Month: July 2021

Have you been planning to hit a hard reset on your life; but unsure of where you want to start anew? True, there are several important angles to consider during the new home research process, but what are your intentions behind moving? Whether you’re running off to the west coast to chase your dreams as an aspiring movie star or simply looking for a quieter change of scenery, this beautiful country offers no shortage of cities that are sure to be perfect for you to move to.

That being said, where should you start? Before you can even begin the planning process for your move, you need to come to a decision on what characteristics are most important for you, in a new home. Retirement, job opportunities, cost of living and families matters make up a long list of reasons that one might choose to relocate to a completely new city or state. Where do these factors rank on your priority list?

Cost of Living

As any self-sustaining adult knows, if you want to live where you want to live, you’ll have to meet the cost of living requirements. This will vary, depending on a slew of different factors. School zone rating, safety, how nice the area is that you’re moving to. These are all things that will play a major role in what you can expect to see when you begin the process of home-shopping. Keep in mind, affordability of a home is just one factor to consider. Carefully research the average pay rate for your job title. Take into account contributing costs, such as gas, average utility costs and other expenses that you are used to paying. Remember that just because you pay a certain amount for something where you’re at now, doesn’t mean that the price tag will be the same at your new home.

Economy

Regardless of if you are relocating for an employment opportunity, the fact still remains that there is always chance that you will lose that very job. Do some research into the local job market and examine how frequently positions are open in your field. The last thing that you want to happen is to end up broke, unemployed and stranded in a place where you’ve never lived before! Do what you need to do to prepare yourself, should you need to capitalize on another prospective opportunity.

Family & Friends

There are few things that can influence a person’s decision on where to move, quite like that person’s loved ones. Whether your running across the country to marry your soul mate that you met online, or your traveling to a new state to live with family, there are several reasons that might cause the need for relocation. In the same breath, that same love for your family and friends can have a similar influence in how far you’re willing to move. It’s not uncommon for someone to move, only to move back not long after due to being homesick or missing family. If possible, try and take a couple of extended trips to where you would like to move.

Taxes 

Sales & income tax varies substantially by each state. You can also expect different tiers of property tax credits, or similar homeowner exemptions. It’s not easy to researching and understanding how taxation works throughout the country. Do your research to find a reputable tax resource to compare federal, state, and local taxes throughout potential landing spots.

Weather & Climate

For those that are planning a big move across multiple states, you can most likely anticipate a huge swing in weather. When moving from a southern state to a northern state, it’s important to prepare yourself for a dramatic drop in temperature, as well as conditions such as snow, sleet and frequent overcast. Take your time to increase your knowledge in these areas, as you could put yourself in real danger if not prepared for examples such as this.

If moving from a colder climate in the north or midwest to a southern state such as Florida, you would be best to prepare yourself for heat and humidity. While you may be accustomed to blizzards and snow storms, nothing can prepare you for the dangers of a category 4-5 hurricane! Do your due diligence and ensure that you know what you’re signing up for when making a massive move.

Fun & Recreation

Everything can’t be all business! If you’ll be researching where to move with your family, you’ll want to be sure that you end up in an area that will be enjoyable for your children. It also wouldn’t hurt to have knowledge of when you can let your own hair down and have a night out, when the opportunity presents itself. Major metro areas, such as Orlando, Tampa and Miami offer plenty of attractions and fun, family activities that will make for easier planning of weekend getaways.

Schools & Education

Once again, this will be a major topic of importance for those with families. You can’t put a price on a good education, and you will find that they saying rings true during your research process. Expect to pay top dollar for neighborhoods nestled i a highly-rated school zone. Even still, most parents would agree that the ratings of surrounding schools will serve as a deal-maker or a deal-breaker. You want your children to be safe, all while receiving a good education. Utilize sites such as School Digger, as well as Great Schools to find highly rated schools in your prospective areas.

Crime Rate & Safety

Crime rate can and should always play a major role in any moving-related decision. The last thing that want is to end up settled in your new home, only to find out that you’ve moved your family into an unsafe neighborhood. Take a deep dive into the criminal statistics in potential neighborhoods that you would consider moving to. Major metro areas can offer housing for all demographics, but try your luck with quieter suburban neighborhoods. You always stand a chance of dealing with less criminal activity when moving to quieter, more newly developed neighborhoods.

What Are Other’s Thoughts On Where To Move?

After you’ve engaged in all of the necessary research and fact-checking, take to the message boards to hear what others have to say about your potential new homes. Forums such as Nextdoor and Facebook can offer great firsthand insight into other’s experience with living where you want to live. Think of it as reading reviews; but for cities! Now keep in mind that no community or city comes without it’s shortcomings, so take some of what you read with a grain of salt. At the end of the day, you can do as much research as you want, but you’ll eventually have to take the plunge and make the call to your moving company of choice to start preparing for the next chapter!

When trying to plan a move to a new city, it’s important to be aware of just how costly your move could end up being. After covering all of your costs associated with securing your new home, chances are good that you’ve already spent a pretty penny to get to this point. On top of that, there’s still the moving company costs to consider. During a time where the need to save every dime is at all time high, it’s important to ensure that your stretching your budget. In this article, we will aim to discuss some helpful tips to maximize the almighty dollar during your move!

Plan Your Move By Getting The Best Quote!

Before moving forward with just any company, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve done your research. Check out directories such as My Moving Reviews to comb through hundreds of recommendations by others that have been through a similar moving experience! Remember that cost isn’t everything! You’re going to want to select a company that you can trust to handle some of your most prized possessions, so this decision is not to be taken lightly! Real Time Relocation offers affordable moving options, coupled with expert service to cater to our customers that have a budget to meet.

Save Money On Boxes

If you’re looking to save on your move by packing yourself, you’ll want to secure boxes at an affordable price! For those that have never executed a move themselves, this may sound like a menial detail. What you will find is that you’ll end up scouring your home, making use of hampers, laundry baskets and cereal boxes as a replacement if left unprepared! If you have any connections at local retail stores or restaurants, reach out to them. You’ll find that the boxes that you’re seeking are often freely thrown away by most local businesses. Packing yourself can be a pain, so if you have it in your budget, hiring a professional moving service is by far the more comfortable option!

Plan The Time Of Your Move Accordingly

Sometimes, cutting costs on your move is as easy as selecting or changing your moving date to the appropriate day. If you are enlisting the assistance of a well-know, professional moving service, you may want to avoid moving during “peak moving season” (if possible). This season typically occurs between the months of May – August. Select a mid-week, mid-month moving date between the months of April and September. Statistically, the mid-week and mid-month days will be easier on your wallet . It’s true that you might not always have the option of the time of year that you will move. But this is helpful knowledge for those that are able to plan months or years in advance.

Don’t Just Get One Quote To Plan Your Move

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to moving a home of office. Explore your options and find a suitable moving company that checks all of your boxes and includes all of the necessary services to accommodate your specifications. Carefully discuss your inventory with your customer service rep during the estimating process. Prepare an in-depth list of items that will be making the trip with you, to your new home! This will all be helpful information to have on hand, so that you can streamline the process. Keep in mind that this is a critical

Plan For Packing

There’s no question that hiring professional packers will certainly speed up the process. That being said, is it worth it..?  We won’t sugarcoat it: Hiring a professional to pack your belongings is a costly addition to your move. Depending on the size of your move, you can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand for a professional packing service.

Instead, ask your potential moving service candidates if this is something that can be included as an add-on. You may even discover that your moving service of choice will be will to add packing at a discounted rate, being that you have already chosen to do business with them!

Ask For Help With Your Move From Friends & Family

Moving alone is overwhelming and can sometimes seem like an insurmountable task. Partially moving some of your own belongings among yourself and your friends is always an option! If you’re looking to cut costs, recruit the help of your family and friends. With the assistance of multiple hands (and vehicles), you should have no problem bringing a sizable portion of your items to your new home without help from your moving company!

Ensure Accuracy In Your Moving Inventory

During the estimating process, the associate working for your moving company will try and gather much needed information, as it pertains to your inventory. It’s imperative that you attempt to be as accurate as possible when providing your list of belongings. This will ensure that your quote is as accurate as possible. You want little to no additional money spent when your move finally takes place. Check, and then double check your items. The last thing that you want is any surprises on the big day.

Get Rid Of Some Items

There’s no better time to do a purge of all of your forgotten items! The last thing that you want to do is haul any items over to your new home that you don’t plan on using. Go through each room and carefully clean and declutter your belongings. You’ll find that there are most likely several articles of clothing, furniture, decorations or other miscellaneous items that you no longer have a use for.  This will help to save hours of time that you would have spent packing and moving those needless items.

Hire The Right Moving Company

Above all else, make sure that you have hired the correct moving company to execute your move, at an affordable cost. Through research, you will find that a trustworthy moving service will normally provide a competitive price point. Real Time Relocation is proud to offer exceptional Florida long distance moving services at an affordable cost to our wonderful customers. Reach out to a member of our staff today to discuss your expectations and how we can help.