72 ways to save
21. Have a Garage Sale.
Organize it, advertise it and manage it. You'll be amazed to see how profitably your trash can become someone else's treasures.
22. Advertise in the Classifieds.
For more valuable items, it pays to put an ad where the interest is -- in the appropriate classified section of your metropolitan and neighborhood newspapers.
23. Donate to Your Favorite Charity.
Itemize the items and keep a receipt. It may help you qualify for a tax deduction.
SELL IT LIKE IT IS
Before you even put your residence up for sale, carefully consider extras that can be included to increase the appeal and the value of your home -- and to cut moving costs. Discriminating buyers will probably want everything but your family portrait. Many extras add more value to the house than they actually cost in the first place. This is even true for apartment dwellers, who may find the future tenant a ready and willing buyer.
24. From Chandeliers to Ceiling Fans.
Most buyers assume that such fixtures are included with the home. Unless there's a special sentimental reason, they probably should be. Bulky, fragile ceiling fixtures require special packing and handling. And this costs money.
25. Appliances.
Consider the age, size and color of your appliances. These are very heavy items, and usually require professional servicing before the move and special installation upon moving in. So, if your stove, refrigerator, washer, dryer or freezer won't fit or match in your new home, perhaps it's time to start anew.
26. Verify Type of Power.
You can prevent wiring damage caused by temperature changes by unplugging all electronic items 24 hours before loading and waiting 24 hours at your new residence before plugging them into an outlet. Check to be sure that you have the proper power connections and sources for your appliances in your future residence. Don't move a gas stove or dryer to an all-electric house.
27. Hearth and Home.
They go together. Special fireplace screens and tools are hard to move and may not fit where you're going. Sell them with your home.
28. Shelving Systems.
If you have a built-in shelving system, leave it that way. No new owner will appreciate holes in the wall where the shelves used to be.
29. TV Antenna.
Re-mounting it is more bother than moving it.
30. From Flag Poles to Basketball Goals.
We've been asked to move them before! Sell them with the house and save yourself time, trouble and money.
VALUABLE INFORMATION
31. Arrange for the Transfer of Valuables.
Start with the contents of your safe-deposit box. Carry with you or send by insured or registered mail, small valuables such as jewelry, insurance policies, legal documents, stamp collections, etc. Items of such unusual value should not be included in your shipment. The same is true for important computer diskettes which can warp and become unreadable.
MISCELLANEOUS MONEY, TIME AND HEADACHE SAVERS
Once you've organized your belongings, it's time to organize your move. The things you don't do can cost you both money and time. Here's a listing of small details that can save you dollars and headaches.
32. Coordinate Your Move.
Give your mover plenty of notice and, if possible, arrange occupancy dates in your new residence to avoid storage or delays.
33. Notify Telephone, Electric, Gas and Water Companies.
Discontinue service on a specific date. Request final meter reading.
34. Write each utility in the city to which you're moving.
Tell them when you will want service started. Otherwise, you might have to pay hotel rates while you wait.
35. Notify Laundryman and Newspapers to discontinue service.
36. Notify Security Company, Lawn Service, Garbage Disposal Service or any other type of regular service.
37. Check Your Bank and Savings Accounts.
Arrange to transfer deposits so that you don't lose interest. Use your bank as a credit reference.
38. Notify Your Post Office, Publications and Correspondents in advance.
39. Notify Former Employers and the Social Security Administration.
This will simplify obtaining information for income tax purposes.
40. Collect Any Deposits.
Whether it's a landlord or the utilities, it's easier to get deposits back in person than via long distance.
41. Check with Orthodontist, Obstetrician, etc.
If any members of your family require ongoing medical or dental treatment for which you have paid, arrange with the practitioner to pro-rate payments with a professional in your destination city.
 
|
