Anticipating a move, whether across town or to another state can be both exciting and a little scary. Cost can add stress to your move. Leaving what you know for a journey to the unfamiliar might also make you a little nervous. However, when you do your research and plan ahead, you can reduce the stress associated with moving and save some money along the way. Consider the following advice for taking the worry out of your move.

Get help with your move

Consider hiring a professional moving company. Many families have found that using a moving company takes the stress out of a move whether the trek is across town or across the country. Moving companies employ professionals who are skilled at packing your belongings, loading them on to a moving truck, and transporting them safely to your new home. When your belongings are delivered to your home, the movers will handle the work of placing your furnishings and other items where you want them.

Imagine feeling relaxed rather than exhausted when you move into your new home. If you have never used a moving company or are not sure what to expect, Allied Van Lines is an example of a mover that can help you plan and execute your move seamlessly. If you want to save money while using a moving company, you can pack your own items. Ask your moving company about special discounts. It is possible that you might be able to save on moving costs if you can avoid a move during peak moving times.

Another money-saving tip is to avoid moving items you don’t need in your new home. The fewer items you move, the lower your moving costs. Sell extra items or donate them to charity.

Make a moving day checklist

Once you decide how you will move your belongings, make a checklist of other things to do on or before your moving day. The following are a few items to consider.

• Contact the utility companies
• Set up mail delivery at your new home
• Decide whether you will need storage
• Contact the utility companies

When you get to your new home, you will want to feel as comfortable as you did before moving. Electricity may already be available, but you may have a short time before you will need to have the account changed from the previous owner or builder’s name to your name. It may also take a few days to get telephone, cable, satellite TV or internet services started, so contacting those companies as soon as possible will ensure that you can enjoy these amenities shortly after your move.

Cable and internet providers sometimes give discounts when you move. Even if the discount covers s few months, you can save substantially on the costs of these services.

Set up mail delivery at your new home

Getting your mail is important too, so avoid interruption to your mail delivery by completing your change of address form before you move.

Decide whether you will need storage

If you are moving into a new home, you find that you have items you no longer want to use. You can store those items temporarily until you can decide what to do with them. Your moving company can provide information on storage solutions that will fit your budget. If your home is custom built much of what you had in your previous home may not work, so why move in items that you don’t need. In fact, once you get settled into your new dwelling, consider selling extra furniture. You might be surprised at the money you will make to help offset moving expenses.

Determine if you can take tax deductions for moving expenses

In certain circumstances, you may be able to claim a tax deduction for moving expenses. If your move is due to a change of employment, you should refer check current IRS guidelines regarding moving expenses. Past IRS rules may not apply since there have been recent changes in the tax code. A qualified tax preparer can advise you regarding current deductions allowed for moves associated with employment.