Moving? 5 simple tips to save you money, and stress.
Updated: Jun 6, 2022
Moving is stressful for everyone, no matter your age, or occupation. If you're specifically a Registered Nurse, moving across Canada comes with it's own set of interesting challenges. For example, switching registrations, pausing one in the existing province/territory, or even keeping one active in your graduating province, while cancelling another provincial registration entirely. It's a good thing XC Nurse created checklists for that! This article will specifically keep it short and simply on 5 tips and tricks to be aware of.
1. If you're using a moving company - negotiate!
Negotiations can be feel awkward, but it's necessary in the moving business. Depending on your start and end location may depend on how much flexibility exists on rates, but all likely are willing to move a bit. First, go for three quotes and ensure all movers are quoting "apples to apples." That is to say they are providing you a rate based on the same quote as the other two moving company's. Once this is complete the negotiation begins, some prefer going back and forth by email, others by phone. Whatever your preference take a day or two to work the pricing down by understanding what the moving company needs are. Is there business slow, are they looking for a backhaul to fill a truck, if you're flexible with the arrival date can they discount the rate? You would be surprised at times on the flexibility one mover may have over another due to their specific needs.
2. Liquor and Grocery stores will often give you their extra boxes at no cost.
This simple tip can save you hundreds of dollars. Back to point one, if you're using a moving company they'll often bring boxes with them. Unless you've negotiated the boxes they have into the price, it's extra. Even if you're not using a mover - for many of us the heavy duty boxes that liquor and grocery stores receive are more than enough to store our goods in without needing to go to a box store, or order off of Amazon.
3. Determine what you actually need to move.
If we're honest, 99 percent of us keep more than we actually need. Take the time to assess your goods, and what you actually need to bring with you. On one of our moves, we sold most of our goods and loaded what was left into the SUV we were planning to use when we reached our destination. This decision, coupled with a trip to a couple retail locations to ask for their extra boxes will help those of us who are cash conscious, while also purging items that you never really wanted to unpack anyways once you reached your final destination.
4. Give yourself time!
Even if you don't like to plan, set the move up in a way that enables you the flexibility to deal with the unexpected. If you're driving to the new province or territory, take an extra hour if possible to enjoy a stopping point. Northern Ontario for example in the summer has some gorgeous lakes, and campground areas. Meanwhile Winnipeg, and Saint John NB both offer really interesting markets to look around in, even if you're not interested in buying anything.
5. Create a Check List
If you create a list of things to do, and to bring with you, you're less likely to forget, and therefore by default less likely to need to buy the item later. Check lists in the midst of the hustle and bustle of moving can be an absolute life saver. If you prefer not to use pen and paper, use the note function on your phone, or download an app that works for your specific needs.
All in All:
Ultimately - moving is a process. It's this process that leads hopefully to an exciting new job in a different location. We hope these four simple tips make your cross country move easier. If you have further tips and tricks of the trade, we would love to hear!