The Start of Moving Season
Break out the moving supplies - it's moving season!
As schools let out and the weather gets warmer, a change in seasons is obviously upon us. Along with the transition from spring to summer, this time of year signals the start of grilling season, mosquito season, and, of course, moving season. According to the US Postal Service, more than 26 million households are expected to move this year, and half of these moves will occur between June and September.
Undoubtedly, the high number of people on the move this summer is related to the current state of the economy. As everyone is taking a hit financially, people are forced to downsize to more affordable houses and apartments.
Despite the number of people relocating, a good portion are fighting the recession by moving back in with their parents or squeezing into their friends’ places. Thus, there are less people moving into new apartments. As an article in the Hartford Courant points out, there is an upside to all of this: landlords are offering great deals.
To combat the lull in the usually busy moving season, apartment owners are providing many incentives to attract potential tenants. If you are looking for an apartment, you may be offered included utilities, lower monthly rent, or even a month or two of free rent. You may also be able to negotiate with a landlord and try to decrease the cost of rent, security deposits, or application fees.
In an interview with the Boston Globe, Clive Pearse, host of several shows on HGTV, offers several tips for those moving this summer. As we are in a recession, he reminds us to be as frugal as possible during the packing stage. Since moving trucks charge by weight, only take what you need and sell or donate the rest. Additionally, Pearse suggests being environmentally friendly by reusing cardboard boxes and other moving materials, which can also save you some money.
Regardless of what kind of deal you get on a new place or how much advice you receive, there is still one major hurdle to overcome: the move itself. While there are many moving companies competing for business during the busy moving season, be aware of possible scams. Try to get estimates from at least three reputable companies, and, once you decide on a mover, remember to get a copy of the signed contract. If you get scammed into using an unlicensed moving company, you may face large hidden fees, have your belongings stolen, or possible get sued if an uninsured worker gets injured on your property.
Those of you living in Oregon will have some help in avoid unlicensed moving companies. According to an article on KTVZ.com, the Oregon Department of Transportation is now working with local police to stop uninsured and unlicensed movers. They recently held a sting operation, in which ODOT employees acted as decoys and hired illegal moving companies. 18 violations were issued during the sting.
As Moving Season 2009 is occurring in the middle of a deep recession, it is important to be as financially aware as possible. Be sure to look for special deals and rates on apartments, and try to find any cost-cutting measures as you prepare to move. To prevent being scammed, which can end up costing you a lot of money, use only licensed and recommended moving companies. Furthermore, if you’re going to be outside loading up a moving truck this summer, don’t forget to wear sunscreen. And don’t forget to pack it up in the truck either.
