Relocation Tips - Secrets To Saving Money and Time When Moving Away From Home

Just about everyone moves from one place to another at some point in their lives at least once.  I've already moved seven times in my life and I still anticipate living in at least two more places before I can settle finally settle down (I hope).

Relocation is such a big undertaking that I don't know too many people who actually enjoy the process of moving.  Yeah, sure, it's exciting - when you get there.  But until then - until everything that needs doing actually gets done, relocation is such a headache, or rather, migraine.

Whether you're an individual moving by yourself, part of a family, or an entire corporation, the time and expenses involved in the preparation of the move and the actual move itself can be mind numbing.

Because most of us have moved to different homes or businesses at some point, I suppose we can all be considered 'Experts'.  But, just because we all do it doesn't mean we all look forward to it.

And guess what, more and more people will be continuously moving.  Just look at the rising demand and prices of real estate.  As consumer confidence grows the demand for upgraded living conditions increases.  We all want a bigger and nicer home (well..a lot of do anyway). 

Anyway, I started a website called RelocationEdge.com to TRY and answer or at least discuss some of the issues involved in relocation.  There are currently fourteen different subtopics involving the relocation industry such as:
 - Moving Tips and Tricks
 - Finding Relocation Services
 - Finding Relocation Specialists
 - Relocating a Business
 - Finding Relocation Information and Guides
 - Relocating around the world or International Relocation
 - Moving Services
 - Moving Supplies
 - Finding Realtors and Real Estate during you move
 - Relocating Employees for Businesses
 - Relocation Businesses (these are different from Moving Companies)

So...You came to this lens to find out how you can save time and money during your next move. 

For some fast and immediate answers you can go to my site above and subscribe to my newsletter where you will receive a free report titled - 'Tips and Tricks To Save For Your Relocation'.  As this lens grows I'll be taking some excerpts from that ebook as well as some other ebooks I have access to.  For another, I will also provide some of my own advice that I have learned from my own experience, or should I say frustrations.

Frustrations??  Yes, It's funny how we all do something we hate so much.  I've moved seven times and will problably move again soon.  Sucks to be me; yeah I know!   But I've learned some things.

As soon as I find out that it's time to go, I start to find things that I never use and begin to sell them.  I'll ask friends, neighbors and some relatives what they're interested in and get rid of my stuff slowly that way.  At the same time I start to put ads in the newspaper for other things I don't really want. 

I sold my old, but perfectly fine television to a friend who was moving to an apartment and sold some older furniture through the newspaper.  After I moved into my house I bought a new TV and couch from a department store and had it delivered for free.  Tip - Compare the cost of transporting your items versus the cost of purchasing them after you move.

Another thing I usually do is - to do a little each day!  Find one closet and concentrate on it.  Sort it into three boxes:
 - 1. What you want now
 - 2. What you don't want now
 - 3. What you don't want at all

Simple.  For now leave the first box in the closet.  The stuff 'you want now' you will deal with closer to moving day.  Your belongings that you will want later, like winter parkas, boots, ornaments, etc.  can start to be packed away, because you won't need them for some time after you move.  And, as mentioned above, the things you don't want at all - it's time to get rid of by either selling it or giving it way (charities are a good choice here).

By the way, what are you packing your belongings in?  I presume you have boxes right?  Many people will give you the big tip by saying you can find your own boxes for free.  Yes that is true, it is a great tip and I do that all the time.  I also believe you shoud buy some at moving companies.  Both methods are great at one time or another. 

Many moving companies will offer to refund your money for any boxes you don't use.  So, even though it's more expensive to buy than to find both have advantages.
- By purchasing some boxes, they are all uniform in size so packing is easier and so is labeling. 
- You can buy a variety of sizes of boxes to suit your needs, - remember what you don't use you can return for a refund.
- Because you buy all your supplies at one place just think of all the gas and time you're saving trying to find the right boxes at different stores.

On the other hand. . .

Sooner or later you're going to have to go grocery shopping sometime, right.  Do as many things as possible on a single trip.  This can be tougher if you just have a small vehicle.  But you can find a few good sized boxes while you're at the store and maybe find some markers, twine, wrapping material, tags, etc. while your picking up the milk and eggs.  If you're close to a discount store like a dollar store, hop in there and see what you can find.

Another point to keep in mind, especially as moving day nears, is to make sure you get some exercise.  Go for a few laps around the block and do some stretching. 

Remember the main task you will be doing - Lifting Boxes.  Do some squats and stretch your legs.  Put some weight in a box (not too much) and do about three sets of ten repetitions of squats.  Keep your back straight with both arms out in front of you.  You want to make sure you put the weight on your legs and not your back.  There have been countless injuries to the back, shoulders and neck due to improper lifting, so be careful.

I'll try and get to more moving advice below, but just know this.  There is no tip or trick in the entire world that will make your moving experience EASY, unless you're willing to pay for it.  The best that anyone can do is to make it EASIER.  How easy will depend on you and how much you're willing to put into it.  The more you do, the more you learn and the more you will save.