up in the excitement of a new beginning. Without further ado, here are our quotes about moving! 

We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.

-Walt Disney

“When I was a kid my parents moved a lot, but I always found them.” 

-Rodney Dangerfield

"If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward." 

-Martin Luther King Junior 

"Here's to the future, because i'm done with the past." 

-Unknown 

 "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." 

-Albert Einstein 

Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit.

-Conrad Hilton

Ultimately we know deeply that the other side of every fear is freedom.

-Marilyn Ferguson

Courage is never to let your actions be influenced by your fears.

-Arthur Koestler

The secret to a rich life is to have more beginnings than endings.

 -Dave Weinbaum

The beginning is the most important part of the work. 

-Plato