losaltosLeave a comment on Five Tips for Keeping Costs Down When You RelocateLow Cost Moving

Five Tips for Keeping Costs Down When You Relocate

If you are planning to relocate soon, you may be slowly realizing how expensive this endeavor can be. Depending on the size of your home, how much work you plan to do yourself and how far away you are moving, you could spend anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. While this can be a mind-boggling amount for those who have not budgeted for it, there are some excellent ways that you can take to save money every step of the way.

1. Find Free Boxes

One of the first moving expenses that you will come across is for moving supplies. It may be difficult to find free tape and bubble wrap, but you can usually find free boxes if you are resourceful. If a friend recently moved, he or she may be eager to unload the boxes on you. You may also get free boxes from a local grocery or big box store. In some larger towns, a box recycling center may also give you free boxes upon request.

2. Only Relocate the Necessities

The number of boxes that you pack directly affects the cost of supplies, the size of the truck needed and even the amount of time that your movers work. By decreasing the number of items that you pack, you can directly decrease your moving expenses. Spend time spring cleaning each room to pull out items that you have not seen or used in long months or years.

3. Sell or Donate Unwanted Items

Some people will toss unwanted items or give them to a friend in need. However, if your items have value, you could sell them. For example, you can sell some items online, or you can have a garage sale. This is a great way to raise money to pay for some of your moving expenses. You could also donate items that do not sell to charity. This has the potential to give you a significant tax deduction at the end of the year.

4. Wrap Strategically

You could pack all of your towels, linens and other softer items in their boxes, or you could use these items as protective wrapping materials. For example, you can wrap a vase with a hand towel, and you can wrap kitchen dishes with your bath towels or sheets. This could reduce the number of boxes that you need to pack, and it could help you to save money on packing supplies.

5. Ask Your Friends to Help

There are instances when you might need to hire an affordable moving company, such as if you do not have the physical ability to do the work on your own. You may also need to hire movers if you need someone to drive the truck cross-country. In many cases, however, people can get the job done through their own efforts and with the help of a few friends. You may simply need to spring for pizza or buy a case of beer after the work is done to repay them for their effort.

While moving can cost a small fortune, it does not have to empty your bank account. Look for savings at every turn, and you may be surprised by how much money you can save throughout the project.

losaltosLeave a comment on Tips for How to Compare Home Insurance QuotesHome Insurance Quotes

Tips for How to Compare Home Insurance Quotes

You might think that cost is the only factor to compare when looking at multiple home insurance quotes. In truth, the cost is determined by many underlying coverage factors, and those need to be examined as well to make sure you aren’t sacrificing too much to secure that low price.

Here are some of the coverage criteria you need to review before deciding on a policy.

Deductibles

A home insurance deductible is an amount you have to pay on your own to cover the cost of damages that occur during a disaster. The higher your deductible is, the more money you will need to chip in after a covered catastrophe. But you may also notice that the higher your deductible is, the lower your insurance premium is. According to Upside Insurance Agency in SC, lower rates follow higher deductibles because the insurance company realizes you’re taking on more of the risk yourself. When comparing policies, make sure you account for the financial impact each policy’s deductible will have on you.

Limits

Home insurance policies don’t offer unlimited coverage. Instead, the premium is based in part on the maximum the insurance company can expect to pay out, which is called the policy limit. As you can imagine, the lower a policy’s limit is, the lower the premium. When comparing policies, make sure you’re getting a limit that corresponds to your actual risk of loss. Also note that you may have different limits for property damage, loss of contents and liabilities. Compare each of these to ensure the right blend of protection.

Customer Happiness

Do a web search for the companies you are comparing and see what kinds of complaints each of them have. In general, you can expect almost every company to have some complaints. But you want to see who seems to have the most satisfied clients and the least complaints. You can also use a customer satisfaction rating company to measure client happiness. Doing so will ensure that you don’t end up with a company that’s all talk when it comes time to pay valid claims.

The Potential for Multi-Coverage Discounts

Many companies offer a discount if you have multiple lines of coverage with them. That can include boat, auto, and even life insurance coverage. Check to see if a company offers that and if you can bundle more policies with them and see how that might reduce your quote further. Even if you don’t have other policies to combine right now, knowing that you can get a discount in the future is a valuable perk.

Home insurance protects all those things you hold most dear. It helps keep your family financially secure and helps give you a sense of calm even as disaster strikes. Take your time when comparing policies and ensure that you get one that offers your family the protection you expect.

losaltosLeave a comment on What You Need to Do When Moving From an Apartment to a HouseApartment to House

What You Need to Do When Moving From an Apartment to a House

Congratulations! You have achieved a major goal and purchased a home. Now what? Apartment living was fun, but it’s time to start the next chapter, but what exactly does that entail? It can seem overwhelming at first, but if you follow guidelines, you will enjoy your new home sans anxiety.

Pre-Move Projects

Before move-in day, take the time to inventory anything that needs to be fixed or changed aesthetically. This is also a great time to estimate upcoming home improvements such as a new roof. Some items to consider:

  • Do the floors need to be refinished?
  • Do you need to work on home security issues?
  • Do the walls need to be painted?
  • Are there any rooms that need new carpet?
  • How many locks will you need to change? (Don’t forget the extra keys!)

Preparing your humble abode before the moving truck arrives is key to a smooth transition. It is much easier to paint without clutter. During this process, you can start to imagine the type of furniture that would be appropriate for your taste. A home will be more spacious than your apartment. Therefore your current decor may not be accommodating.

Get Acquainted With Your House

In an apartment, it takes all of 5 minutes to understand how things work. You are now responsible for your home’s heating and electrical sources, so it is a good idea to understand how it all works. Make sure you have the answers to these questions:

  • Is your stove gas or electric?
  • Do you have central heating and cooling?
  • Where is the electrical box?
  • Are smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in working order?
  • How do you turn off the main water valve?

Familiarizing yourself with this information can save time in a crisis. There is no such thing as calling your landlord, so you need to be prepared.

Save, Save, Save!

You may have come accustom to having small or large repairs taken care of by your landlord. Your savings account may not have been one of your top priorities. Welcome to home ownership!

Experts say that you should expect to pay 10 to 20 percent of the price of your home each year. This would cover mortgage payments, insurance, taxes, utility bills, and home repairs. Remember to consider any major home repairs that you may need shortly when determining your targeted savings amount.

Insurance & Investments

Your new home is an investment so treat it as such. If you install a central air conditioning system, save the documents. Anything that will increase the value of your home needs to be documented. If the item needs repair, you will have the information handy. Protect your home and ensure that all of your valuables are covered. Carefully review your insurance policy. If you are unsure about your coverage, contact your provider.

Throughout the process, enjoy each step and recognize your efforts. If you do your due diligence, moving from your apartment to a house can be an easy transition. You can also make the move from an apartment to a house smoother by hiring a local apartment moving company. For cheap rates on residential movers, check out Cheap Movers San Diego (www.cheapmoverssandiego.com).

losaltosLeave a comment on How to Improve Your Home’s Security When Moving Into a New HouseHome Security

How to Improve Your Home’s Security When Moving Into a New House

Keeping your family safe is most likely your number one priority as a homeowner. Therefore it’s crucial to take precautions to improve your home’s security, especially when moving into a new home. Some statistics show that roughly 3 out of 4 homes will be broken into within the next 20 years. If you follow these tips from Cheap Sacramento Movers (www.cheapsacramentomovers.com), you can improve your home’s security before your relocation which will help you keep your family and property safe.

Make Sure Potential Entry Points are Secured

If all the doors are locked in a home, then a burglar may very well try to enter through the window. It’s important to make sure that all sliding windows have a rod on them that allows them to lock in place. If a burglar can’t slide open a window, they might move on. If you want to take things a step further, use security bars across windows that may be easily accessible on the first level. You can also cover your windows with a protective film which will stop burglars from shattering them.

Install Security Cameras and Alarms

You can never go wrong with security cameras. If thieves see a camera installed, they will be less inclined to rob the place. This is an especially great deterrent when it comes to package thieves. Security cameras are also a great way to stop repeat burglars. Cameras will give you crystal clear footage of the suspects which will in turn help with the investigation. If you have footage of thieves, you can pass it along to neighbors so that everyone knows who to look for. That, in turn, will make your home and the whole neighborhood safe. Thieves will also be deterred by alarm systems which may draw attention to what they’re up to.

Change Your Locks

It’s great to change your locks, depending on certain circumstances periodically. This is especially true if you have a damaged lock, you lose your keys, or you’ve moved into a new home. Changing your locks is also a crucial step if you’ve ever been burglarized before. A tampered lock is no good, and therefore it needs to be changed right away. You also don’t know if a spare key may have fallen into the burglar’s hand.

Your Landscape Can Keep You Safe

If you have low windows, consider using landscaping as an extra layer of protection. Plant bushes, especially thorny ones, below windows. Avoid planting tall trees near higher up windows as that can be a potential entry point for thieves. Also, consider installing lights around your home. If a suspect sees the light go on, chances are they’ll scamper off because they don’t want to risk being caught without the added protection of the dark there.

Overall, you can’t put a price on your family’s security. Therefore it’s important to take these small steps to improve your home’s security. You never know where and when a burglar might strike. If they see a home that has additional layers of security, however, then they’ll be more likely to move on.

losaltosLeave a comment on How to Apply for a Mortgage When Buying Your First HomeFirst Home Mortgage

How to Apply for a Mortgage When Buying Your First Home

When you’re shopping for your first home, applying for a mortgage can seem like a daunting task. Breaking the home loan process into small steps simplifies your tasks and puts you on the path to homeownership. This guide outlines the basic milestones of your mortgage journey. 1. Set a Budget According to the U.S. Department … Continue reading “How to Apply for a Mortgage When Buying Your First Home”

losaltosLeave a comment on Frequently Asked Questions About Applying for a Home Mortgage LoanHome Loans

Frequently Asked Questions About Applying for a Home Mortgage Loan

When you go to a lender for a home mortgage loan, it will certainly be to your advantage to ask some key questions. The more you understand about home mortgages, the better loan you could get. Here are some things you need to know. What documents will be needed to apply for a mortgage? You … Continue reading “Frequently Asked Questions About Applying for a Home Mortgage Loan”