Published on: 03 December 2018
Last Updated on: 05 November 2024
Whether you are moving your family to another home or moving your business to a better location, moving can be a stressful endeavor. There are many moving parts, so to speak, and it can be overwhelming—especially on moving day. So many problems can arise, from lost or damaged items to your residential or commercial movers failing to provide proper mover’s insurance.
There are some proactive steps that you can take now to make moving much more tolerable. While they will not avoid every single problem, they will prevent headaches when working with your residential or commercial movers. Here are the five most important things to know before moving from your home or business.
1. Create a Moving Checklist:
Eight to ten weeks before you plan on moving, it is extremely helpful to create a moving checklist. On this checklist should be a collection of items that you want to move or throw out, when you should begin (and finish) packing your items, and records that you may need to transfer. While you may end up diverting from your schedule during the actual move, putting in the work at the beginning will clarify your thinking and will help you feel ready to move on your actual moving day.
2. Notify All Appropriate Parties:
This is especially critical if you are moving a business. You must notify customers, suppliers, and other relevant parties about where (and when) you are moving. If you are moving homes, you’ll want to notify friends and family about your new address. It is much better to do this before you actually move.
3. Do Your Research:
Make sure to take your time before retaining workers for your move. While you can do some thorough research on Google, word of mouth may be much more valuable—especially if a trusted friend or family member had a great experience with particular movers. Along with this, you’ll want to evaluate important questions about the moving process, including your budget to hire movers and whether they offer moving insurance.
4. Collect Extra Packing Supplies:
It always helps to have more packing supplies than you need. You don’t want to be looking for extra tape or boxes on moving day. Even though you may find it “inefficient” to have extra supplies, it is worse to make one extra trip to purchase boxes, markers, or even bubble wrap the day before—or the day of—your move.
5. Clearly Separate and Mark Your Boxes:
It is better to stay organized than throw random items in your moving boxes. By making it clear that certain items are in certain boxes, your movers will take extra care when handling certain boxes and will place boxes in their appropriate rooms, which will save you time and effort once your movers leave.
Get Started Today:
By following any or all of these tips above, you will make your move—whether commercial or residential—much easier. We wish you all the best in your upcoming move!
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Did you know that, according to statistics, the average cost of a divorce in the US is almost equal to the average cost of a wedding with all the bells and whistles ($20-25 000)? Sounds impressive, and not much fun, especially taking into consideration the fact that many people on the verge of divorce feel that they have already paid in full. Thus it's no wonder that some people who don't need their divorce to be a huge show, are looking for ways to save a little when drafting a divorce, without involving lawyers or mediators. But how to arrange such a cheap divorce? How to save money without missing any significant detail and to settle all the necessary issues in a fair and mutually beneficial way? There are several common conditions and ways of how to get a cheap divorce in Texas - let's sort it out.
Are you a good candidate for a simplified Texas divorce?
Foremost, we should understand what factors allow to minimize the whole cost of divorce, because, anyway, the main goal is a well-organized divorce without problems and without extra expenses which may arise in the future if you are not sufficiently attentive to the documents, agreement and so on. To understand what is really worth paying, and without what actions and expenses you can easily do, you need to decide on the type of divorce.
When filing for divorce, one of the provided by state law grounds for dissolution must be indicated in the petition. To make divorce easier it's better to file under the no-fault ground (surely, if the situation is not critical). No-fault divorce in Texas implies that the spouses want to divorce as they have some conflict of interest and just can't get along anymore. No one is obliged to prove or detail something before the court.
No-fault ground for divorce, in its turn, allows arranging an uncontested divorce, which means that the main terms of the case are decided by the spouses independently, not by the long-term court battles and the court's decisions.
So, if you feel that you are able to negotiate with your spouse about property division, child custody, and other important issues, you should try an uncontested, or as it’s also known “agreed” divorce. It's definitely cheaper, even both parties want to hire attorneys, and also, uncontested divorce typically takes less time.
It’s generally considered that not every couple is eligible for an uncontested divorce in Texas. Actually, there are some conditions that are preferred for filing for an uncontested divorce, like:
the spouses have no minor children together;
the spouses don’t have a lot of property together or retirement benefits to dividing;
neither spouse is going to seek alimony;
the wish to get a divorce is mutual.
However, if the spouses have minor children they also have the right to file for an uncontested divorce, though it might be a more time-consuming process. The point is that the parties should decide in advance all the controversial issues, make a written agreement and fill out the relevant forms for an uncontested divorce with children.
Anyway, the essence of an agreed divorce is your mutual ability and desire to settle all the differences in a most amicable way, to communicate honestly and directly, and, whenever possible, to arrange a divorce as a non-stressful and inexpensive process. If you and your ex are ready for this, let’s go further.
DIY divorce - when attention to detail is essential
To arrange a cheap divorce in Texas, you can fill out the forms yourself by checking your state's court website for divorce papers, or contacting the clerk of the family court of your county. Such a procedure is known as do-it-yourself divorce. And surely, there are some features and pitfalls you should definitely know about the topic before taking this step.
First, you need to clearly know what forms are necessary for your divorce circumstances.
The Texas Judicial Branch website provides a self-help guide with a number of recommended and state-approved links which may be useful for the self-represented litigants. You can find examples of filling out forms, useful videos, etc. Get ready for the fact that having a goal to save money, you probably will not always be able to save time. Without the help of specialists, you will have to dive into the legal nuances of uncontested divorce in Texas if you are interested in the best result.
After filling out the divorce forms and filing the Petition with the District Clerk of the county court according to the instructions you should serve your spouse with the copies. Since your desire to get a cheap divorce in Texas is mutual you may save some cost of service.
There is a divorce form called the Notice of Service of Process which usually accompanies the Petition for dissolution. This form is needed to notify the other party (called the Respondent) about the case and to receive his/her answer to the Petition. Speaking of uncontested divorce, it's assumed that both spouses know about each other intentions, and all the divorce terms outlined in the initial Petition are agreed by them in advance, meaning that they are going to cooperate working on the settlement. So, the Respondent may refuse from the service in writing, filing the special Waiver of service form (notice that even if the general title is the same there are different forms for divorce with or without children, you just need to choose the right set of forms).
After the Petition is filed and the service is waived, an uncontested divorce is officially started. However, in Texas, there is a mandatory 60-day waiting period, before the expiration of which the divorce cannot be granted by the court, even if the case is simple and uncontested. For those who decide to organize a DIY divorce, these days may be spent working out a final agreement regarding property, alimony, custody of children, and other issues that seem to be important in a particular situation. The mutual desire of the spouses to complete the divorce as soon as possible and without disputes is very important, but it still doesn't guarantee that judicial intervention won't be required. Anyway, the settlement agreement must be submitted to the court and the judge must confirm that it is fair - namely, that the property is divided in a just way, that the child custody and support arrangement meets the best interest of the kid(s). So, if the spouses do not have claims against each other but their agreement is considered insufficient in the eye of the court (or it doesn't comply with state laws) the divorce will be probably delayed. Also, the spouses may be ordered to attend divorce mediation sessions to deal with their agreement. Although mediators' fees are still much cheaper than lawyers' fees, yet it's expenses. And if your case is simple enough your chance to get a really cheap divorce depends a lot on your sense of responsibility, and close attention to all the details. You shouldn't panic or rush, just keep calm and encourage your ex to take the work on an agreement seriously as well. As for uncontested divorce, a successful marital settlement agreement defines a character of a post-divorce life a lot, especially if the couple has kids and some kind of communication between the former spouses is still implied.
Online divorce - the helping hand
So, the cheapest way to get a divorce in Texas is a purely DIY divorce. At its best, the cost of a do-it-yourself divorce may be limited to the filing fee. Nevertheless, DIY divorce doesn't fit every couple, and all these court sites can be pretty tricky, while nowadays we are totally “spoiled” by developers who pay much attention to the ergonomics of apps and websites, so you know, there may be some difficulties with all that online bureaucracy... Also, different forms can be required within different states as well as fees, which are in addition to fees for document preparation. So, a lot of busy people seek a kind of middle way between, they want an inexpensive divorce to be fast, and so that they could use some help but without hiring an attorney.
Basing on all these conditions, online divorce companies are becoming an even more popular way for couples to terminate their marriage, speaking of uncontested divorce, of course.
Such websites prepare forms for you based on the information you provide. There is no specific package of services; you can choose the most suitable option. Thus some companies are the do-it-yourself type where you fill out the forms yourself, and others prepare your documents, many of the top sites will review the forms. Usually, they have attorneys or divorce paralegals who also can explain and provide detailed information on your divorce process.
What's really good, is that these divorce documents are customized to your county's rules, your children, your income, assets, and other factors in your case, and you don't need to seek all the information and nuances by yourself. You receive the prepared, ready to print, and sign divorce forms after a short online interview, without long completion or delivery periods. If time is money - we should use it well.
Read Also:
Divorce Lawyers In Houston Texas: A Short Guide On Saving Your Marriage
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Top 7 Reasons To Hire A Private Detective Agency During Divorce Cases
According to the EPI (Economic Policy Institute), while we can budget for our future, the average cost to raise a child in California is $233,610. There are different ways of saving money. The cost of living seems to be ever-rising along with the price of gas and other necessities, but it doesn’t mean that we can’t still have fun as a family.
Simple budget benders can include things like shopping around for the best bargains online, signing up for cashback websites and finding other savings on the internet. Perhaps saving money can become a family affair and kids can join with parent’s efforts on saving a few bucks.
For example, since many children nowadays are more tech-savvy, the next time they’re in the market for a new electronic gadget, perhaps a laptop for school or a new smartphone, task them with finding the best deal online.
1.HOME ON THE RANGE:
Instead of ordering pizza from the expensive Italian joint down the street, why not make one at home and the whole family can join in. Most national grocery chains now carry inexpensive, pre-made pizza dough and together with fresh vegetables and cheeses, whipping up a pie in our own kitchen is often cheaper than takeout or delivery. Plus the kids get the pride of creating and cooking their own pizza masterpiece. Saving The Money is an art and you cannot make things happen in one day.
2.FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT:
With things like Netflix, newer (or even older) movies can be had at a fraction of the cost of going to the theater. Make it fun for the kids and swap times when it’s the child’s choice to pick the movie or have a theme like Disney classics. Make healthy snacks at home and ditch the expensive, overly buttered popcorn and sugary sweet treats found at the cinema. Opt instead for air-popped corn and healthier granola, nuts and other lower fat finger foods.
3.ROAD TRIP CLOSER TO HOME:
Instead of traveling to an expensive theme park on the other side of the state or country, try checking out locations closer to home. Utilize a Google search for your city (or neighboring town) and input “top-ten destinations” and travel sites like Tripadvisor will return favorable results. Find parks, museums, historical sights and read their reviews to find locations that have picnic areas and other places where you can dine outdoors with your family. Again, bring your own menu of healthier menu choices, fresh fruits, and vegetables and skip the fast food fares.
4.TRY NEW THINGS:
Encourage your children to try new foods and activities that will make them happier and healthier. Instead of hanging around the house and playing video games, perhaps it would be more fun to go for a bike ride or hike along a nature trail. If the weather isn’t permissive, instead of watching cartoons, try the Animal Planet or tune into the History Channel.
Instead of processed chicken fingers and ranch dressing, a staple for many kids nowadays, why not try a much healthier salmon steak with a creamy dill sauce. Rather than opening another box of macaroni and cheese, how about tossing a children’s chef salad where the kids can pick different ingredients like sunflower seeds, healthy lean meats, and fresh vegetables.
Often we can get into a rut and simply fall victim to unhealthy foods and activities that we’ve been accustomed to and forget about being more active and eating better. If the family that plays together, stays together, perhaps those who try new things can find activities that can better connect them and help them to bond in new ways.
Final Take Away
Hence, these are some of the facts that you need to take care of while you want to save money in all aspects. You have to understand the facts before drawing any kind of conclusion. You must not make your choices in grey while you want to increase your savings in the right direction. Work out the plans that can help you to achieve your goals in the best possible manner.
Read Also :
5 Tips For College Students On How To Begin Investing Using Their Saved Pocket Money
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You can either reduce or increase your stress on the moving day, depending on the service you pick.
Here’s what we mean. If a person has all the funds in the world, they can afford to get every aspect of their move taken care of. This certainly will reduce the stress they will face.
If a person is on a tight budget, they will likely face more stress. Because they will have to handle a lot of things that they could easily have outsourced.
Since most folks do not have all the money in the world, it is important for them to understand how moving companies arrive at their fees.
Having this information may be helpful in helping them plan their move a lot better to both reduce the cost to them as well as the stress they will face.
Major Cost Determinants
So, what are the factors that determine how much a person will pay when moving? There are a lot of different factors that can influence the cost, as we can see here, but we will only focus on the main ones.
Distance
This is one cost that most people can understand. A long-distance move will most certainly cost way more than a local move.
Therefore, the further your destination is from your point of origin, the more you can expect to pay, and this is regardless of whatever method you choose for the move.
Many moving companies determine the distance costs by considering different variables. It is important that you find out the exact distance and communicate the same to the moving company.
Credible and reputable companies like H2H Movers are not going to haggle about the prices if the variations in distances are marginal in nature.
Stuff To Move!
What you are moving to will also affect your cost.
First, consider the quantity, size, and weight of the different items you need to move.
This will determine the size of the vehicle required and how much you will pay.
Consideration will also be given to the cost of the items to be moved. There are some items that will have to be handled by specialists. Some of these include expensive artworks and antiques. Bringing in expert handlers will certainly cost you more money.
Present Location and Destination
Where you are taking off from and where you are headed will also affect your cost. While your present location may not be as impactful on your cost as the destination, both play a part.
If, for example, your present location is not easily accessible, the company will consider this. The same applies to your destination.
Simple things like the absence of a functioning lift in a high-rise building will attract some additional charges as movers will be forced to use the stairs.
There’s also the issue of the operational centers of the company you choose to work with. If a company has operational centers in both your take-off city and your destination, chances are that your cost will be lower.
The reason is simple. A company that operates from both bases can easily get another moving job for the van that took your stuff there.
On the other hand, a company that does not operate from your destination will have to return to base empty, an expense that will likely be added to you.
Moving Option
The choice you make about how you intend to move will be the major determinant of what you will pay, as this will influence all other costs. You can check out a list of moving options here: https://www.thespruce.com/best-way-to-move-your-stuff-2436686.
A full-service move will cost you more in monetary terms than a self-move.
Services Offered
Within the option to use a moving company, you have individual services that can add to your cost. Some of the services that moving companies will offer include:
Extended insurance.
Packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking.
Disassembly and reassembly of furniture.
Storage space.
Cleaning services.
These are just a few examples of services that can be offered. How many of these will you pay?
Timing
Many folks are not aware of this. When you schedule your move, it can also affect your cost.
Moving companies have periods regarded as peak periods and those regarded as off-peak periods. Scheduling a move during a peak period automatically means a higher cost to you.
Weekends, holidays, and summer are regarded as peak periods, while weekdays, fall, and winter are off-peak periods.
By understanding some of these factors, you can then think of how to work around them to get and enjoy lower rates. Let’s now briefly look at how you can lower your moving costs.
How to Lower Your Costs
We understand that moving could be costly, so here is how you can save a few bucks.
Determine Your Budget
Getting this sorted out right from the start can be helpful. Determine how much you are willing to spend so you can ensure that all your expenses fall within this budget.
Compare Moving Methods
Look at the different moving options and decide which will fit into your budget. You can find some examples above. You can also calculate moving costs online on sites like 9Kilo Moving.
They will help you compare quotes from different companies. This will make it easier for you to choose an appropriate moving method.
Schedule Your Move for Off-peak Periods
Remember what we said above about peak and off-peak periods. Schedule your move for an off-peak period.
Start Packing Early
Get all your stuff sorted out very early. This ensures that your movers do not have to spend unnecessary time.
Time is money (This is, of course, if you have chosen to work with movers). If you are handling it yourself, things will be easier and less stressful for you.
Look for Free Packing Boxes
Getting free packing boxes and other materials will mean you won’t have to buy or rent them. This, of course, is another avenue through which some savings can be made.
Pack Only What You Really Need
Saving money on moving can be a challenge when you are just shifting to a brand-new city for your new job. This is why you need all the advice you can get to make the move a little better.
Moving too Quickly ? (..For a Job)
Sometimes, you must relocate too fast. Especially when it comes to landing a new job.
Moving quickly for a job can feel stressful, but if you prepare yourself correctly and follow the right steps, moving in haste doesn’t have to be a crazy, chaotic mess.
Here’s how to handle a rapid move for job purposes without losing your mind.
1. Make a To-Do List and Stick with It
First things first—prioritize!
Create a checklist of everything you need to do, from finding a new place to live to scheduling the move.
Try to break down the tasks by days and tackle the most important ones first. Since time is of the essence, focus on the essentials: securing housing, transferring your job documents, and notifying your current landlord or utility companies.
You’ll also want to gather any important documents related to your job, like offer letters, employment contracts, and references, so they’re easily accessible during the move.
If you are moving countries, then password & work visa are the two important items you should always clutch.
2. Downsize and Declutter
One of the easiest ways to ensure a fast and efficient move is by hiring professionals.
If you’re in a time crunch, your best bet is to hire a full-service moving company to handle all aspects of your move.
They will have the experience, equipment, and manpower to pack, load, transport, and unload your belongings quickly and safely.
Albeit it will be a little too costly, think of it as a one-time investment which can secure you from the haphazard of moving.
If your budget allows for it, hiring professional movers who are experienced in fast relocations can be a game changer.
They’ll pack up, load up, and unload everything far more quickly than you ever could, leaving you with more time to take care of the million other things that need your attention.
Many moving companies even offer quick emergency services specifically for those needing an instant relocation.
Keep in mind that if you do decide to hire pros, you’ll want to book them as soon as possible so they don’t get booked out on your target move date.
3. Let the Right People and Places Know
Don’t forget to update your address and let important people and organizations know about your big move.
This includes your bank, insurance provider, and any subscriptions you may have.
You should also reach out to friends and family members—simply to give them a clue or to see if they can possibly assist with the move. Just because you’re moving in a hurry does not mean you need to go do it alone. If assistance is offered, take it!
Final Thoughts
Relocating can be overwhelming, but it’s not impossible. With some preparation and the right tools at your disposal, you can make sure your fast move goes smoothly.
Be sure to give yourself enough time to get everything done, downsize if necessary, and consider hiring professional movers to help ease some of the stress of moving.
However, you do it, just try to stay organized — and keep calm while doing so. Losing your head won't bring any successful outcome!
Lastly, moving to a new place could always be an exciting experience, so embrace it without worrying about where any of your belongings are packed!
Read Also:
10 Steps To Move In Your New House
10 Things To Do Before You Move Out Of State
7 Helpful Tips During An Emergency Moving Process
