5 things to make your summer move easier

While many people look forward to summer for the outdoor activities and long, sunny days, it is also the busiest season of the year for moving.

The Moving Trends: 2015 Annual Relocation Data Survey reports 52 percent of moves in the U.S. take place in the May-August period.

Because of good weather and vacations from school, summer is a convenient time for many to make a big move. That does not mean, however, summer moving is easy. According to Healthstatus.com, moving is one of the top stressful life events, behind the death of a loved one and divorce.

Each year, about 17 percent of U.S. citizens move, according to the relocation survey data. That’s about 43 million people. Arizona ranked seventh among the 50 states for inbound moves.

If you are planning a move across town or across the country this summer, here are some important things to consider.

Have a plan and start early

Give yourself as much time as possible, so you aren’t trying to get everything done at the last minute. Home Depot advises starting about eight weeks ahead of your moving date. It even provides a countdown moving guide list to help you know what to do when.

Think about pets

As stressful as moving is for people, it might be even harder for pets. In Arizona, hot days create additional complications. You don’t want to leave dogs or cats in a crate or carrier while you are trying to ready a new space for them. When moving locally, U-Haul recommends leaving pets with a friend on moving day.

Don’t forget the TV

Moving can mean upgrades. Maybe it is time to ditch your old television and go for something with a bigger, brighter screen. Even if you stick with the old set, it is the perfect opportunity to sign up for CenturyLink’s Prism TV  with a wireless set-top box. When you bundle two or three services together, you get a $100 or $150 prepaid Visa card. That should pay for a couple meals while you’re trying to get your kitchen together.

Pick a weekday

Whenever possible, U-Haul suggests moving during the week when banks, utilities and government offices are open. Complications often arise during a move, and you don’t want to scramble to find a hardware store open at 10 p.m. on Sunday because you lost a critical part you need to put your bed back together.

Declutter your life

Moving is a great opportunity to get rid of accumulated junk or things you don’t use. Donating and selling items you no longer need can help you save time and money too. Get started early, so you can take advantage of online classified services and make money selling things you don’t want to take. The extra cash will come in handy for offsetting moving expenses.

Get multiple bids

Moving expenses can add up fast, so it pays to shop around for the best rates. This article in the Huffington Post recommends getting at least three bids from moving companies. If you’re moving yourself and renting a truck, many rental companies will negotiate their rates, especially if you tell them a competitor has given you a lower bid.

By organizing ahead of time, you’ll make your move less stressful and more efficient. If everything goes well, you might be able to call it a day early and relax in front of your new flat screen TV with fiber optic service. With the wireless set-top box, you can even watch outside on your poolside patio. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a stressful day of moving.