Let’s face it: moving can be a drag. From choosing a moving company (something Moveline can help with, by the way) to remembering all the moving day essentials, the sheer volume of things to do can get a little cumbersome. But, as with tough workouts, tedious assignments and long commutes, music always makes the ride a little less rough. So, just for you, we’ve put together a list of our top ten songs about moving. Crank ‘em up and enjoy.
1. Home – Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
Whether you’re moving to Alabama, Arkansas or somewhere a little less Southern, this song can’t help but tug at your heartstrings; the 2009 sleeper hit made it big with a little help from an adorable father-daughter duet on YouTube. (Dare you not to fall in love.)
2. Home – Phillip Phillips
Sure, the American Idol winner’s big hit might be a little too reminiscent of, say, Mumford & Sons, but the US Women’s Gymnastics Team made this their anthem at the 2012 games for good reason: this pure-hearted song just oozes with positive energy, fresh starts and new possibilities. Who doesn’t love all that stuff in the midst of a move?
3. Home – Michael Buble
And rounding out our trifecta of songs with the same title: sure, it’s cheesy, but everybody secretly likes a little schmaltz every now and then. This overly-earnest ballad is the perfect adult-contemporary salve for the world-weary heart that just wants to hang its fedora in the same place for a while.
4. Our House – Crosby Stills Nash & Young
Ever a favorite of home improvement store ad execs thanks to its “very very very” sweet and catchy chorus, it’s admittedly a sunny addition to the soundtrack of a new place that’s just been moved into.
5. Our House – Madness
This lesser-known 1980s new wave throwback is what the average grandparent might call a “toe-tapper.” Careful: its infectious chord progression gets stuck in your head and doesn’t leave for days.
6. Pack It Up – Pretenders
For the girl who’s had it up to here with her significant other (or her surroundings in general), Pack It Up is the quintessential lo-fi kiss-off song to play as you’re pulling onto the interstate, accelerating toward a new life.
7. On the Road Again – Willie Nelson
If a move involves a road trip along a respectable stretch of highway, this classic country crossover is a must-listen. In contrast to Michael Buble’s apathetic homesickness, Willie can’t wait to get out there and… uh… raise the roof with Snoop Dogg.
8. Never Say Goodbye – Bon Jovi
Speaking of partying, crack open a brew and bust out the Aquanet (seriously… check out the sheer height of the man’s hair, for it is the stuff of legend) for one of the most epic power ballads of the age of neon: the ultimate 80s anthem about moving on is an over-the-top karaoke favorite at going away parties, and we can totally see why.
9. Coming Home – Diddy & Dirty Money feat. Skylar Grey
Whether you love Diddy, hate Diddy or have no idea who in the world Diddy is (i.e., you’re lucky), you’ve got to admit: Skylar Grey’s chorus is pretty worthy of singing along to. And the “I know my kingdom awaits” line is a sweet one to hum as you cross the threshold into your new digs, right?
10. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) – Green Day
Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road… this song will forever be stuck in our minds as the Seinfeld finale song, but hey; it gets the point across. Throw it on as you pull out of your old driveway for the last time and see if you’re impervious to ye olde lump in the throat. (And don’t even try to play that tired “cutting onions” defense — you’re in a car, for goodness’ sake.)
Whether you’re moving up the street or across the country, Moveline can make the process as easy as pie. By assigning you a Move Captain, comparing moving quotes on your behalf and sticking by you through the whole process, we save you money and stress from the moment you decide to move until the moment you’ve placed the finishing touches on your new home. Don’t go it alone. Let us help. Make moving easier with Moveline.
Relaxation takes on a whole new meaning in the dog days of summer, when 100-degree-plus temperatures (in some places, anyway) can send us all into a state of total inertia. While a cozy leather armchair and microfiber throw might be just the ticket to unwind in front of the fireplace mid-winter, that same chair feels like a deathtrap with its icky, sticky, heat-trapping upholstery. Luckily, we’ve uncovered five great finds for summer decor, including a few pieces of furniture that can save you from that dreaded moment of literally peeling yourself off of your couch.
If you’re moving into a new space and need some ideas for making it look great this summer, read on (and congratulations on your new place). And if you’re staying right where you are and just want to add some warm-weather flair to your abode, we’ve got suggestions for you, too.
1. Swing on a star
First up, there’s the ever-boho hanging chair, which comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles. On the pricier end, there’s Anthropologie’s version, the Melati hanging chair, in all its dreamcatcher-inspired glory, and while this more downmarket sky hammock chair isn’t quite as pretty to look at, it sure is awesome to sit in and swing a sweltering Saturday afternoon away with a good movie or even better book. (Of course, you can always go full hippie and install ayurt-esque hanging cocoon in your backyard.)
2. Hang loose in a hammock
Of course, one might argue that a swing chair’s small potatoes compared to the mother of all summer lounge equipment — the hammock. If you’re lucky enough to have the patio space or a yard to hang one in, all the better; if not, well — you can always go back to the options above. But if your home affords you the space to stretch out on a timeless summer classic, by all means, do so: they’re available here, here and even here.
3. Craft some cocktails (or make some mocktails)
There’s no better time of year for a tall, cold glass of iced tea, a tangy margarita teeming with salt or a frozen mug full of good beer. So serve it up in style with a sweet set of glasses and an eye-catching pitcher. Some of our favorites: the BPA-free infuser pitcher from Primula, therecycled margarita glass from Sur la Table, and of course, a set of handmade, self-proclaimed “redneck wine glasses” just perfect for hot-weather sipping.
4. Grow some greens
Schlepping around in the heat to bring groceries and takeout food home is no joke when it’s greater than 90 degrees outside. So if you’re even remotely talented in the kitchen, consider starting an indoor herb garden to add a little flavor to your concoctions and spruce up your space while you’re at it. Keep it simple with a window ledge planter, or get more intense with avertical garden or some space-saving pendant plants. Cilantro, anyone?
5. Bring the beach home
If you don’t want to make any permanent changes or additions that might feel out of place in the cooler months (and let’s say you’ve got no place to store that stuff anyway), there’s always the option of making your place a bit more summery without all that commitment. Check outApartment Therapy, Brit + Co and Pinterest for beach-inspired decor that’s easy, breezy and… yep, even beautiful, whether you buy it or make it yourself.
Whether you’re moving this summer or planning something for later in the year, check outMoveline’s free services to take the headache out of the process. We simplify the moving process and save you money by assigning you a Move Captain who helps take your inventory, gathers moving quotes, and oversees your move from beginning to end, keeping it as stress-free as possible. Don’t go it alone. Let Moveline help.
When you’ve moved from one state to another, the array of matters to handle can be dizzying. First, there’s the sheer amount of time, energy and resources needed to complete the move and get settled into a new home, as well as the challenge of forming a social network and establishing a comfortable routine in a new city. Amid the change-of-address routine, the new environment and the hustle of a brand new life, it’s easy to see how tying up loose ends can get tedious. Luckily, though, the Moveline team has uncovered a simple tool to help you figure out how, where and when to get a new driver’s license in your new state without a fuss.
Each state has its own set of regulations about how soon you have to apply for your new license without finding yourself on the wrong side of the law. Likewise, each state has its own individual government entity through which you have to apply, but online resources exist to help you figure out where to go and when. The dmv.org website, for one, offers a handy state-by-state guide to getting a new license, placing you just one click away from everything you need to know.
Even though you’ll likely be inundated with chores and responsibilities as soon as you land in your new community, it’s wise to take a moment before you leave your old place and program in a digital reminder or two to keep you ahead of your new state’s license application deadline. In some states, you may be able to register your vehicle at the same time through the same agency, as well as register to vote in your new state; in others, you may have to work with various entities to get everything updated.
Oh, and while you’re at it, be sure to alert your auto insurance company well in advance of your move to avoid extra charges and lapses in coverage; also be aware that your change of address may mean a change in your premium.
Before you hit the road, let Moveline help you plan your move. By demystifying the inventory process, obtaining moving company quotes on your behalf and assigning a Move Captain to help take the headache out of the process from beginning to end, we can help you #movebetter without costing you an extra dime. Visit our homepage to get started.
With everything to consider on moving day (not to mention the days and weeks leading up to it), it’s easy to let little things fall through the cracks. When the moment arrives in which your move is complete, you’re scrawling that final signature and are officially ready for a cool drink and a nap — or to dive right into those boxes and start unpacking, depending on your energy level — a moment of panic arises as the following questions pop into your brain: “Am I supposed to tip movers? And if so, how much?”
Here at Moveline, we’ve overseen more than our fair share of moves, and through those experiences, we’ve realized just how much confusion exists over the topic, as well as the sheer volume of little decisions that can make or break the ease of moving day. So here, we’ve provided a quick primer on how to tip your moving professionals:
Tipping is expected
Just like most service-oriented professions (waitstaff, spa and beauty consultants, delivery people), the moving industry employs workers whose livelihood depends largely on the tips they receive from customers. So, bear that in mind when your movers are hauling your stuff from one home to another.
There’s an industry standard
It’s customary to tip each mover $20 apiece for a satisfactory job, or up to even $100 apiece if they’ve really earned their stripes by maneuvering lots of stairs, funky corridors and less-than-ideal parking situations, as well as if they’ve been responsible for a great deal of breakables and heirlooms that were all handled with great care.
It doesn’t have to be awkward
If there’s a sizeable crew of movers — say, more than three — and you feel strange handing money to each of them individually, it’s standard practice to give the entire sum to the lead mover and ask him or her to divide it evenly among the team.
You don’t have to worry about cash
Here’s a pro tip (pun intended): if you hire your mover through Moveline, you can build the tip into the transaction you make online — it’s not even an issue and will alleviate the awkwardness of figuring out how much to tip and how to hand it out while the movers are standing right in front of you. And the best part is, Moveline itself doesn’t cost you a thing.
BONUS
Excellence should be shared: Lots of folks rely on sites like Yelp to determine not only what restaurants and hotspots to try, but also what service providers to hire. If your moving company did a stellar job, pay it forward and let others know about it with a positive review (and vice versa). Consider it your first act of being neighborly in your new home, even if you never meet the folks you help. If your movers were great, your review just might help them score their next move and save someone else the grief of hiring someone not-so-great.
If you’re planning a move and don’t want to deal with the usual headaches, Moveline can help. We simplify the moving process by using video uploads and chats instead of in-home visits, and we gather fair, accurate quotes from reputable moving companies on your behalf, saving you the spare time, money and stress you probably can’t afford to give away anyway. For your next move, don’t go it alone. Let us help. Start planning a move with us right now.
We’re a heavily-insured culture these days. With everything from auto, health and life insurance policies to homeowner’s and renter’s coverage helping us sleep at night instead of worrying endlessly about Murphy’s Law enacting itself upon us, it’s not surprising to hear that moving insurance is highly recommended when it comes to a relocation. The Moveline team in particular is familiar with all manner of things that can go awry when moving from point A to point B, and we’ve put together a primer on moving insurance to make sure you’ve got the goods on what’s right for you.
What is moving insurance?
Simply put, lots of things can go wrong on moving day. From breakables getting… well, broken… to a storm wreaking havoc in the middle of it all, to the moving truck catching on fire, the odds of catastrophe are probably low, but there’s no guarantee everything will run perfectly. So, as with any situation that has you and/or your life’s belongings in transit, it’s best to have a cushion in case things go awry. That’s precisely what moving insurance is: protection against unforeseen destructive forces during a relocation.
Do I really need moving insurance?
In a word: yes. Federal law mandates that moving companies carry standard liability coverage that insures your stuff at 60 cents a pound, but unless literally everything you own is made of, say, cardboard, it doesn’t even come close to being helpful if there’s any real damage.
How do I get moving insurance?
The easiest way to ensure a safe, seamless, sanity-saving move is to work with Moveline. We’re not a moving company, but rather, a service that helps you find the right moving company for you; we simplify the inventory process by using video chats and uploads, and then we gather quotes on your behalf from the best movers based on pricing, reputation and reviews. We oversee your move from start to finish at no cost, and we also offer various customizable moving insurance policy if you need it. When you work with Moveline, your Move Captain will happily explain your choices to you and help you select the most appropriate terms.
One thing to note, though, is the fact that pre-existing insurance policies under your name — specifically, your or homeowner’s coverage — might already cover the moving process. Do yourself a solid and double-check to make sure you’re not already protected; if you’re a homeowner, you might be.
How much does moving insurance cost?
The price of a policy is directly proportional to the amount of coverage you need and the amount you’d like your deductible to be. So, there’s no set price range you should be aiming for; rather, the most important element to consider is whether or not the policy is truly protective of your belongings and their actual value. And here’s a cost-savings tip: if you’re using a self-storage as a part of your move, it’s unlikely you need self-storage insurance; it’s generally wiser to invest in insuring the move itself. Just make sure you clearly read your moving insurance policy: some specifically exclude coverage of your items while they are stored in a self-storage facility (it’s a liability thing), but may cover your items if they are stored in the moving company’s warehouse.
Insurance or no insurance, if you’re planning a move, let Moveline help. We’ll assign a Move Captain to oversee your move from start to finish, for free. We’ll take your inventory via a video upload or chat (don’t worry; no one else sees it but us) and gather fair, accurate quotes on your behalf to make sure you get the best deal possible for the dates you need. Don’t go it alone. Let us take the headache out of your move. Learn about Moveline’s services and get started on your move today.
There are no two ways about it: a long-distance move has a lot of considerations attached. When you’re picking up your life from one city and moving it to another, emotions can run high and even the smallest of inconveniences can seem insurmountable. So when a moving company gives you a span of dates on which they’ll be picking up and/or dropping off your stuff instead of a specific date and time, your first instinct might be to go absolutely haywire. But wait: there’s a reason behind the range.
The Moveline team is comprised of moving industry experts with years of experience helping people relocate from one city to another. We’ve compressed our knowledge of pickup and delivery spreads (also called “ranges”) into a quick guide to give you some insight into the process.
What’s a delivery spread?
First, a little background on how long-distance moves work is key. At any given point in time, a moving truck is most likely hauling boxes and belongings from multiple customers at once; the process of coordinating a truck’s route involves a number of moving parts, often with multiple pickups and dropoffs that must be carefully coordinated to ensure the most efficient delivery methods possible. If it’s heading from, say, New York to Florida, it’s probably making multiple stops along I-95 on the way down to pick up and drop off other customers’ belongings.
For reasons of safety, drivers are required by law not to exceed the amount of hours in a day during which they’re operating the truck. Since it makes sense not to encourage drowsy driving among moving professionals hauling entire homes’ worth of belongings, those restrictions actually make a lot of sense, but they do tend to lengthen the amount of time it takes to get from the first customer to the last in any given route. Needless to say, it’s wise for moving companies to give a date range consisting of several days that can be narrowed down as time goes on. That’s why it’s important to understand that ranges are common and can be several days in length.
Are the dates within a spread guaranteed?
Since each route is an intricately-planned series of pickups and dropoffs for multiple clients, (a prime reason accurate inventory is so critical), there’s always potential for delays along the way. However, your moving company must meet reasonable dispatch requirements, which basically hold the movers accountable for transporting your stuff when they say they will.
If the dates aren’t met within the window that was agreed upon, you can file a delay claim (aka an “inconvenience claim”) along with any food and lodging receipts reflecting money you had to spend while you were waiting beyond the delivery spread for your new place to be habitable. You’ve got nine months to file such a claim, and two years after that to pursue civil action if the company refuses to reimburse your claim. A reputable company, though, will do everything in its power to stay within the delivery spread; after all, the spread itself is a form of flexibility that keeps expectations reasonable on all sides, and a properly-executed move shouldn’t ever come down to a claim.
How can I keep the dates as tight as possible?
Generally speaking, when you’re ready for the movers the moment they arrive (i.e., your stuff is completely packed, a path is cleared, an elevator is reserved, and a driveway or loading zone is reserved for the moving truck’s convenience) and your belongings match the inventory you gave them, you’ve done your part. Now it’s up to the other customers on your truck’s route to do the same. While you can’t control the weather, federal safety regulations or natural disasters, you can control your portion of responsibility by being prepared, and so can other customers.
If, for example, you listed your old place as a one-bedroom and didn’t include all the furniture and a correct amount of boxes when, in reality, it’s a one-bedroom with a detached office, a ton of patio furniture and a piano you forgot to mention, you’ve likely thrown a wrench into things. Although movers take a margin of error into account to avoid mishaps, they rely on accurate inventory checklists to keep everything straight and the truck from getting overloaded.
The good news is, Moveline can take the guesswork out of the inventory process; instead of a moving company representative coming to your home and eyeballing your stuff or relying on you to give them a clear picture of what they’re moving, we’ll do a video chat with you or walk you through the process of inventorying your home on video and uploading it to our server; from there, we’ll do the dirty work and knock out an accurate inventory your movers can count on. The coolest part is, we do it for free, and we assign you a Move Captain to oversee your move from start to finish. You can even pay your movers through us, including tip. It doesn’t get much simpler than that.
Get moving asap
So, if you’re planning a move (whether it’s long-distance or local), don’t go it alone. You can let us assist you by planning your move through the Moveline homepage even if you’re only a couple of weeks away from your move date. Forget the stress and strain and let us help you#movebetter.
Once the dust settles in your new home and the moving boxes have made their way to the curb, it’s time to get to know your neighbors. Whether you’re a city dweller sharing walls and halls, or you’re in the suburbs splitting a cul-de-sac, the Moveline team believes there’s a huge value in forming relationships with the people who live around you. You don’t have to become BFFs with everyone on your block, but even a casual relationship with one or two neighbors has its benefits.
A good neighbor can be your best ally when it comes to insight and services that only someone who lives close can offer. Aside from arming you with an inside scoop on your new ‘hood, a trusty neighbor can potentially keep an eye on your home or pets while you’re away, lend you equipment and tools to keep your place in working order and be there for support and assistance in case of an emergency. Make good with your neighbors from the start and they’re apt to be more understanding about occasional noise or your bold aesthetic choices.
In case the Welcoming Committee has yet to knock on your door with a peace offering casserole or six-pack, here are our tips for getting to know the people on the other side of the fence.
Make yourself visible
Keep in mind that your living space isn’t limited to what’s inside your front door. Spending time in your building’s common areas or in your front yard will help make your presence known. This also gives your new neighbors an opportunity to approach you with a proper welcome. Shopping locally and attending neighborhood events ensures you’ll run into the right people, so make it a point to make eye contact and say hello to everyone in your path.
Pull the pet card
An easy way to strike up conversation with a new neighbor is through their pet, but dog owners are notorious for bonding over their furry friends amidst a tangle of twisted leashes without getting to know the person behind the pooch. Be sure to learn your neighbor’s name, as well as that of their dog. If you’re also a pet owner, you should use these run-ins as an opportunity to ask about local dog parks or vets, but if you can take the conversation from pup-talk to personal you may just end up with the friend-and-neighbor of your dreams.
Be a sharer
The old sentiment behind borrowing a cup of sugar isn’t lost on us. There is something satisfying and sweet about being able to call on your neighbor in a time of need, and it can work both ways. Next time you bake a batch of cookies, get too much cilantro in your weekly CSA or bring home more flowers than can fit in those window boxes, consider sharing the love by offering the excess to your neighbors.
Throw a party
If space and other logistics allow, there’s no more tried and true way to entice your neighbors into friendship by inviting them to a party at your home. This isn’t the time to be exclusive – make sure the invitation is open to everyone. Even if they’re not the partying type, any neighbor will appreciate feeling included.
Explore Moveline’s tips for making your new place feel like home, and check out other post-move advice. The dirty work may already be done, but we’re still here for you. And if you’re planning a move that hasn’t taken place yet, don’t go it alone. Let us help. It’s what we’re here for, and it’s free.
The weird, wild capital of the Lone Star State is known for a lot of things — music festivals, startup culture, a laid-back vibe and the best BBQ in America, to name a few — and it’s quickly becoming a synonym for “cool place to live” in pop culture references far and wide, from its mention in The Office finale as Jim and Pam’s new home to the fact that countless lists include it among the top 10 places in the nation to hang your (cowboy) hat.
So, why all the fuss? If you’ve visited, you probably understand the hipster haven’s allure… and if you haven’t, perhaps its recent selection as thebest city in the US for the “Young, Broke and Single” will convince you of its cheap/chic grandeur. To wit, the Moveline team has compiled a ten-gallon list of free things to do in Austin.
Enjoy the outdoors
“The stars at night / Are big and bright / Deep in the heart of Texas,” just like the songs says… and truth be told, the views are pretty awesome by day as well. Get your heart rate up by climbing the limestone steps up to Covert Park at Mt. Bonnell, the highest publicly-accessible point in the city, for sweeping photo ops and the perfect spot for a little meditation. Spin your wheels or run the pup around the city’s central body of water via the Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail (pro tip: it’s referred to as “Town Lake” by the locals).
Catch some rays and play some frisbee golf on the Greenbelt, or cool off by taking a dip in the serene (yet always packed) Barton Springs Pool — thanks to its $3 entry fee, it’s technically not free, but hey…. it’s pretty darn close. Beautiful city parks are a staple of local living, as are copious amounts of sunscreen; there’s no shortage of opportunities to use both all over town.
Get cultured
An arts mecca, Austin prides itself on the constant availability of creative experiences. No fewer than eight museums offer free admission all the time, while The Blanton waives its entry fee every Thursday and the Austin Children’s Museum hosts community nights on Wednesdays with suggested donations of just $1.
The Austin Symphony invites music lovers to hang out under the stars and enjoy live performances every Sunday evening in the summer, while an endless variety of offbeat fun presents itself all year round in the form of burlesque shows, theatrical productions and events that defy definition; check the Austin Chronicle’s events calendar for up-to-the-minute news on what’s fun and free.
Party, party, party
Austin’s signature event — as far as its global audience is concerned, anyway — is most certainlySouth By Southwest, a juggernaut of a festival including the genres of music, film and interactive. Although its badges and wristbands are undeniably pricey, the unofficial SXSW party circuit is as robust as the festival itself. Start canvassing the web a few months early to get on the list for each party that interests you, and once the festival arrives, follow the tweets, texts and Instagrams other events popping up around town with free food, drinks and entertainment. There’s never any shortage of brands (and bands) ready to vie for your loyalty with tacos and beer on the house when the South By machine is in town.
As for the rest of the year, the Live Music Capital of the World is called such for a reason; not a night goes by without a local band (or ten, or twenty) playing somewhere with no cover, just waiting for you to rock out with them.
And of course, if your personal life is more Fraggle Rock than Shiner Bock, the blog “Free Fun in Austin” is a virtual funhouse filled with daily tips on family-friendly things to do without opening your wallet.
Ready to roll like a tumbleweed into the land of tacos and tequila? Check out our guide to finding a sublet in Austin and let us help you make your move. Whether you’re moving to Texas or anywhere else in the US, we’ll assign a Move Captain to help you through the inventory process and secure fair, accurate quotes from reputable moving companies on your behalf. Then, we’ll oversee your move every step of the way to save you the stress. The best part: it’s free. Check out our homepage and let us help you get started with your move today.
Let’s say life’s thrown you a curve ball — be it a great one (a proposal or promotion) or a not-so-great one (an illness, layoff or breakup) — and you need to leave your current apartment, but you’re not sure what your options are. You’re not alone; in fact, most folks don’t read every line of fine print in their rental agreements even though we all know we should. That’s why we’ve decided to shed a little light on the choices that may be available to you in the event you need to split, and fast.
At Moveline, we’ve worked with a variety of people moving for a wide array of reasons, and suffice it to say, we’ve run into the question of how to break a lease more than a few times. So, we’ve put together a helpful list of 5 tactics you can take to get out of your rental contract legally and with as little hassle as possible.
1. Find a termination clause
The first thing to do when you think you may need to break a lease is look for any termination clauses in your lease contract. While most landlords and property managers don’t go over these with any level of detail, it’s probable that termination language is included somewhere on the document. Depending on your reason for vacating, you might be able to get off scot-free with the appropriate amount of notice, given the fact that you lost a job, got transferred at work, had a medical issue or some other circumstance that’s clearly outlined in the clause. If so, be up front with your leasing office and put it in writing. A contract’s a contract, and you should be able to move without consequence.
2. Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate
If there’s not a termination clause, or if your particular situation just isn’t covered by one, it’s possible you can simply talk your way out of your lease. While the odds are slim that you won’t lose your security deposit at best (and perhaps quite a bit more in the worst case scenario), it couldn’t hurt to ask. If the property is in such high demand that there’s a wait list (let’s say you’ve got a rent-controlled unit in a desirable neighborhood in New York City, for example), you just may be in luck with a bit of politeness and some finely-tuned negotiating skills. If not, however, you may still have other options.
3. Find someone to sublet
Subleasing agreements are like snowflakes: it seems no two are truly alike. Check with your leasing office to see if they’ll allow you to sublet in the first place; if not, you’re barking up the wrong tree, but if so, you may be a Craigslist ad away from packing up your stuff. Be sure to review the terms of the subletting clause carefully to see what responsibilities you’ll still have once you’ve moved out and a new renter has moved in under your old contract.
4. Lose the security deposit
If there’s no termination clause that speaks to your circumstances, subletting your place isn’t an option, and no amount of sweet-talking is going to get you out of your lease without penalty, you may still have a bit of negotiating power if you’re willing to spread your remaining fees out over a payment plan. If, say, you’re terminating your lease two months early and genuinely can’t continue to pay the same rent at the same rate once you’ve gone, it’s possible you may be able to split it up into four payments, perhaps through a direct debit arrangement to give the landlord peace of mind that he or she isn’t being taken for a ride. And if you’re lucky, you can get out of your remaining payments altogether and simply lose your entire security deposit (plus cleaning and renovation fees if you leave the place a mess).
5. Take it on the chin
If all else fails, consider using credit cards or whatever means necessary (again: legally, of course!) to pay off your remaining balance once you’ve vacated the space. Simply refusing to pay will set into motion an unpleasant series of events, including stern, intimidating calls and letters from debt collectors — not to mention a considerable blow to your credit score and the potential difficulty of getting approved for a future lease elsewhere. By all means, do what you can to pay your fees in full as quickly as possible and sustain a minimal amount of damage to your financial future.
Regardless of how you’re moving or where, let Moveline help reduce the headache. At no charge to you, we’ll assign you a Move Captain to help you inventory your stuff and get fair, accurate quotes from reputable, licensed movers. Then, we’ll oversee your move every step of the way to make sure it runs as smoothly as possible. So don’t go it alone. Let Moveline help. Start planning your move with us by visiting our homepage and learning more about what we do.
Moving can turn our lives a little sideways, particularly when we’re crossing state lines and time zones. In instances where we’ll likely be away from the majority of our stuff for hours, days or even weeks, it’s critical to have important documents on hand in the event they’ll be needed along the way. And of course, knowing precisely where our records and identification are in times of transition can give us peace of mind even when everything else is on the move. (Just for kicks: do you know where your passport is?)
At Moveline, we’ve seen more than our fair share of moves, and we’ve got plenty of tips for avoiding small mishaps — not to mention keeping small mishaps from becoming big ones.
Here’s a list of documents to keep with you and yours during a move… just in case:
- Driver’s licenses, ATM cards and credit cards
- Passports and visas
- Original or certified copies of birth certificates
- Medical records pertaining to any conditions that could pose a risk during the move
- Kids’ doctors’ numbers written or printed on paper and easily accessible (in a purse or wallet)
- Most recent vet checkup report for pets traveling with you, including all updated vaccination documents
- Vehicle registration records and auto insurance cards
- Lease copies/mortgage documents from both your old and new homes, neatly ordered and accessible
- A list of important phone numbers written down in case, heaven forbid, phones lose juice or go missing
- Business cards, if you make a habit of handing them out regularly
- Checkbooks, if you still use them
As with anything in life, little emergencies can happen at any time, but during a move, since our belongings can be rendered inaccessible for long periods of time, a little planning and preparation can go a long way toward mitigating stress and frustration if things don’t run as smoothly as we’d like. Take a moment a few days (or weeks) before a move to set these documents aside and alleviate headaches before they start.
Wherever your move might take you in the US, let Moveline help. We offer free services to make your move as painless as possible, from simplifying the inventory process to obtaining fair, accurate quotes from reputable movers on your behalf. Let one of our Move Captains oversee the process from start to finish, helping you ease your way from your old home to your new one. Start planning a move on our homepage today.