For some people, moving will seem like a breeze. For others, it will feel overwhelming because of the numerous things to keep track of. Don’t hit the panic button just yet. Here we will walk you through what you need to do to successfully (and quickly) transfer your utility bills.

1. Create a List of Utility Services

Make a list of the utility services you use, alongside the provider information and account details. Create an excel spreadsheet for this information. Keep the information on the spreadsheet clear and concise. Note each time you contact the company and why.

Some regular providers will form the core of your list including water, television, internet, telephone, gas, electricity, mail, home security, and waste removal.  

2. Decide a Cut-off Date

Depending on whether new homeowners will move in as soon as you vacate your old home or not, you may choose to have your disconnection date scheduled for a day or two after you are expected to move out.

Giving yourself a day or two window is wise in case something happens and your move is delayed slightly. This will mean that at least you’ll be able to use the lights and water.

3. Contact Providers

Once you have decided your disconnection date, give yourself a month to notify each provider of your moving plans. Some will only require a telephone call while others may need confirmation in writing.

Providers will send you a final invoice, so keep an updated note of when this arrives on your spreadsheet. If, for any reason, the final invoice does not come before your move date, remember to contact the provider and give them your new address. This will save you from any unfortunate late fees or credit issues.

4. Take Final Meter Readings

This is one step some customers forget, and it is harder to resolve once you have moved. Write down on your excel spreadsheet your final meter readings. Also take a photo of the meter, to combat any potential discrepancies down the line.

Request a final email or letter stating that the account has been cleared and is now closed. Keep this for your future records. If moving within the same state, ask your current provider if they offer services in your new zip code area.

5. Forward Your Mail

The fastest and easiest way to change your mailing address is to visit USPS online. There is a $1 charge, and you will receive confirmation via email almost immediately. Or, drop in at your local post office and handle it in person. Just complete and return a form to change your address. Confirmation will take a minimum of five days and will be sent to your new address.  

6. Find Service Providers for Your New Location

If you are moving into a shared property or an apartment, the landlord or realtor will have service providers’ information. For those moving into a house, contact the local electricity distribution company. Or, check here.  

Take the opportunity to meet your neighbors and ask them who provides the services to their home. You never know, their provider may have a ‘refer a friend’ style deal which you can take advantage of.

Stay Organized

One of the most important things to be aware of when moving is that you will have many things happening at once. From packing up boxes to organizing the movers and even forwarding your mail. The easiest way to stay calm and relaxed during this busy time is by keeping clear notes and staying organized.

Need help with your relocation? Contact us at Browning Moving & Storage. We can help you make the move.

So you’ve got to make a move. Maybe it has to do with work, perhaps it’s the kids, or even just wanting a new spin on the neighborhood feel. Whatever the case, you really are looking forward to moving out and living someplace new.

Sounds great and all except that you didn’t really factor in the long distance moving companies rates.

Of course, the further you move, the more it’s going to cost you; that much is obvious. But what else goes into the long haul, and how does it compare to the shorter journeys?

Well, you’re about to find out all about it.

All About Long Distance Moving Companies Rates

The cost of long distance movers consists of various things that you need to consider before you sign on with a company. Read on to find out more.

How Long is Long?

The first thing you need to know is how long a trip has to be to be considered a long one. The length of a long trip can vary from mover to mover, but in general, if your trip is anywhere under 400 miles, it is considered a short trip.

More likely than not, your trip won’t be that long, but in any case, it’s a good idea to make sure you know the distance you plan to travel to be sure.

How Much Are You Taking?

Another critical factor is how much you’re hauling to the other side. Even if you aren’t traveling 1,000 miles, if you carry boatloads of stuff, you will be charged as if you are.

This makes sense, of course: if you carry a lot of items, the company has to use a lot of resources to move them – and someone has to pay for all the costs.

Think about what you do (and don’t) need to take with you before you start packing. You might just find that it’ll save you a pretty penny.

How Much Does It Weigh?

Let’s say that you aren’t going far and you aren’t carrying many items. Sounds good, but how much do your items weigh? Most people don’t tend to have a bunch of really heavy items just lying around, but if that’s your case, expect the company to charge you the long haul cost.

Again, this makes sense because the movers have to use heavy-duty trucks to move your heavy duty stuff. That’s a lot of machinery and fuel that has to be taken into account.

Knowing these factors, it’s best for you to go back and check your inventory so you can be prepared to pay for the short – or the long – haul.

We Can Get You Moving

Now that you know how the considerations for calculating a long distance moving companies rates, you need to know who you can count on to move your items for the best price. That’s where we come in.

At Browning Moving, we make sure to give our customers the best we have to offer in the moving business for a great price. We offer packing and unpacking services, as well as storage and auto transport for local, long distance, and commercial moving.

Relocating to a new home and hoping to start fresh? Sort through all of your old belongings first so that you take only what you need. Not only will this save you valuable time later, but it may also save you money.

One person’s trash may be another person’s treasure. So, before you reach for that trash bag be sure to check out our top tips for donating items.

Sell Unwanted Clothes Online

A few extra dollars in your pocket may come in handy when moving.

List some of your unwanted items on a resellers website. There are a many different websites to choose from, such as ebay.com, Poshmark, and Thredup. Before signing up check how much commission the site will take for each item sold.

Donate Clothes to a Local Charity

This one is easy. If your clothes no longer fit or you simply don’t like their style, you can donate them to a local non-profit such as Goodwill or Salvation Army, or a local church or shelter. Many of us tend to hold onto clothes much longer than other items.

Save space in your new house and ask yourself, “Do I really need three plaid shirts? Should I hold onto my old prom dress, just in case it comes in handy?”

The answer to both of these questions is probably, “no.”

So, search online to find a local cause that you can support with a clothing donation. Remember, the more room you have in your closet, the bigger excuse for shopping.

Take Books to a Library for Others to Enjoy

Reading a good book can transport you to a fantasy world. But, books are heavy items that take-up a lot of space.

Take a look at your book collection and determine of there are some that you can part with. Contact your local library to see if they take donations. Or, locate local thrift shops that will.

If you have a lot of children’s books, consider donating to a school.

Deliver Gently-Used Furniture to Furniture Banks

Choosing to take or leave your furniture when moving can be a difficult decision. Remember that all of your furniture will need to fit through the door of your new house. If it does not, you will have to either dismantle them or donate them.

Some organizations offer a pick-up service for furniture donations. This will save you time, energy and money during your move. Consider donating your furniture to a local Furniture Bank; the store in Tallahassee remains the only free source of furniture in the area.  

Sell Electronics

Used cell phones and other handheld electronics such as Kindles and iPads can be sold to Decluttr. They even buy used Legos by the pound.

Let’s Get Packing

As you start packing up your house to move you might not realize how much you have and how much you might be able to part with. After all, moving is a great time to purge and start fresh in your new home.

Need help with packing and your move? Contact us; we can help!

“When is the best time to move?” This is a frequently asked question.

If you’re considering a move to a new home, it’s critical to know that prices and quality of homes will fluctuate throughout the year. The timing of your move is essential for various reasons. Here is a guide of the best times to move to a new home.

Content

Moving is a lot of work but selecting the best time of year, month, and week to do it can save you money and effort.

Therefore, before planning your move, refer to this guide for help in selecting the best time to move.

Best Time of Year to Move?

Are you looking for cost savings for your move? Avoid the peak summer months.

The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day tends to be peak moving season.  Summer months bring mild weather and children are out of school making it a favorite time to move for many people.

Instead, select a moving date between October and April. The rates tend to be lower for professional movers during this non-peak time frame. Also, moving companies will have more availability for booking.

Also, winter months often turn into a buyers market. Though there might be less housing inventory available, you might get a better deal on a house since sellers are looking to make the sale during the off-peak time.

Not everyone has the flexibility of choosing the season in which they move. But, other scheduling opportunities might help to save money and time.

Best Time of Month to Move?

Moving companies tend to be busiest the last week of each month as well as the first part of each month since leases typically start at the beginning of each month.

So, plan a mid-month move!

And, avoid the beginning or end of the month. This timing might help with some cost saving because professional moving companies trying to distribute their scheduling evenly throughout the month.

If your schedule allows for it, choose a mid-month move.

Best Time of Week to Move?

As you can imagine, weekend moves are most in demand.

Therefore, a Tuesday through Thursday is an ideal time to move during the week. This mid-week window is less in demand than the coveted Friday, Saturday, and Sunday slot. As a result, moving on the weekends might increase your cost with the moving company.

An added advantage of a weekday move is that it gives you the weekend to unpack and settle in.

If you can swing that day off work to handle the move, take advantage of the timing.

Best Time of Day to Move?

This is an easy question to answer – early in the morning.

Finishing the move early in that day means movers avoid working during the warmest part of the day. Therefore, most movers would like to complete the unpacking as early as possible, particularly if you’re relocating to a hot climate.

Even if you are managing the move yourself, the morning is still the best bet. I fresh start at the beginning of the day means you will have more energy to get the job done.

If you are in a hot climate and can’t fit that morning move in, delay the move until the evening hours when the temperature cools off.

Selecting the Best Times

Are you ready to move? We can help! Reach out for a free quote today.