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By: Vera Mosley

If you’re like many Americans, you move homes fairly regularly. In fact, more than 40 million Americans move every year, according to the Census Bureau. For many folks, moving is about getting into a bigger or better home. Whatever the reason, moving always brings stress and extra expense.

This month, I’m organizing my family’s move from Phoenix to Texas. We’re a family of re-locaters. With a husband in the service, I’ve gotten used to moving on a moment’s notice. But, with each move comes the task of organizing our junk much-treasured belongings, getting all the members of our family ready, scheduling appointments with Realtors, calling ahead to turn on utilities, figuring out car licensing, etc.

With each move I’ve made, I’ve learned a few things. Here are five helpful moving tips that will hopefully make your next move a little easier:

Packing Can Be Expensive, Time Consuming and Hard

Boxes are not cheap. Check out Craigslist or other online sites for boxes; there are often postings for free or very cheap boxes – a great way to save some extra cash.

In the midst of packing, try to optimize your space and label everything. A good tip: keep a list of each of the boxes you’ve packed and take inventory. Also, don’t forget: designate fragile boxes appropriately. Your preparedness during this step will help at the end of your journey when unpacking, so paying attention to details is important.

Finding the Right Movers

There are thousands of movers out there, so take your time and get price quotes. Some movers will even come to your house to evaluate what will need to be moved and give you a quote. Get it in writing, and ask a lot of questions, like:

• Does your company have local or interstate moving licenses?
• Does your company carry workers’ compensation insurance?
• What is your delivery and service record?
• What is your current BBB rating?
• What type of insurance do you offer for customer possessions?

Look online for the best deals, and even Google coupons for your prospective movers. You may just find a great deal.

Scoping Out the New Digs

Admittedly, I’m addicted to the Internet. That’s why whenever we get our orders to ship out, I immediately get online. You’ll want to check out where you’ll be moving, including information about local schools, entertainment, cheap grocery outlets, local parks and recreation. You may also want to sign up for coupons.

You know as well as I do that after a move, money is tight. When you research your new neighborhood, look for fun, free things to do, so you’ll be prepared when your kids look at you on day three in the new house and say, “Mom, there’s nothing to do!”

Notifying the Authorities

Let others know you’re moving, including changing your address with the post office, credit card companies, accountant, old employers, magazine subscriptions, and the local authorities too. In many cases, after you’ve lived in a new state for more than thirty days, you must go to the DMV to register your vehicle in that state and get your driver’s license. Usually you’ll need a copy of your title, previous state’s registration, driver’s license and a second form of ID (like a Passport).

There’s Never Enough Time

When I had my first child, I realized something: There’s just never enough time to do anything anymore – that is, if you aren’t super organized! I have a method to my madness now, and with three kids, a husband and two dogs to take care of, I’ve become the queen of multi-tasking. I’ve found this helps immensely while moving.

Take notes while you’re moving, document everything and try to find areas where you can improve. Could you have called the movers a bit earlier? Should you have asked more friends to help you move and save money? Looking back after your move to analyze the areas of needed improvement will help you the next time you move.

Moving will always be a bit stressful, time consuming and straining on your budget. But with the right direction and preparedness, you can rest assured your transition to your new abode will be worth it.

Have any moving tips to add? Let us know in the comments below.

For more money-saving tips and tools, check out Quizzle.com, where you’ll learn how to achieve your credit potential and get home loan recommendations tailored to your unique situation. And check out these other great articles:

• Credit Card Companies Find New Ways to Charge Consumers
• Home Improvement: What It Really Costs and How to Do It Wisely
• Improve Your Credit Score in 5 Simple Steps
• Drowning in Debt: Is Debt Consolidation Right for You?
• Pursuing Happiness: The Science of Spending

Vera Mosley is a self-proclaimed multi-tasker. Whether it’s talking to Austin realtors, answering questions from her 3 year old, or working on a blog post, she seems to manage it all.

Tags: checklist moving, moving, moving cheap, moving cost, moving guide, moving services, moving things, Moving Tips, Quizzle