Having to file a claim against an insurance policy can be stressful. Whether it’s your homeowners insurance, car insurance, or health insurance, filing a claim means that something went wrong.
You hope that your claim will be handled quickly and professionally and you’ll get the desired outcome, compensation related to your claim. When our area was hit by an inland hurricane a few years back, our house took on a lot of damage. Our entire area was hit, so we made sure to call our insurance company immediately to make sure we were first on the list. Luckily, our insurance company was quick to respond and we got everything taken care of promptly.
Note: You can see my post on the storm that hit our area: How to be Ready for an Emergency.
However, sometimes things go wrong and your agent or insurance agency mishandles your claim or you don’t get the fair result you expected. In this case you don’t have to just settle for what you get, you can report a bad insurance agent or agency through a claim with your state.
The first step when you get a decision that you don’t agree with is to try to negotiate a better settlement amount or claim amount with the agent. If you can reach a satisfactory agreement that is often better then the time and energy that will be invested in filing a claim against the agent. However, if your case was just handled poorly or you just can’t reach an agreement, then filing a claim with the state is necessary.
Where to Start
Search the state department of insurance website to locate the name and address of who to contact in your state. Some states like NY and CT have consumer complaint forms available for you to use in conjunction with their formal insurance department claim center. You can print and complete these forms to get started. If your state doesn’t have forms available online, you can print one from a state that does and use it as a template for your complaint.
If you are having trouble figuring out who to contact in your state you can look up the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and their site will direct you to the appropriate contact in your state.
Filing the Claim
You will want to complete the claim against your agent thoroughly and accurately. This means thinking with a clear head and detailing facts only. It is important to list all events and contacts in chronological order. Include any contact you had with the agent, police, insurance company, doctors or anyone pertinent to your case.
Attach any necessary documents. This could be health records in terms of a health care claim or an accident report if it was a vehicle claim. It’s important to hold on to the original documents and just send in photo copies in case they get misplaced and you need to furnish additional copies.
Remember to sign and date your claim before you send it in. Then you will want to send it to your state department of insurance claims.
Follow Up
If you want to achieve satisfactory results, it is important to follow up. Usually two weeks after you submit your claim is sufficient time for follow up. Keep following up ever week until your claim is handled.
Follow Up, Follow Up
A friend of mine who is industry read my post and wanted to add their two cents. I thought it was a good perspective, so I wanted to share…..
Saw you post a few days ago about insurance claims. Being in the business, it struck a chord with me. I could ramble on with many things but a few that stuck out to me about your article/post/whatever was that it assumed everyone who has an issue with the way their claim is handled had a covered loss? Admittedly, I didn’t research the context of your article but am assuming you’re trying to educate the public. Just wanted to ensure that it was objective! Naturally, email/written text doesn’t allow me to provide non-verbals and context to this message. It is all in good fun and nothing that I am losing any sleep over – or you either for that matter. Just some food for thought.
If you didn’t receive remarkable customer service or were denied coverage for a covered loss, then there are grounds to file complaints. If the top insurance companies mess up, although I know that with respect to the people I work with and what I believe in my company, it isn’t malicious. More so, human error or misinterpretations. I wouldn’t bat an eye to file a complaint myself as a consumer if I thought I was treated unjustly or unfairly, especially when I’ve entered into a contract. But, if you expect insurance to cover general maintenance on your property when your roofer uncovered rotted roof decking once they take hail damaged shingles off your roof – there may not be anything a judge or the department of insurance can do to help you – maintenance isn’t covered. Also, there are areas in most insurance policies that outline alternative dispute resolutions – be it appraisal, arbitration, or filing suit. Often times, these are measures sought outside of asking the DOI to step in which is often viewed as the final option when others didn’t suffice (I think often times the DOI would agree).
One other thing I thought was interesting was that you filed your claim quickly to get to the top of the list. Certainly can’t speak for all insurance companies, but can say based on my experience, this is a general misconception. Most companies assign claims based on severity. The people with more damage generally get inspected first. But there are a lot of subjective items that go into it as well – namely the schedule/location of the assigned adjuster. There are other factors but but just because you file a claim quickly doesn’t mean you’re going to get inspected quicker – relatively speaking.
Anyway, that is my 2 cents – or a quarter based on the amount I’ve typed out here! I just sort of felt like reading it, that you were maybe supporting filing a compliant when you didn’t get what you thought you deserved when the general concept of insurance is confusing for many. I am by no means saying all insurance companies have unwavering ethics or morals. Since USAA is giving you some props – check out there article about myths in insurance. They list some common ones that any insurance company would agree are out there. Wow – I thought this would be a few sentences and this turned into a book. Now I need to go back and read it again and make sure I’ve covered everything! Anyway, I seriously wanted to more so give you props for what you’re doing and jab at you a little and this turned heavy on the jab (in good fun) and less on the props.
Have you had a bad experience with an insurance agent? If so, share your experience in the comments below.
Inside: Looking for the best care packages for college students? Look no further! This guide will teach you everything you need to know about choosing the right gifts and packing a care package that will make your student feel at home during their time away.
It’s that time of year again! Time to send your college student a care package. But what should you include?
We’ve got you covered with this comprehensive list of the best care packages for college students.
From food and snacks to study aids and dorm decor, we’ve got ideas for every type of student.
This year, I seem to know so many parents sending off their college students.
So whether your child is homesick or just needs a little pick-me-up, check out our list of the best care packages for college students.
What is a Care Package?
A care package is a heartfelt bundle filled with handpicked items, designed to uplift the spirits of the recipient.
A care package for a college student is a curated box filled with various items such as food, products, or novelty items, tailored to their interests, to remind them they’re loved and provide them with needed or desired items while they’re away from home.
Nonetheless, a care package can be a wonderful surprise!
What goes in a care package for a college student?
Who says that college life has to be tough?
Show your college-bound kid you’re thinking of them with an amazing care package! Here’s how:
Pamper them with toiletries like soap, body scrub, or dry shampoo. It’s practicality meeting indulgence.
Include favorite snacks like popcorn, pretzels, candies, chips, or nuts—because nothing beats study stress like mouthfuls of favorite munchies!
Throw in souvenirs from your hometown because nostalgia is a comfort blanket away from home.
Don’t forget a gift card or two. It’s the little ticket to a happy spree when the budget runs low.
And finally, a heartfelt, handwritten note to remind them they’re loved, even from miles away.
In every box, you’re not just bringing joy to your college kid, you’re sending them love and comfort!
Why Send A Care Package To A College Student?
1. A Gift of Sustenance and Comfort 2. A Way to Express Love and Support 3. A Means to Introduce New Things 4. A Way to Help College Students Cope with Stress 5. A Resource for Essential Kitchen Items 6. A Means to Stay Connected 7. A Way to Provide a Mood Booster 8. A Tool to Help College Students Transition into Life Indoors 9. A Way to Give Money 10. A Gift That Can Help College Students Get Ahead
What are some care package ideas?
Care packages are personalized boxes filled with essentials, comforting items, or little luxuries that can offer solace, promote self-care, or give a delightful surprise.
Here are some ideas to get the creative juices flowing!
Imagine delivering a box packed with their favorite homemade goodies, essential school supplies, novel books, or even a themed package for that upcoming stressful finals week or just because!
Unbox this opportunity and read on to discover unique ideas for designing amazing care packages. Excite a college student today with this heartfelt gesture!
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
What item should every care package include?
Creating a care package can be a delightful way to demonstrate your care and thoughtfulness. It combines a mixture of practical items, fun surprises, and often much-needed essentials.
What goes into each package can vary greatly, but a gift card is always a must!
Care Packages Themes for College Students
Choosing a theme for a care package can help streamline the process and reduce the stress of deciding what to include.
Themes could be traditional, humorous, or catered towards particular interests or events, such as a holiday-themed box, an orange-colored items package to signify the end of exams or a coffee-themed care package for those who love a good brew.
Regardless of the theme, here are a few items that should ideally be included in every care package:
Self-Care Items: These can include items like face masks or beauty products, scented candles, and relaxing bath products, among others. They offer the recipient the luxury of self-pampering.
Comfort Items: Usually, soft items such as socks, blankets, or even simple things like their favorite tea or coffee can provide comfort.
Snacks & Treats: These are a must-have. Include their favorite bites or homemade goods if possible.
Drinks: Depending on the recipient’s preference, you can include a variety of drinks, like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Fun Things: Small games, coloring books, or novels can serve to reduce stress and provide entertainment.
Personal Care: Essential items such as toiletries or grooming products are always useful.
Cleaning Supplies: Especially for those away from home, cleaning supplies can be handy.
School Supplies or Work Essentials: Depending on the recipient’s needs, this could include notebooks, pens, sticky notes, etc.
Personal Safety Devices: Consider adding items like a mini first aid kit, a personal alarm, or a safety whistle.
Other Useful Things: Depending on the recipient’s interests, you could add items like a new book, a special photo, study aids, or sports gear.
Regardless of what you choose to include, the most important aspect of a care package is that it conveys love and care to the recipient.
Make sure you time sending your package well, and learn what time do Amazon packages arrive.
Best Care Packages for College Students
College students, often away from home for the first time, can sometimes struggle with homesickness or stress.
One of the most cherished remedies for these feelings is a thoughtful care package from home. It is an amazing way to remind them they’re loved and missed, bridging the gap between home and school.
But what really makes the best care package?
One that aligns with their interests, meets their fundamental needs and contains a surprise or two for fun.
A care package can boost their morale, make them feel less homesick, and get them through challenging times. It’s not just about what’s in the package, it’s about the thought and care that goes into it.
Here is a list to fill your care package with:
Food & Drinks:
1. Snacks: College students need fuel for their late-night study sessions. A variety of healthy snacks can give them that energy boost they need.
2. Instant coffee or tea bags: For caffeinated moments without needing to leave their dorm room.
3. Homemade Cookies or Baked Goods: Nothing says ‘care’ like homemade treats.
4. Specialty Coffees: For the coffee-lover student. Because it serves as an essential tool for late-night study sessions, helping students remain awake and energized.
5. Spirulina Powder: A superfood that’s great for a health boost.
6. Granola Bars or Oatmeal: Quick and easy to make, these are ideal for those mornings when students are running late for their classes.
7. Sugar-free chewing gum: Helps to maintain focus while studying.
8. Recipe Books: For the college student who needs help learning to cook. Even better create your own digital recipe book to pass along your family favorites!
9. Water Bottle: A reusable water bottle serves both as a health and environment-friendly gift.
10. English Breakfast Tea: This can provide a comforting, hot beverage that is easy to make in a dorm room. This electric tea kettle would be a special treat!
11. Hot Sauce: A versatile condiment like hot sauce can spice up drab, repetitive cafeteria meals.
12. Snacks & Munchies: Items like popcorn and pretzels are perfect for late-night cravings or for sharing with roommates.
13. Treats: Candies, chips, cookies, marshmallows, and nuts give students a sweet or savory option for a quick snack between classes.
14. Healthy items: Vitamins are great to keep students healthy, especially during finals when stress levels are high and sleep is compromised.
15. Fondue Set: A fun treat and a good reason to invite friends over.
Besides these food items, it would also be wonderful to include a few gift cards for local eateries or popular chains like Starbucks to give students the chance to have a meal or two outside the college cafeteria.
Self Care & Pampering:
16. Facial Masks: A fun and relaxing self-care item.
17. Natural Skin Care Products: To ensure their skin stays healthy too.
18. Cozy blanket: For those chilly nights in the dorm.
19. Candles: especially battery-powered ones, offer a relaxing ambiance without posing a potential fire hazard, making them ideal for dorms.
20. Spa Items: Think along the lines of bath bombs, Epsom salts, body lotion
21. Sheet Masks: this popular DIY spa at-home item is a must!
22. Essential Oils: These are needed as they offer a calming and uplifting aroma that can alleviate stress and contribute to an overall sense of well-being, especially in high-stress environments like colleges or workplaces.
23. Nail Care Kit: specifically items to do gel manicures at home. This is something I love to do myself!
24. Sleep Mask: To ensure a good night’s sleep.
25. Cute or neutral cozy socks: Socks provide warmth and comfort, helping individuals relax after a long day of classes or studying.
26. Shower Massager: A shower massager can provide much-needed stress relief after a day filled with classes, activities, and studying.
27. Scalp Massager: This can be an excellent tool for relaxation and stress relief, making it a perfect inclusion for a college beginning or the exam period.
28. Mini First Aid Kit: Every student should have a basic first aid kit.
To Get Moving (Health & Fitness):
29. Sports Equipment: For some physical activity.
30. Bluetooth Speaker: For listening to music or watching movies with friends.
31. Yoga Mat: It’s crucial to note that a yoga mat plays a significant role in providing comfort, reducing injury, and enhancing concentration during workouts.
32. Running Shoes: Running is one of the easiest ways to stay active. Or maybe to replace an old set of shoes.
33. Fitness resistance bands: These bands are perfect for incorporating into a student’s fitness routine, keeping them in shape even with their busy schedule.
Artsy Or Creative:
34. Coloring Book and Colored Pencils: A relaxing way to take study breaks. Or try this backward coloring book.
35. Colored Pencils: These complement the coloring books perfectly.
36. Notebooks and Stationary: Artists and writers would appreciate sets of beautiful stationery.
37. Origami Paper: tap into their creativity by providing a relaxing and enjoyable pastime that can help alleviate the stresses of academic life.
38. DIY Crafts: Handmade items for a personal touch.
39. Art Supplies: If they have an artistic side, new supplies can help fuel their creativity.
Mindfulness:
40. Stress Balls: Perfect for stressful exam periods. These are my favorite item on my desk!
41. Letters or Notes of Encouragement: Personal notes to show your love and support.
42. A Self-Care Journal: Helps to promote mindfulness and wellbeing.
43. An Inspirational Book: Can provide motivation and comfort.
44. Fidget Toy: Great for stress relief and concentration.
45. A calming lavender scented candle: This can help create a soothing environment, perfect for stress relief after a long day of lectures.
46. Zen Garden: This mini-sandbox can foster a bit of creativity and provide a mindless distraction from overwhelming studies.
47. Meditation guidebook: This can introduce a beginner to effective meditation techniques and potential benefits for mindfulness.
48. Affirmation cards: Daily positivity prompts can boost mood, and encourage a positive mindset.
49. White noise machine: This can provide calming background noise, assisting in good quality sleep and fostering mental well-being.
50. Weighted blanket: Proven to stimulate serotonin production, this blanket can increase feelings of calm and aid in better sleep.
51. Gratitude journal: This promotes the daily practice of noting down things one is grateful for, fostering a positive mindset, and reducing stress.
52. Mini Buddha Board: With this, they can paint with water and watch it slowly evaporate, reminding them of the impermanence of life’s stressors.
For School:
53. Portable Charger: No student wants to run out of battery while on the go.
54. Noise-Canceling Headphones: A fantastic tool that can help students study in peace, even in a noisy dorm.
55. iPhone/Android Charging Cord: An extra charging cord can be a lifesaver for busy students.
56. Planner: Helps students keep track of their assignments and plans. Don’t forget these planner stickers.
57. USB Flash Drive: For backing up important assignments and projects.
58. Study Supplies: Flashcards, highlighters, sticky notes, and more.
59. Stickers: These can be used to decorate their laptops, notebooks, or other personal items, adding a fun and creative element.
For Fun:
60. Birthday decorations: For a surprise birthday celebration.
61. Flying Butterflies out of the Box: This is one of my favorites! The butterflies fly out of the box when opened! Very easy to set up too.
62. Movie Night Pack: A collection of films, popcorn, and candy for a sweet night in.
63. Mini Board Games: Something fun they can do during their free time.
64. Board Game or Playing Cards: Fun games to play with friends during downtime.
65. Funny Socks: Just to put a smile on their faces.
66. “Orange you glad exams are almost over?” care package: A box full of orange-colored items will not only be visually striking but will also offer a light-hearted joke to help reduce exam stress.
To Help Their Budget:
67. Wallet or Money Clip: To keep their money and ID safe.
68. Budget Binder: make sure they are starting out right! Here are the best budget binders.
69. Laundry Detergent Pods: This easy-to-carry, mess-free laundry solution is perfect for college students.
70. Hygiene Products: Essential toiletries like toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and conditioner can save them a trip to the store.
71. Extra set of Sheets: Comes in handy during laundry day.
72. Prepaid Visa Gift Cards: These can be for anything from their favorite stores, food places or for movie tickets.
73. CASH: Check out these money gift ideas on ways to package it.
74. Money Cake with Cake: These are extremely popular with the recipient.
Maybe it is a good reminder for them to find remote jobs for college students.
Nostalgia:
75. A DIY Scrapbook: A place to store all of your pictures and mementos.
76. Stuffed Animal: For comforting cuddles on lonely nights.
77. Postcards from Home: Reminds them of their roots while away.
78. Cute photo frames: For them to display their favorite memories.
79. Personalized Keychain: To carry a piece of home with them at all times.
How to Choose the Right Care Package for a College Student
Transitioning to college life is notoriously challenging for students.
Tackling the academic load, juggling social responsibilities, and handling homesickness can be overwhelming. That’s where a thoughtful care package comes in as a ray of hope, bringing a taste of home, a load of love, and a boost of morale.
While choosing the ideal care package, consider these critical attributes:
Personalization: Pick items aligning with their tastes and interests. The more personal, the more cherished.
Versatility: Include a variety of items, from fun snacks to useful goods. Variety is the spice of life.
Affordability: There’s no need for a high budget. Thoughtfulness doesn’t need to be expensive.
Thematic elements: Consider packages focused on upcoming holidays or exam seasons for added relevance. The more timely, the more needed.
Convenience: Prioritize products that save your student time and energy. The simpler, the better.
Remember, these packages are powerful messages of love and support. Choose wisely.
When to Send Care Packages for College Students
One of the most fitting times to send a college student a care package is at the beginning of the freshman year when they are trying to adjust to their new environment.
However, these thoughtful packages can be sent at any time throughout their college journey to remind them that they are missed and cared for back home.
Fall
Thanksgiving
Christmas
Valentine’s Day
Easter
Finals
Birthday
Or any other holiday!
Especially during stressful periods, like exam season, a care package can be a well-appreciated and timely morale booster.
Tips for Sending a Care Package to a College Student
1. Consider the Student’s Needs
Do you puzzle over what to put in a care package for your college student? You’re not alone.
Many parents struggle with creating a meaningful gift that caters to their child’s actual needs.
The key is convenience and usefulness—factors often overlooked in the thrill of care package creation. Let’s transform your approach.
Tailoring your package to their needs ensures your thoughtful gift becomes a practical blessing in their hectic college life.
2. Consider the Budget
Overspending on care packages for your college student can shock your wallet. Just like trying to figure out how much to give for high school graduation.
The wrong box size could lead to needless extras and unexpectedly high shipping costs. Thankfully, you can easily drop ship the items with Amazon Prime.
Also, think about how many times per year you plan to send a care package. That way you can spread out the fun throughout the year.
This is especially true if you want to know how to pay for college without loans.
3. Email or Call the Student to Find Out What They Need
Don’t risk sending unneeded items to your college student that end up wasting space and money.
Imagine the disappointment when they open the package to find redundant or unnecessary supplies.
But there’s an easy fix! Before assembling a care package, make a quick call or send an email asking what they actually need. This simple step ensures your thoughtful gesture aligns perfectly with their requirements.
Remember, it’s about sending useful items that your student appreciates and utilizes – making your effort truly count!
FAQ
Feeling homesick is a common challenge for many college students. Their new environment can seem excitingly novel but also distressingly foreign. But you can help alleviate this uncomfortable feeling by sending thoughtful, comforting care packages.
Snacks from Home: Local snacks can evoke a sense of nostalgia, making them feel closer to home.
Personal Mementos: Tokens like pictures of family, posters of hometown landscapes, or preserved local flowers help create a familiar space in their dormitory.
Money: An unexpected cash bonus is not just practical, but also a mood booster. Who doesn’t love a surprise windfall?
Heartfelt Note/Card: A message of love and encouragement can provide emotional resiliency in distressing times.
Remember, your care packages remind them that they’re loved and thought of, even miles away.
Sending care packages to college students is a thoughtful gesture that can be done at any frequency you prefer.
For example, once a quarter might be a good rule to ensure your student receives regular reminders of your love and support.
Supplements around finals, or during difficult times, are always appreciated. Feel free to adjust the frequency based on your student’s needs and preferences.
Sending a college girl a care package is a great way to remind her of home and boost her spirits. And typically, girls want fun things specific to them.
Here are the top 5 items to include:
Hair Accessories: Such as colorful hair ties or headbands to add a fun touch to her looks.
Socks: Choose cozy and cute ones, they’ll be perfect for chilly dorm nights.
Lip Balm: This is essential for avoiding chapped lips, consider tinted options for a dual-purpose product.
Fun Study Supplies: Including unique pens or sticky notes as they can make studying a bit more entertaining.
Face Masks: They offer a chance for self-care and relaxation, especially for those stress-induced skin flare-ups.
Time to Pack Those College Care Packages!
Transitioning to college life can be both exciting and overwhelming. Often, college students find themselves daunted by academic rigors, social pressure, and the unique environment of living away from home.
But what if there was a simple way to overcome these challenges?
Enter: the care package.
With a little bit of planning, you can easily put together a care package that will make your student smile.
So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
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Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, where we answer your real-world money questions. In this episode: Learn Nerdy tips to plan a Disney vacation without going broke, and how to choose a retirement plan when self-employed.
This Week in Your Money: Unlock the magic of making your next Disney vacation more affordable with insider tips from travel Nerd Sally French. She joins hosts Sean Pyles and Liz Weston to unveil the secrets behind experiencing Disneyland and Disney World on a budget, from strategic hotel choices to the types of tickets you might want to avoid. Plus: The Nerds discuss the value of early entry benefits, share their hot takes on whether Genie+ tickets are worth the splurge and explore methods for saving money on food and souvenirs.
Today’s Money Question: Investing Nerd June Sham joins Sean and Liz to answer a listener’s question about how to manage retirement plans and quarterly taxes as a self-employed professional. The Nerds go deep into 401(k) contribution limits, mega backdoor Roth 401(k) and IRA plans and SEP, or simplified employee pension, plans. You’ll discover money-saving strategies, understand when it’s important to budget for quarterly taxes and learn when you might need a tax professional to keep your finances in check.
Check out this episode on your favorite podcast platform, including:
NerdWallet stories related to this episode:
Episode transcript
Sean Pyles: Liz, I know you’re a big Disney fan and a Disneyland regular. How much do you think you’ve spent at Disneyland over the years?
Liz Weston: Oh, so much that Scrooge McDuck hasn’t finished counting it yet.
Sean Pyles: That’s a lot of gold coins. Well, this episode, we’re going to help folks find a more affordable way to get the most out of a Disney vacation.
Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, where you send us your money questions and we answer them with the help of our genius Nerds. I’m Sean Pyles.
Liz Weston: And I’m Liz Weston. Listener, you know the deal. There’s probably something in your financial life that you need help with. Well, let us be your Nerdy helping hand. No matter what the money question, send it our way.
Sean Pyles: You can leave us a voicemail or text us on the Nerd Hotline at 901-730-6373. That’s 901-730-NERD. You can also email us at [email protected]
Liz Weston: In this episode, Sean and I answer a listener’s question about choosing between different retirement accounts. But first, it’s off to Disney. We’re talking with travel writer Sally French about how you can save money on a Disney vacation.
Welcome back to Smart Money, Sally.
Sally French: Thanks for having me. It’s great to be back talking about one of my favorite topics, Disneyland.
Sean Pyles: Yeah. So Sally, it’s summertime. If families want to squeeze in a vacation to Disney World in Florida or Disneyland in California before school starts, how much should listeners budget?
Sally French: Sean, I love the question, but it is so broad. There are so many ways to travel to Disney on every budget. That said, NerdWallet did some research to understand how much a trip costs for a family of four. What NerdWallet found is that a three-night visit to Disney World can range from about $3,000 on the lower end up to $6,000 for families who prefer more of a deluxe experience, and at Disneyland, it’s actually slightly more expensive. A family of four can expect to spend $3,600 on the low end and $6,500 on the higher end.
Sean Pyles: That is a lot of money. You can have a fantastic trip through Europe for that amount of cash. So what do you think are some good ways to save?
Sally French: What NerdWallet found is that more than tickets, more than souvenirs or food, hotels ate up the biggest chunk of the budget. And a big reason why Disneyland trips were more expensive overall than Disney World trips is because Disneyland hotels are more expensive overall.
When NerdWallet compiled this research, we looked at Disney-owned hotels, that’s as opposed to something like a Hilton or a Hyatt nearby, and in fact, staying at that Hilton or that Hyatt nearby or even something off-property like a vacation rental can be one of the best ways to save. Disney-owned hotels are just so expensive. At least at Disney World, there are roughly two dozen Disney-owned hotels, but at Disneyland there are only three Disney-owned hotels, which just really limits the options. So if you do want to fully stay at Disney for your entire trip, expect to pay a lot more.
Liz Weston: And it’s gotten more expensive over the years. I remember back in the day, you could actually get a room at the Grand Californian at Disneyland for under $200. Those days are so long gone. Yes, I just …
Sally French: Wow! Liz, please tell me you snagged that under-$200 deal. I’ve never stayed there because it is not in my budget.
Liz Weston: We snagged that a couple of times in January when our daughter was very small. Now, I just checked, and a standard room is over $800 a night at that one hotel. Yeah, so it’s crazy.
Sally French: But I think it is worth mentioning what the benefits are. So for people who don’t know what the Grand Californian is, that hotel has its own entrance to California Adventure Theme Park, and there are other benefits, like early entry. Early entry can be one of the most valuable perks because you get in line before everyone else does, and you know at Disney, time is money. So even though it’s expensive, just keep in mind there are benefits that, for some families, it can be worth it.
Sean Pyles: And getting into the park early can maybe make it so you don’t have to buy something like Genie+, which is a tool that allows people to skip lines in a very convoluted way. And Liz, I know you have strong feelings about this program. Can you please give us your thoughts?
Liz Weston: I’m going to try my hardest not to derail the conversation multiple times, but I do have to have a rant about Genie+. Could Disney have come up with a more confusing and complicated system? I would give anything to go back to our beloved FastPass, which was actually free. Now, you have to pay $25-plus per person to skip some lines, not all the lines, some lines. plus you’re going to pay another $25 to $30 bucks, again per person, to skip the lines for each of the most popular rides. It’s a huge additional expense for a family, but the alternative is standing for hours in line because the parks are almost constantly busy.
So to circle back to that early entry can make a big difference, the other thing that can really help is to be there at what they call rope drop, which is when the parks first open, generally about 30 minutes before the posted time. So if you can get your whole family up and there to the park, you can actually ride a lot of rides in that first hour or so.
Sally French: Yeah. And you know Liz, that’s really the best tip. I was actually just at Disney World and in the first hour, we did eight rides. We just beelined to Fantasy Land and just boom, boom, boom. We just hit all of them. But then the next three hours, we only got on two rides because people start piling in late. And so if you can get all those rides in early, you knock it all out and then have the rest of the day to sort of kick back and relax.
Sean Pyles: Yeah. Well also, if you are looking to have a relaxing vacation, I wouldn’t necessarily think that Disney is the place to do that. Between all of the people and the time and the money involved, it seems a little bit too stressful for my tastes.
But Sally, I’m wondering if you have any other tips for how people can save money if they are going to go the Disney route for their vacation.
Sally French: Yeah. So we talked already about considering staying off property. Again, there’s pros and cons, but other things are bringing your own stuff from off-property, so that is food and souvenirs. A lot of people don’t realize that Disney actually is very open about allowing you to bring in your own outside food. There are just a few limitations, like you can’t bring in glass or hard-sided coolers, things like that.
Same for souvenirs. Disney charges so much for souvenirs, but typically, there are very similar souvenirs being sold at Target. Your kid wants to go to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and get their princess dress. Can you go to a store like Target or even order on Amazon or wherever you buy kids toys and buy a princess dress for your kid there? They probably won’t even realize that you didn’t buy it at the Disney parks. So if you can surprise your kid that night and say, “Here’s your new princess dress,” they’ll probably think it came from Disney anyway.
Liz Weston: And I’m not sure about Disney World, but not far from Disneyland is what we like to call “The Magical Target” because it has tons of Disney merchandise for half or less of what you’d pay at the parks. It’s on Harbor Boulevard in Garden Grove, which is just down the road from Disneyland.
Sean Pyles: Tickets are also a really expensive part of Disney, but there are a few ways to get discounted tickets, right?
Sally French: Yeah, so Liz already mentioned Target, but I also recommend using Target to simply buy gift cards, which you can turn around and use to buy souvenirs in the park or use them to buy theme park tickets. The reason why I recommend buying gift cards at Target is for folks who have a Target REDCard, which is Target’s branded credit card, that REDCard offers 5% off and it’s automatic at the register on Target purchases.
If you’re not going to Target and you don’t have a Target REDCard, you might also look at places like Costco. They often have deals. AAA tends to have deals. Of course, these vary based on the time of the year. There’s even sometimes local resident deals. So if you live in California, there might be an offer. So shop around, even if you have some sort of corporate employee discount program, you might find discount Disney tickets there as well.
Liz Weston: And we should mention that Target also sells Disney entrance tickets and there’s usually a $5 to $10 discount compared to buying them directly from Disney. And then again, you get that 5% REDCard discount.
Sally French: Yeah, that’s a great tip.
Another thing to remember is Disney recently implemented that on-demand pricing. So if you are used to taking Ubers and Lyfts, you might know about surge pricing. That is something that has relatively been new to the Disney parks. So for better or for worse, it used to be that if you wanted to go to Disneyland on Christmas, a Saturday in the summer, it was just absolutely packed. And then if you went to Disney on a Tuesday in February when it’s raining, it would be a complete ghost town. And what’s happened now is that they charge significantly less to go on those off-peak times, that’s the rainy Tuesday in February, and significantly more to go on the peak times like the summer Saturday.
And so what that’s actually done is it has evened out the crowds because people are price-sensitive and they say, “You know what? I don’t mind going on that Tuesday in February if I can save money.” So if you are like that, you might be able to save money by going on those off-peak seasons.
Another sort of ticket hack, I like to say, is to avoid the Park Hopper. So Disney sells tickets that are single-day single-park, or they sell Park Hopper tickets, which allow you to go to multiple parks in one day. So at Disney World, there are four parks, and at Disneyland, there are two parks. If you are only going to be at the overall Disney resort for one day and you want to see what each park has to offer, then you will have to buy a Park Hopper, but these tickets are more expensive than single-day single-park. So if you are going to be on property for multiple days, I recommend just doing that single-day single-park.
Sean Pyles: So Sally, I have one last question for you. Given how much things cost at Disney, is there anything free at these parks?
Sally French: Sean, you asked the right person because I love free things to do at Disney.
So at Disneyland Resort in California, they have a shopping district called Downtown Disney. You can also wander into some of the hotels, which are nice to look around. You might even spot a Disney character there. But at Disney World, Sean, I actually took an entire week-long trip to Disney World and did not set foot into the parks once. That’s because I was explicitly trying to figure out what I could do outside the theme parks and the answer is a lot.
So they have something similar to Downtown Disney called Disney Springs. Again, it’s a shopping and dining district. They also have another smaller district called Disney’s Boardwalk and there are so many free things to do here. So the Boardwalk has live entertainment at night. You’ll see jugglers, you’ll see singers.
And then all of the resorts have so many unique attractions. We mentioned earlier there are about two dozen Disney resorts. They’re all really highly themed. You can watch the fireworks, you can ride the monorail around. They have so many amazing transportation systems that are free, like lovely boat rides. They have a Skyliner, which is this aerial gondola. It’s free.
And so believe it or not, there is so much stuff that you can do outside the parks that I think you could have a great time at Disney without once stepping foot inside a theme park.
Sean Pyles: All right, well Sally, thank you so much for sharing your tips with us.
Sally French: Thank you.
Liz Weston: Before we move on, we have an exciting announcement. We are running another book giveaway sweepstakes ahead of our next Nerdy Book Club episode.
Sean Pyles: Next month, we’re speaking with Cameron Huddleston, author of “Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk,” which guides us through challenging but essential financial conversations with our parents. To enter for a chance to win our book giveaway, send an email to [email protected] with the subject “Book Sweepstakes” during the sweepstakes period. Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on August 9th. Include the following information: your first and last name, email address, ZIP code and phone number. For more information, please visit our official sweepstakes rules page.
That wraps up our This Week in Your Money segment. Today’s Money Question is up next. Stay with us.
This episode’s Money Question comes from Austin, who texted us their question. Here it is as read by our audio editor, Kaely Monahan.
Kaely Monahan: Hello, my name is Austin and I have a question for a future NerdWallet Smart Money podcast episode. I earned some of my income through 1099 work as an on-call pediatrician at my local hospital. I’ve created a single-member LLC to receive this pay and would like to utilize it in the best way possible. It is extra and not needed for our monthly bills or expenses, and thus is used solely for saving and investing. I already maxed out the yearly employee 401(k) contributions and backdoor Roth through my W-2 salary, so I don’t think I can do any more on that front. I know I could contribute up to 25% of the total 1099 money to a solo 401(k).
My primary question is logistically, how do I do this? How do I choose between a Roth versus traditional 401(k)? How should I set aside some money for quarterly taxes and how do you pay quarterly taxes? How can I determine how much to put into the solo 401(k) each month versus how much I can save or invest in my taxable brokerage? And finally, do I need to wait until year-end and know the total yearly income before investing in anything? Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for all your help.
Liz Weston: To help us answer Austin’s question, on this episode of the podcast we’re joined by investing writer June Sham. Welcome to Smart Money, June.
June Sham: Thank you so much for having me.
Sean Pyles: It’s great to have you on, June. There’s a lot going on in Austin’s question, but before we get into all of it, a quick reminder courtesy of the NerdWallet legal team. We are not investment advisors or financial advisors and will not tell you what to do with your money. Our job as Nerds is to give you the information and context so that you can make informed decisions with your money.
OK, now let’s get into the meat of Austin’s question. They’re asking about three different types of retirement plans: an employer-sponsored 401(k), a backdoor Roth and a solo 401(k). And Austin is essentially wondering how to fund and prioritize these accounts.
June Sham: Yeah, of course. So with the employer-sponsored 401(k) plan, you as the employee make pre-tax contributions into the account. What’s really great is that typically, most employers will offer a matching contribution based on the amount that you put in, and so it’s a great way to earn some extra free money towards your retirement savings.
Some 401(k) plans now also come in a Roth version, which doesn’t have an upfront deduction, but you do get to withdraw the money tax-free in retirement. So Austin also said he’s doing a backdoor Roth. What that means is that he’s contributing money to a traditional IRA and then converting that money to a Roth IRA. Roth IRAs have income limits, so this backdoor version is a method for people with higher incomes to get money into their Roth IRAs, which they necessarily wouldn’t be able to do.
Liz Weston: Yes, and like a Roth 401(k), Roth IRAs also don’t have an upfront tax break, but the money that you take out in retirement is tax-free.
So June, what about options for people who are self-employed or have self-employment income like Austin has?
June Sham: With self-employment income, you have a number of different options, which I think, Sean, you’ve covered on the podcast before. Austin might be confusing a couple of the more common types of self-employment retirement plans. A couple of these could be the SEP, or simplified employee pension, which allows Austin to contribute up to 25% of their net earnings from self-employment, and that’s up to $66,000 this year.
A solo 401(k) plan, which Austin mentioned, also has a $66,000 limit in 2023, but it breaks down a little differently. The self-employed business owner basically could contribute as an employer and an employee. And as an employee, Austin can contribute 100% of their compensation up to what’s known as elective deferral limit, which is $22,500 for people under 50 in 2023. As an employer, Austin can make a profit-sharing contribution of up to 25% of compensation. And the cool thing is that both the SEP and the solo 401(k) now have Roth versions as well.
Liz Weston: I just want to take a minute because most people, when they think about 401(k) limits, they’re thinking about the elective deferral limit. So that’s the one that gets all the publicity that if you know anything about 401(k)s, that’s probably the one you’ve seen, but these plans actually have much higher limits that count things like employer and after-tax contributions.
Sean Pyles: June, some financial advisors will recommend a specific order for prioritizing different types of retirement accounts. Can you talk about that and what Austin should consider as they’re deciding which of their retirement accounts to put the most money in?
June Sham: When it comes to figuring out where to put your retirement savings, it really comes down to the types of accounts you have and how much you can set aside. Let’s say, for example, it’s not possible to contribute the maximum to all of their retirement accounts, and in this case, most advisors probably recommend starting with your 401(k) plan, especially if it has an employer match to get that free money.
After you’ve gotten the match, you can look to an IRA based on the type of tax break you want, and from there, you can go back to your 401(k) plan.
Sean Pyles: Austin also wants to know how to set up a solo 401(k). How would they go about doing that?
June Sham: For that, you need an employer identification number, which they already have since they’ve set up that limited liability company. From there, you can set up a solo 401(k) with most online brokers and they’ll provide stuff like plan adoption agreements and account applications to fill out. Once that’s completed, you can go ahead and choose your investments.
Liz Weston: OK. For the second part of Austin’s question, they want to know how to prioritize contributions specifically among their plans. What would you tell people about that?
June Sham: So for people like Austin who have both an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan and a solo 401(k) plan, the most important thing they need to remember is that the annual contribution limit is a combined limit. So how to split contributions between the two plans could depend on things like employer match, plan administrative costs and investment options.
Sean Pyles: All right. And that part about combined contribution limits is really important here. In general for the 2023 tax year, the elective deferral limit for 401(k)s is $22,500, the number that we’ve mentioned earlier in this episode, and that’s if you’re under 50. If you’re 50 and over, you can contribute up to $30,000.
From Austin’s question, it seems like they’re saying they’re contributing the maximum amount to their 401(k) from their W-2 employer and they’re also looking to add more to a 401(k) via a solo 401(k). That might mean that they actually over-contribute, which could land Austin in a bit of trouble. Can you discuss what happens if you do over-contribute to an account like a 401(k)?
June Sham: Yeah, so if you have an excess contribution, it must be withdrawn by April 15th of the following year, or else there could be a lot of penalties including having the plan disqualified.
Sean Pyles: Hm. That’s bad.
Liz Weston: Yeah, very bad.
June Sham: Yep, that’s not really great. Austin could also make contributions to the solo 401(k) solely as an employer, not as an employee, so that Austin can avoid going above that employee contribution limit. Or a last option is that Austin could simply opt for a SEP and not have to worry about that combined limit, since a SEP is considered an entirely different type of plan if it’s offered by a different employer.
Sean Pyles: June, you mentioned earlier that SEPs and solo 401(k)s also have a Roth option, and so do a lot of workplace 401(k) plans. A lot of people have a hard time deciding when to contribute to Roth versus options that give them an upfront tax deduction. Personally, I try to balance when my retirement money is taxed. Some is taxed now and some will be taxed down the road. I contribute a lot to my 401(k). Last year, I was really focused on contributing to my Roth IRA, and I recently set up something called a mega backdoor Roth, something that I know Liz is a huge fan of and we’ll get into in a little bit.
Liz Weston: I totally will. I totally will. I am all about tax diversification and it’s a phrase that planners love to use when they’re describing the ability basically to better control your taxes in retirement. If all of your money is in pre-tax options, like if you’re maxing out the 401(k) pre-tax or putting it all in a traditional IRA where you get a tax deduction, it all has to be taxed when it comes out and they force you to take it out at a certain age. If you’ve got money in a Roth, you don’t have to pay income taxes on withdrawals and you also don’t have to worry about required minimum distributions. That gives you a heck of a lot more control.
June Sham: Yeah, early in my career, I focused solely on making Roth contributions for pretty much that exact reason. I assume that my earning potential would change in the future and I wanted to be able to access that money tax-free in retirement. But now, I see a lot of value in having, Liz, what you said, tax diversification and taking advantage of things now as opposed to later and helping me plan out my retirement strategy.
Liz Weston: Yes. And one other thing to check out is what Sean just mentioned, which is the mega backdoor Roth option. We talked about the backdoor Roth where you contribute to a traditional IRA and then you convert it. The mega backdoor Roth is a similar idea, but it is on steroids. So mega backdoor Roths have to be offered by your employer and many of them don’t.
But if they do, it starts out with a 401(k) plan that allows you to make after-tax contributions, and then it offers what’s known as an in-service conversion. In other words, the money you put in after tax is converted right away into a Roth option. Normally, you would have to wait until you left your job to roll after-tax money into a Roth. So high earners really like the mega backdoor Roth because they don’t have to worry about those Roth IRA income limits, plus you can put a lot more money in. IRAs have a lower contribution limit, the $6,500 that we mentioned earlier for people under 50. With a mega backdoor Roth, you can contribute up to, get this, $43,500. That’s in addition to the $22,500 that you can contribute to the regular 401(k) plan.
Now, there’s a lot of math that goes into this and we will have links in the show notes to articles that explain exactly how this works and who it might be good for.
Sean Pyles: I think a lot of listeners may be listening to that and thinking, “First of all, that’s confusing. I don’t know what’s going on.” And second of all, “$66,000 is a lot, a lot of money to contribute to a retirement account in a single year.” And so I want to zoom out a little bit and talk about retirement account contributions, maxing out retirement accounts, in relation to other financial goals, because maxing out a retirement plan or three can be really great for your future self, but it’s not realistic for many people and it can sometimes conflict with other goals like saving for a down payment on a house, building up an emergency fund, that sort of thing.
And our listener, Austin, is also wondering about when to invest money into a brokerage account versus a retirement account. I’d love to hear how you guys think about competing financial priorities in your own lives, especially as it relates to retirement and other investments.
June Sham: Yeah, you bring up a really good point, Sean. Our immediate financial goals and responsibilities are just as important as our future ones. It would be so great if we could all max out our retirement accounts, and truly, major congratulations to Austin for doing so, but it’s also not the end of the world if we can’t.
At least in my own life, I try to remember that everyone’s financial journey is different. You can’t use someone else’s financial plans because we’re all in different places. And so being strategic with your own money and being realistic with your own goals is the best way to make the decisions for yourself.
When deciding to prioritize between retirement or brokerage accounts though, you really need to consider when you need the money. If it’s shorter than five years, then short-term investments like online savings accounts, CDs or money market accounts might be the best move. For anything longer, you could consider, then, a brokerage or retirement account, but just remember that with retirement accounts, you can’t withdraw the funds until 59 and a half years old without incurring penalties and taxes.
Sean Pyles: One way I like to think about retirement contributions and the lofty goal of maxing out accounts in relation to other things is that you don’t have to do one thing for the rest of your life. Maybe you have a great year financially and you can max out your retirement account and maybe the next year, you have some financial setbacks or you have other expenses come up, like you have a kid, that needs a lot of money of course, and so you draw back from contributing as much to your retirement account because you have a much more pressing financial priority in the form of a baby or a house or whatever it may be.
So I think that just understanding that you may have peaks and valleys of what you can put into different financial priorities will help you be more flexible and accomplish many different things simultaneously.
Liz Weston: Yes, I would just add that I am really glad that I tried to put in as much in as possible to my retirement funds when I was younger because that gave me a heck of a lot more flexibility down the road when I did want to start my own business and have a kid and take some time off. And all those things were possible because I kind of maxed out at the beginning, if that makes sense. It is not something that everybody can do. However, that wonderful power of compounding really gets going for you if you can put money into a retirement account as early as possible.
So I do encourage people, don’t ignore this, this is really important, try to do it, but as you guys said, there are lots of different goals that we have to accomplish and sometimes it’s tough to get it all done.
June Sham: Yeah. And every little bit helps. If you only just put in a little bit, compound interest can help you take care of it even more.
Liz Weston: Yep, exactly.
Sean Pyles: Yeah. And play the long game. And Liz, now I have a question for you as a business owner. Austin is wondering about quarterly taxes and how to manage them. I’m guessing your suggestion for Austin would be to hire a qualified tax professional.
Liz Weston: And the earlier, the better. When you have your own business, you have so many complicated issues to deal with. It can really help to have another set of eyes on your tax return, someone knowledgeable who can guide you and answer questions because tax people do this 24/7. I mean, Austin is a doctor and they’ve got a business to run. They’ve got a lot of things to do without going to study the tax law. So yes, absolutely get a qualified tax professional.
We have what’s known as a pay-as-you-go tax system, so we are supposed to be withholding taxes as we earn money. You can’t just wait until you file your taxes to figure out what you owe, unfortunately. And Sean, I think you discovered this.
Sean Pyles: Yes.
Liz Weston: To your distress earlier in your career.
Sean Pyles: Years ago, I was on the hook for a pretty big tax bill because I did not save as I went with my contractor money, and I did not enjoy it. So learn from me and put aside the money, pay quarterly. Yes.
Liz Weston: There you go. And a tax pro can help you figure out how much to pay each quarter so that you are what’s known as penalty proof. In other words, you won’t owe penalties for under-withholding. Once you know how much you owe each quarter, you divide it by the number of checks or payments or whatever that you expect to get in the meantime, and you set that cash aside. Then you pay before the deadline each quarter. It’s super easy to do online.
Sean Pyles: I don’t think we’ve ever covered so many disparate but interconnected and complicated topics in a single segment.
June, thank you so much for joining us and sharing your insights.
June Sham: Thanks so much for having me.
Sean Pyles: And with that, now let’s get onto our takeaway tips. Liz, will you please start us off?
Liz Weston: Yes. First, know your options. You may have a variety of retirement accounts available, including Roth IRAs, traditional 401(k)s, and self-employment options.
Sean Pyles: Next, plan for tomorrow, but live for today. Maxing out your retirement accounts is a great goal, but think about how you can balance that with nearer-term financial priorities like going on vacations or buying a house.
Liz Weston: Finally, tap professional help. Tax obligations as a business owner can be confusing. Consider hiring a qualified tax pro to help you sort out what you owe and how to pay it.
Sean Pyles: And that’s all we have for this episode.
Do you have a money question of your own? Turn to the nerds and call or text us your questions at 901-730-6373. That’s 901-730-NERD. You can also email us at [email protected] Visit nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode, and remember to follow, rate, and review us wherever you’re getting this podcast.
This episode was produced by Liz Weston and myself with help from Tess Vigeland and Meghan Coyle. Kaely Monahan and Kevin Tidmarsh mixed our audio. And a big thank you to the folks on the NerdWallet copy desk for all their help.
Liz Weston: And here’s our brief disclaimer. We are not financial or investment advisors. This nerdy info is provided for general educational and entertainment purposes and may not apply to your specific circumstances.
Sean Pyles: And with that said, until next time, turn to the Nerds.
The west coast is currently being ravaged by wildfires, including five of the top ten largest wildfires in California history so far. These devastating fires have burned down hundreds of millions of acres of land, resulting in at least 36 casualties and the loss of homes, businesses, and other structures. The entire west coast is experiencing unhealthy air quality, and smoke has reached as far as the east coast and even Europe.
Aside from the immediate consequences in terms of property damage and loss of life, wildfires also have a far-reaching economic impact. From the ongoing costs related to fire suppression and prevention to the loss of revenue, expensive repairs, and insurance hikes that inevitably follow, these fires have lasting financial repercussions.
The current wildfires will have an economic impact on both a local and a national level. While states including California, Oregon, and Washington are some of the most likely to be affected by wildfires, the financial fallout has the potential to be even more widespread.
What’s Ahead:
Fire suppression costs are rising
Battling wildfires is an expensive business, and the cost to fight fires has soared from tens of millions to hundreds of millions in recent years as destructive wildfires have become more and more common.
With 2020 on track to be one of the most devastating wildfire seasons on record, the cost just to get fires under control continues to climb.
You’ll see insurance hikes
As wildfires become more common in areas across the western United States, homeowners insurance and fire insurance is getting more expensive as a result. Some homeowners who live in fire-prone areas are unable to secure insurance coverage at all, with insurance companies canceling policies in high-risk areas.
Those who are able to secure insurance will likely face increased premiums as insurance companies attempt to cover the costs of current and future wildfire seasons.
If you live in an at-risk area for wildfires, you need to make sure you have the right insurance in place to cover all of your bases. Policygenius can help you double-check that you have the right type and amount of coverage for your home – and that you’re paying the best price for it.
Temporary power cuts have affected businesses
Power companies like Pacific Gas & Electric have implemented temporary planned power shutoffs in areas where its equipment is in danger of sparking wildfires. PG&E equipment has sparked over 1,500 fires from 2014 to 2017, and officials expect continued power cuts to be a regular feature of fire seasons to come.
These power cuts can have a negative economic impact when they prevent individuals and businesses from operating as normal. While the company is working toward implementing smaller, less disruptive cuts than the power outages that caused multi-day blackouts in 2018, power cuts will still affect tens of thousands of California residents.
Businesses are also seeing a loss of revenue
The wildfires sweeping across much of the western part of the country also have a severe impact when it comes to the loss of revenue. Many businesses aren’t able to operate normally or at all, and may find it difficult to reopen in the aftermath of the fires while also dealing with other issues such as the pandemic.
Wildfires also decrease the revenue brought in by tourism, which affects everything from restaurants and small businesses to hotels and state parks.
Expensive repairs will be needed
Costly repairs will be necessary for areas where wildfires have burned down buildings and damaged infrastructure. The 2018 wildfire season caused over $40 billion worth of damage, and the 2020 season is on track to cause even more damage.
The cost of the repairs is felt both by individuals whose property has been damaged as well as government agencies responsible for repairing infrastructure and cleaning up debris.
Healthcare costs will rise for those impacted by the fires
Other indirect costs of the wildfires include the healthcare costs associated with treating injuries related to the disaster. This includes treating not only those who were directly injured by the fires themselves, but also those who inhale too much smoke and those who are injured in accidents while evacuating.
Extreme wildfires cause hazardous air quality that can lead to coughs, headaches, and shortness of breath in the short term, and chronic inflammation, heart attacks, and strokes in the long term. Those with preexisting conditions like asthma or compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable.
Economic instability may increase
A report from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission predicts that the increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters like wildfires could result in further economic instability. These disasters can have a negative impact on many disparate areas of the economy including agriculture, infrastructure, residential and commercial property, and the health and wellbeing of American citizens.
Wildfire prevention costs will rise
While strategies implemented to help prevent or curb future wildfires like controlled burns and thinning are necessary, they’re also expensive. California recently passed a bill dedicating $1 billion toward fire prevention over the course of five years, but experts warn that even that amount may not be enough to curtail future fires.
There are many personal costs as well
While it’s not an easy thing to affix a number to, increasingly devastating wildfire seasons also take a tremendous personal toll, from people grieving lost loved ones to those whose houses burned down to those dealing with anxiety and depression caused by the fires.
These losses are often exacerbated by compounding issues like the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, economic inequality, and the effects of climate change.
How to protect your finances from the impact of natural disasters
Experts predict that wildfires and other natural disasters like heat waves and hurricanes will only become more prevalent as climate change continues to accelerate. People all over the world will be negatively affected by these catastrophic events – especially if they live in places with a high risk of fire, floods, or other disasters.
Here are some steps to take in order to prepare for future disasters and keep your finances secure in the face of an increasingly uncertain world.
Make sure you have the right insurance coverage
Insurance coverage for your property is especially important if you live in an area that may be at risk of wildfires. Even if you already have insurance, it’s still a good idea to shop around and compare different policies in order to ensure that you’re getting a good deal.
Again, online tools like Policygenius make it easy to research and compare different insurance options.
Maintain a healthy emergency fund
Experts recommend that you save between three and six months worth of living expenses in an emergency fund. This financial cushion can be a major safety net when it comes to literal emergencies like wildfires as well as other unexpected expenses.
While it can be difficult to increase your savings in a time of increasing economic inequality, it’s a good idea to try to put a little away each month so that you have something to fall back on in case of hard times.
Pack an emergency bag and it keep it up to date
If you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters, you should pack an emergency bag and keep it up to date, including essential such as:
First aid kit.
Drinking water.
Non-perishable food.
A change of comfortable clothes.
Toiletries.
Medications.
Cash.
Mask.
Radio.
Flashlight.
Local maps.
Phone charger and extra battery pack.
Be sure to keep your bag up to date and to swap out any items that are too old or in danger of expiring. You may want to prepare several kits to keep with you at home, in your car, and any other place you spend a lot of time in, such as your workplace or a relative’s house.
Secure important documents
Replacing important documents can be stressful if you have to leave your house during an emergency. You should keep documents in a secure, safe place that you can access quickly if you need to.
Some important documents you may want to take with you include your social security card, birth certificate, passport, and insurance information.
When it comes to other documents like bills and financial statements, consider switching to paperless billing so that you’re able to access them electronically in the case of an emergency.
See if your qualify for tax relief or other forms of aid
If you’ve experienced financial losses due to a federally declared disaster, you may be able to deduct it on your taxes. There are also a variety of wildfire relief funds and resources available, including:
The Disaster Cash Assistance Program for Washington state residents.
Disaster loan assistance for business owners from the SBA.
FEMA Disaster Assistance.
Red Cross shelters for those impacted by natural disasters.
The California Association of Food Banks.
Masks, medicine, and other resources from Direct Relief.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance for California residents.
Summary
Some experts estimate that the damage caused by the 2020 wildfire season will have a direct cost of over $20 billion, not including the many indirect costs associated with the fires, such as insurance hikes and loss of revenue. As wildfires continue to increase due to drought, warmer temperatures, and shorter winters, they are sure to have far-reaching effects on the economy.
While many aspects of natural disasters are beyond your control, you can stay prepared by reviewing your insurance coverage, packing an emergency bag, and building up your emergency fund.
The holiday season is all about entertaining. Duh. It’s the time for gathering friends and family, with nieces and nephews running around with grandpa and grandma, sisters gossiping like old times and boyfriends getting introduced to the family for the first time. If you’re lucky, there may even be a bended knee proposal to witness! So many fun and exciting memories happen around this time of year. So why make things stressful and complicated when it comes to putting together a beautiful dinner table?? I’m here to attest that the stress & the holidays do not have to go hand in hand – at least not where decorating is concerned!
I say grab what you got at hand and with just a few festive touches everyone is going to feel special and you’re not going to feel like a wreck!
I say there’s no need to dust off or even own! fancy china. Leave the crystal in the cabinet and don’t cry over your incomplete set of glasses. I’m all about taking the mix-and-match approach for your holiday tabletop. I want to create a comfortable and carefree vibe that invites people to loosen their collars, roll up their sleeves and dig in!
Now when I say mix and match, I mean, mix and match! For this Thanksgiving-inspired table, not only did I use two different dinner plates (white and gray), I also used three different salad plates, two different sets of cloth napkins (gray and deep fuchsia), two types of glasses (green goblets and vintage crystal coupes) and two different chair finishes (copper and black)!
And since we’ve established that traditional tablesetting rules are to be thrown out the window, forget a fancy centerpiece. It just ends up blocking everyone’s view of each other anyway! Try a fresh garland instead. We called on friend, Natasha Kolenko, to put together a garland made out of magnolia leaves, but really you can use whatever greenery your heart desires.
I love the waxy magnolia leaf with the brown underside as it adds drama without being too fragile or fussy. Having a fresh garland feels festive sure beats faux! and the best thing is that it will last throughout the holiday season. Keep it on the table to make every dinner feel lively then hang it on the mantel or on your buffet between parties!
For a really stunning floral display but still so simple!, we added small arrangements simply plopped into the garland. One of my go-to tips is to incorporate seasonal fruit or vegetables into your arrangements. This time of year, I love persimmons on a branch!
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve used my white pillar candles- they’re great to have on hand and look better after every use- the more drippy wax, the better use tapers for a moodier, more romantic atmosphere!.
If you look closely you’ll notice, some of the tabletop elements are from previous seasons, some are in stores now and some are vintage like the beautiful goblets and crystal coupes from Frances Lane which you can rent- another genius party idea!. The array of items just goes to show that you truly don’t need to go out and buy new sets from the same collection so that everything matches. Mix it up and have fun with it!
If your confidence in styling still needs a little boost to let loose and have fun, we’ve rounded up some items that will help you get started on achieving a similar look at home!
get the look: placecard holders // white plates (similar) // salad plates // napkins (similar) // green goblets (similar) // gold bowl // napkin rings // copper chair // cutting board // silverware (similar)
I can’t tell you how much fun we had putting this tabletop together. We were so in love with the finished product, we had to refrain from going Instagram crazy over it! If you’d like to learn more about the thought process, we broke down every detail and dished out more style tips on how to achieve the ultimate holiday tabletop on the super cute chilren’s line,Tea Collection’s blog right here PS there’s a $3,000 Sweepstakes involved!!
What do you think? Are you a fan of a festively casual holiday table?
original photography for apartment 34 by Aubrie Pick // florals by Natasha Kolenko // glassware c/o Frances Lane // flatware and accessories c/o March // styling and art direction by erin hiemstra
Inside: Are you looking for a way to borrow money? Cash App has you covered. This guide will show you how to unlock the borrowing feature on Cash App and get started borrowing money.
Borrowing money can be a stressful experience. You may feel like you’re in over your head and that there’s no way out.
If you’re in need of some extra cash, you may be wondering if Cash App offers a way to borrow money.
Fortunately, at this time Cash App does offer a borrowing or lending feature for selected users.
This cash advance may help you in your cash crunch, but it does come with a fee.
But what if I told you that there is a way to borrow money without all of the stress?
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What is Cash App Borrow?
Cash App Borrow, brought to you by Block (formerly Square, Inc.), is a handy short-term loan feature within the Cash App.
Let’s say you’re in a pinch and need a quick $50; Cash App Borrow can let you borrow from $20 up to $200.
You’ve got four weeks to repay with a minimal 5% fee. Be aware that if you don’t pay back on time, there’s a 1.25% late fee each week.
However, this lifesaver isn’t for everyone and the feature varies based on your region, credit history, and usage of the app. Remember, it’s designed for small emergencies, not big expenditures.
This may help your cash flow budget plan.
How to Unlock Borrow on Cash App
The Cash App’s feature, “Borrow,” offers a swift and convenient way for users to access funds without resorting to traditional loans.
This service could be the solution you need for immediate access to funds, helping you bridge any financial gaps with ease. Whether you’re using borrowing for mitigating an unexpected expense or getting quick liquidity, learning how to unlock this feature can be pivotal to leveraging these benefits at your fingertips.
This feature opens the door to short-term borrowing, eliminating the usually lengthy and complex process often associated with financial institutions.
In this section, we will walk you through the steps to unlock the “Borrow” feature within the Cash App, elaborating on its benefits and offering a clear picture of its operations.
Step #1: Sign Up or Open Cash App & Log In
First, you need to be a Cash App user.
Start by downloading the app. Once you’ve installed it, open the app, and hit the ‘Sign Up’ button.
Input your email and phone number, then follow the prompts you’ll receive to verify your identity.
Step #2: Start the Borrow Loan Process
Tap on the “Banking” or “Money” icon, it looks like a little bank building.
Scroll and look for “Borrow”. It should be right there! If you qualify, tap “Borrow” then “Unlock”.
Now, choose the amount you’d like to borrow and select a convenient repayment plan.
Step #3: Decide How To Repay Your Cash App Loan
Before you take on debt, you need to choose a repayment method for your Cash App loan. This is one step many people forget!
Pick one from three options:
Paying ‘As you get cash’ spreads the cost, but remember, any incoming funds will chip at your loan first.
‘Four weekly payments’ allows for consistent budgeting, but never miss a payment, it could hit your credit score!
‘All at once’ option keeps it simple but needs a big chunk of cash.
You can always repay early without penalties – a nice flexibility!
Choose what suits your financial strategy best.
Step #4: Accept Loan Terms & Borrow Instantly
The final step is to review the loan details carefully.
You need to know that Cash App Borrow is still a type of loan and key details needs to be reviewed.
Once you agree to their terms, tap “Borrow Instantly”.
Note: Approval times can vary, but typically it’s super speedy. And remember, the borrow feature is best for emergencies, not long-term needs.
How quickly can one access a loan from Cash App?
Cash App Borrow allows you to get a quick loan within seconds from the Cash App’s main screen. Choose your loan amount, up to $200, select a repayment option, and voila! After reviewing the terms, hit “Borrow Instantly.”
Your money pops up in your account right away.
However, remember that the feature is only available to a limited set of users currently. If you can’t find it, you might need to wait until it’s rolled out universally.
Learn where can I load my cash app card.
How does the repayment process work for Cash App loans?
Settle your loan directly via the app, either automatically or manually.
Here are your options:
you can repay as you receive cash
make weekly payments,
or clear the entire amount at once.
Remember, early full payment has no penalty. Also, non-payment can lead to suspension from the Cash App.
Just, make sure you don’t default!
Why don’t I have Cash App Borrow Option?
If you’re scratching your head wondering why the Cash App ‘Borrow’ is not showing up, don’t stress. There might be a few reasons behind its vanishing act.
Beta Status: Have patience! The borrow feature may not always be available as it’s currently in beta testing.
Location Matters: Sometimes, it’s all about where you live. Cash App Borrow isn’t accessible in all US states.
Credit Stance: Your credit history could be denying you access. Poor credit or not meeting other Cash App requirements can keep the option hidden.
Usage Pattern: How often do you use Cash App? Regular users with frequent deposits are more likely to have the borrow feature.
Remember, unlocking Cash App’s Borrow isn’t fast or guaranteed, but being a frequent, responsible user might just tip the odds.
How to get the borrow feature on cash app?
When the feature is available, you’ll be able to request a loan through the app. For most users, it may be based on the state you reside as to whether the borrowing feature is available.
To get the borrow feature on Cash App, you first need to unlock it on your account. Here’s how to do it:
Begin by opening Cash App and logging in to your account.
Navigate to the “Money” tab located at the bottom left of your screen.
Click on the button labeled “Unlock” which will lead you to the borrow feature.
Tap on “Continue” to unlock the feature.
In the event that you can’t find this option, it’s possible that this feature is not accessible for your account currently.
Eligibility Criteria for Borrow on Cash App
Cash App Borrow is a feature that allows eligible users to borrow money directly from the app itself.
However, to be eligible, you must meet certain criteria set by Cash App, which is not widely known.
So, here are the general guidelines most lenders use to determine loan eligibility:
Are you over 18 years old?
Are you a United States resident?
Do you have a valid bank account and a debit card?
Are you a regular and frequent user of the app to possibly boost your chances of accessing the “Borrow” feature?
What is your credit score and past credit history?
Do you utilize the direct deposit feature with Cash App?
What state do you reside in?
Have you repaid your previous Cash App loans on time?
Please note that the exact requirements might vary, with some users reporting that a credit check is not always required and others suggesting that regular, substantial deposits might be necessary.
Cash App Borrow States
However, the eligibility to borrow also depends on the state you live in, as the Cash App Borrow feature is not available in all states.
So, you got to be living in certain states.
Consequently, the Cash App Borrow Loan Agreement does not specify in which states you must reside to be eligible for a loan.
However, these states have additional state notices, so the assumption is Cash App Borrow is likely in these states (and subject to change):
California
Florida
Iowa
Kansas
Massachusetts
Missouri
New Jersey
New York
Ohio
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Utah
Vermont
Washington
Wisconsin
This doesn’t guarantee instant access, though.
Cash App will send an invite for you to use the feature. So, keep an eye on your Cash App interface.
How often can you borrow from Cash app?
The frequency of borrowing from Cash App isn’t explicitly stated due to the novelty and selective availability of the feature.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that Cash App offers short-term loans, which must be paid back in full within four weeks. Therefore, the allowance for another loan likely depends on whether the borrower has successfully repaid their previous loan within the stipulated time frame.
Therefore, it is advisable for borrowers to prioritize prompt repayment and maintain responsible borrowing habits to avoid falling into a debt cycle.
While this might suggest that the borrowing cycle could potentially be monthly, specific details about the frequency of borrowing have not been openly advertised by Cash App.
Is it safe to use Cash App for borrowing money?
Cash App is a secure mobile app that lets you borrow a quick buck when you’re facing financial hurdles. It works like a digital buddy who lends you money and expects you to pay it back in due time.
The true beauty of Cash App is how it values your security. It works with approved lenders and employs advanced safety measures to protect your data as seriously as a hawk guarding its nest.
It allows for convenient money transfers.
Do bear in mind though, your credit history plays a role in securing this loan.
Remember, always research and consider all your options before entering a financial contract (even with your digital buddy!).
How to increase cash app borrow limit?
Increasing your Cash App borrowing limit involves actively using the loan features within the app and repaying smaller loans promptly.
Here’s how you can achieve this:
If your current borrowing limit is small (for example, $20), borrow that amount and make sure to repay it immediately.
Note from user experiences shared on platforms like Reddit, your limit may not increase if you repay your loan early. To potentially raise your limit, let your loan automatically repay when it is due. However, this might not be the same for everyone.
After you have repaid the loan, when you borrow again, you should notice a slight increase in your borrowing limit for the next loan.
Keep in mind, not everyone will be eligible for increasing their Cash App borrowing limit.
Eligibility and limit increases strongly depend on individual financial situations, borrowing history, and timely repayment abilities.
Nonetheless, by adhering to the principles of responsible borrowing, you can potentially increase your borrowing limit on Cash App.
What Do to If Cash App Borrow Ended?
Despite offering an attractive short-term loan program, Cash App Borrow has been relatively silent about its operations, leading to confusion among users.
This may have happened because of failure to repay a previous loan.
So, before you jump into finding alternatives, remember to carefully consider the costs and risks involved in borrowing money.
Despite its usefulness, if Cash App Borrow is inaccessible to you or has ended, here’s what you can do:
Seek other cash advance apps: Numerous apps offer similar services, and might have lower fees.
Consider a credit card cash advance: While it bears a fee, of 3% it’s lesser than Cash App’s 5% fee.
Evaluate online lending options: Comparing cost and repayment terms can help you find a better deal.
Borrow from an emergency fund or family member: These are often the cheapest sources of short-term support.
With any financial decision, proper research and a thorough understanding of the terms can help you make an informed choice and avoid further financial distress.
How does Cash App compare to other borrowing apps?
Cash App is a versatile player in the lending field, offering a blend of banking capabilities and micro-loans under one roof. It stands as a convenient alternative to traditional borrowing apps with its unique features and loan offer.
Top Cash App features include:
Peer-to-peer payments
Investments in stocks and Bitcoin
Bill payment through direct deposits
Short-term loan feature, “Borrow”
If the Cash App Borrow feature isn’t accessible to you or doesn’t suit your needs, there are numerous alternatives to consider.
Loan Amount
Fees
Repayment
Cash App
$20-$200
5% of the loan
4 weeks
Credit Cards
depends on credit approval
View current rates/terms
According to terms
Upstart
$1000-50000
varies
Agreed upon terms
LightStream
up to $50000
view current rates/terms
Auto-pay is preferred
In conclusion, Cash App offers an all-in-one platform that changes the game for borrowing apps. It may not be perfect, but it’s a notable contender.
FAQ
On Cash App, you can borrow up to a max of $200.
However, the amounts typically start low, like $20 or $40, and your limit increases as you repay your loans.
So, let’s say you began with a $40 loan, repay it, and ta-da! Your next loan could be a higher amount.
But remember, you need to pay off one loan before jumping onto another.
Just in case you’re thinking of taking out a loan with Cash App Borrow, you should know a few things about the fees involved.
You’ll need to pay back this short-term loan within four weeks along with a flat 5% fee – kinda like the interest, ya know?
But be careful not to miss the deadline! If you’re late, they’ll start charging an additional 1.25% late fee each week until you square up.
For example, if you borrow $100, you’ll need to pay back $105 within a month. If you don’t, it’d be $106.31 in the following week.
Cash App Borrow Not Showing Up? Now You Know Why
In conclusion, the Cash App Borrow feature can serve as a lifeline in times of financial need, offering short-term loans ranging from $20 to $200.
That being said, it’s prudent to be mindful of the potential for debt to accumulate and to pay the loan before the grace period ends.
If you’re not eligible or need a larger loan, other cash advance apps might provide a suitable alternative.
However, the process of borrowing from Cash App is also simple, making it a convenient choice for many.
Exercise caution, fully understanding the commitment you’re entering into and prioritizing financial responsibility to avoid the slippery slope of debt.
Remember, the money borrowed via Cash App should be repaid on time to use borrow feature continuously.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
When it comes time to move, hiring movers is a convenient option that allows for a quick, stress-free experience. Not only can they move your items from one house to another, but they often provide additional services like boxing up your items and even unpacking them in your new place so you don’t have to lift a finger.
As a general rule, you shouldn’t skip tipping movers. They work in the service industry and should receive a tip based on overall service, similar to restaurant workers. Building a tipping budget into your moving expenses can help you show appreciation for the service provided. Here’s everything you need to know about tipping movers.
How much to tip movers
We’re used to tipping between 15 and 25 percent at restaurants, but tipping your waiter is different than tipping movers. Moving companies don’t operate the same way as restaurants and workers don’t rely mostly on their tips to make money. Movers are usually paid by the hour already, making tipping a nice gesture, though not required. However, they’re also working in the service industry like restaurant workers, and it’s generally acknowledged that you should tip service industry workers.
A good rule to keep in mind for general reference is $5 per mover per hour. Or, if you want to use the total moving cost, you can tip between 5 to 10 percent of the total bill for the entire team of movers to split.
Things to consider when tipping movers
Various factors will affect how much to tip movers. Not every move is equal and, therefore, tipping will vary. A half-day move is a lot less work than a two- or three-day ordeal. Here are a few factors that can help you decide how much to tip movers.
How many professional movers are working with you
If there are only a couple of movers that come to help you move an entire house, that means they’ll each be doing a lot of heavy lifting. On the other hand, if you’ve got a big professional moving team with lots of movers to help out, it’s likely their individual workload will be a little lighter and less strenuous.
If you’re looking at it from an individual view, it would be more appropriate to tip the smaller group of movers each a little more than if there’s a large group. You may even want to decide upfront that you’ll tip a certain percentage for the entire move, then divide that amount by the number of movers.
If the movers pack boxes for you
You might hire a professional moving company to do everything for you from beginning to end, including packing all of your things into boxes. This is a time-consuming and strategic process since it requires good organization and additional time to wrap fragile items, place them into boxes in a way that won’t break them and get boxes labeled so they’re easy to unpack.
If movers are packing boxes for you, it’s best to tip them for the extra work! Keep in mind that if you’re moving far away, there are possibly separate crews for packing your belongings into boxes and loading and unloading the truck. You’ll want to check with the moving company to make sure you’re tipping each crew accordingly.
Large or heavy objects
Movers that take care of really big or heavy items have a risky job — they’re careful and strong to make sure they don’t do any damage to the items or to the home as they move things in and out.
When you’re tipping a crew that moves large, heavy furniture, remember that they have a stressful and important task. If they do it well, it will save you from paying for a new item or repairing your home. After all, if piano movers drop a grand piano on the floor, it’s going to do some damage all around. But, a good mover will ensure that doesn’t happen and you can show your gratitude for a job well-done with a tip amount that reflects your gratitude.
Size and number of boxes
No matter how many or how few boxes and belongings you’re planning on moving, it’s going to take at least a few trips in and out of the house to get it all. However, the size and number of boxes can make a difference. Lots of big boxes might seem like it will be quicker and you can take fewer trips in and out to get them loaded. But, if they’re too bulky or heavy, it will take longer to move them as they might require moving slowly or more than one person to lift them.
Opposite that scenario, you might have a lot of little boxes to avoid things being too heavy, and lots of boxes mean lots of trips, even if they’re small and you take a few at a time. You need to find the sweet spot between the size of boxes and the weight of the objects they hold to ensure the movers are efficient.
Distance of the move
A quick local move is very different from a cross-country move. Usually, local moves will take much less time than a long-distance move. And, you’ll likely have the same crew helping you load your stuff from your old place and unload at your new home.
But, if you’re moving across the country, there’s a good chance you’ll work with multiple crews. One crew might pack your items into boxes, another will load your stuff into the truck. A separate crew may transport your items, with a different crew unloading the truck when you reach your destination. That’s a lot of long-distance movers and a lot of time spent helping you. Make sure you factor that in when deciding how much to tip movers.
Length of the move
You can typically expect long-distance moves to take more time. But, there are cases when shorter distances actually take more time. This is dependent on the number of items or boxes you’re moving or if you end up waiting around for one reason or another.
Being unorganized as a customer and not planning anything out can end up taking longer, especially if you have a partner or roommate that you’re moving with. If you constantly have to ask your partner or roommate where something is going and then relaying that information to the movers, it’s going to take a long time to get things settled.
And, if you do end up waiting around at any point, don’t assume you shouldn’t tip your movers for that time — although they may do much, they’re still spending their time there and it keeps them from working on other potential moving jobs that they could make money from. Be considerate of not just the effort, but the total time movers spend helping with your move. They don’t want to stand around for a half day just as much as you don’t.
The overall difficulty of the move
There are other elements to think about when considering how much to tip movers. Keep in mind the difficulty involved for your entire move when you tip movers. The number of rooms, size of the house, flights of stairs and even the weather conditions.
Going up and down multiple flights of stairs in hot weather is not ideal. Even the most hardworking movers will have difficulty with it. Movers expect to deal with some hard scenarios on moving day. But, getting a good tip for extra hard work and great service is greatly appreciated.
How to tip movers
The method of tipping will depend on what you have on hand and the movers. Tipping etiquette is very casual and flexible. Whether you carry cash or keep it electronic, there’s a way for you to tip movers.
Cash tip
Cash tips are almost always the easiest way to make sure the people actually helping with your move get the exact amount you want. When you’re handing the money directly to each crew member, you’re guaranteed that they’re getting the appropriate amount.
Credit card tip
Many companies will allow you to add a tip when you pay for your move with a credit card. Most moving companies will pass the tip along to each moving crew member in some way. But, it also might mean that the company takes a shared percentage.
Cash apps
As we continually move away from cash in our society, cash apps work just as well! You’ll need to see if the movers have accounts on the cash apps you use so you can tip directly. But, most people use the same cash apps, so it’s probably not too big of a barrier.
Contact the moving company
If your move went well, but you pre-paid or forgot to tip your movers, you can contact the moving company. They’ll give you the best option for tipping. And, they should have a record of which crew members moved you so you can ensure the right people are getting a tip from you.
Food
It’s not quite the same as giving money, but most movers appreciate any food you provide! You can provide food as an extra “thank you,” though you should give it in addition to a monetary tip. You can offer smaller snacks and sports drinks. Or, if you’re ready to really good the extra mile, hold a crew lunch and give a meal like pizza or another takeout.
When to tip movers
The best time to tip movers can depend on a few factors. There’s not one “most appropriate” time to tip movers. You’ll have to decide when is the best time for you to tip your movers.
Before you move
If you want to make sure your moving crew does a great job, you can give a tip upfront to motivate the moving team. However, they might provide poor service and you may feel like you gave a larger tip than necessary. Or, they might have done better than you expected and you feel you haven’t tipped enough.
During the move
Especially if your move is long and far and you know you’ll be working with multiple teams, you can opt to tip long-distance movers throughout the process. You’re showing appreciation for the work that’s already been done. And, you’re giving a little extra motivation for the movers to keep doing good work.
You’re also making sure that you tip the right people for the time they work. Some might only work for a few hours, while others are there the entire day. You don’t want to miss the chance to tip if someone leaves earlier than anticipated.
After the move
Tipping after the move is a safe bet because you’ve seen the work from beginning to end. You can gauge how well every part of the process went and tip accordingly.
Tipping is appreciated for a job well done
Tipping isn’t mandatory in the moving industry. But it’s a nice gesture to acknowledge that the moving company did an exceptional job and that you’re grateful for their work. After all, moving is strenuous. And, moving crews a nervous as they handle belongings that aren’t theirs and do a lot of heavy lifting. It’s nice to give them some extra appreciation for helping you through the moving process.
Whether you’re moving long-distance or across town, moving is a complicated, stressful process. From the logistics of uprooting your life and moving to a new destination and updating your address to the time and energy it takes to pack up all your earthly possessions, you have to keep track of lots of moving parts. That’s why many people opt for hiring a professional moving company to help with the process. Here’s how to hire movers.
Hiring a moving company simplifies and streamlines the moving process, but you shouldn’t just hire the first company you find. As millions of Americans move house every year, the moving industry is a massive, multi-billion dollar industry. This gives you lots of choices but also leaves the door open to scams or bad business practices. You need to take precautions to ensure you’re hiring a reputable, reliable company that will take good care of your household belongings during this stressful time. That’s why it’s vital you take the time to research companies and find the best moving company for your needs.
Benefits of hiring professional movers
Moving is a lot to deal with. You have so many things to plan and coordinate that sometimes, hiring a moving company on top of everything else just feels like an unnecessary hassle and it’s easier to go with a DIY move. This is especially true when you’re young and likely don’t have a ton of disposable income or possessions. You can load up your car, borrow a friend’s truck and get rid of anything you don’t need or want.
But, as you get older, you start making more money and acquiring more personal belongings. You also have more responsibilities, like work or family. You don’t have tons of time to haphazardly move your entire life. You need someone to take this burden off your shoulders and you can afford it. That’s where moving companies come in.
Moving companies offer a wide range of services tailored to your moving needs. You can pick a full-service moving company that not only moves your possessions from Point A to Point B in their moving truck but also provides packing supplies and packs up your items for you. If you just need a moving truck and some extra hands, that’s an option, too.
Ultimately, you’re paying for convenience and expertise. Moving companies help you save money and time. Don’t want to move that giant dining room table or are nervous about handling that pricey TV? That’s what movers are for. They know how to safely pack and move your items, preventing breakage, damage or loss. They can handle those big heavy boxes, no problem. They also provide essential moving supplies like moving trucks and packing supplies like boxes and bubble wrap. While moving companies are pricey, it can ultimately save you money in the long run on services and supplies.
A step-by-step guide on how to hire professional movers
Just a cursory internet search of moving companies in your area will show you that there are tons of different options. Follow these steps to find the best movers for the job and avoid the errors and biggest mistakes that befall people in the middle of a move.
1. Decide what kind of move you’re embarking on
The first step is to determine what kind of help you need with your move. Do you want a full-service moving company that’s going to do everything for you, from packing services to the actual moving of boxes? Do you just need a professional mover or two to help load boxes onto a truck and then unload them at the new house? Is it a long-distance move to a new state or are you moving locally?
Once you better understand and know the nature of your move, you can choose a good operation that fits those needs.
2. Determine if you require specialized moving services
On top of general moving companies, you may need to hire one that offers special services outside of the norm of packing and loading boxes. There are moving companies that specialize in moving specialty items, like grand pianos, valuable artwork or antique furniture. If you have multiple cars, you might need a company that can move them for you.
In some cases, you can hire a company that offers these services along with standard moving for additional fees and higher costs. But, other times, you may need to hire a separate company entirely.
3. Research different moving companies
Now’s the time to dive in and explore your options. Search online to see what moving companies exist in your area and make a list of several that look good.
4. Make sure they’re a reputable company
While researching, it’s important to evaluate more than the services and prices they offer. You need to make sure they’re a reputable company that you can trust. One of the easiest ways to do this is by looking up the moving company’s reviews online to find customer reviews. Look for information about the quality of their work, pricing and professionalism. Do they like to tack on extra costs at the end of a move? Were your items delivered to the new address on time? Were they late on moving day? Were lots of items damaged? Is the pricing fair and honest? Did they hold your belongings hostage until you paid the amount in full?
Consider these and other questions while reading through the comments. These company reviews from past customers will give you a good sense of what you can expect. Having a proper website and contact information are also green flags.
You can also get references from official organizations and agencies like the American Moving and Storage Association, or check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to see if there are any consumer complaints. You can also use the FMCSA to make sure companies that provide interstate moves register with the U.S. Department of Transportation by checking their DOT number.
5. Check the Better Business Bureau
Another way to make sure the operation is above board is to look them up on the Better Business Bureau website. Make sure they have a local address that isn’t a P.O. box and that they’re properly licensed and insured. You can also see if they operate under different names.
6. Ask friends and family for recommendations
While researching moving companies, you can also ask for personal references and recommendations from people you know. If you have friends or family in the area that recently moved, ask them what moving company they used and if they liked the service. Someone who has actually used their service will give great advice and feedback.
If you don’t have any close acquaintances that have moved recently, you can always conduct a virtual survey on your social media to reach a wider audience. If you do this, though, don’t give away any personal information regarding your move. Simply post something along the lines of “Does anyone have any recommendations for good moving companies in this city?”
7. Make sure they have the proper licenses and insurance
Looking on the BBB website, you can see if a moving company has all the required licenses. These types of companies must also assume liability for the goods they transport, so they need proper insurance. If that information isn’t available, you can ask the moving company directly. But, if they don’t have both, it’s a big red flag and you should immediately remove them from your options.
8. Get an estimate
Once you’ve narrowed your search to three to five moving companies with good track records and strong customer satisfaction, reach out to get a rough idea of their prices and an estimated cost and quote for your move. It’s a good idea to get multiple quotes so you can compare and contrast. Many companies offer the option to fill out a form on their website for a moving estimate, but you can also call directly. Make sure they have as much information as possible, such as moving dates and locations.
This also allows you to understand their pricing so you can see if it fits your budget and needs for the upcoming move. Do they offer a flat rate or hourly rate? Do the movers charge extra for more complicated jobs, like moving into an upstairs apartment in a building that only has stairs and no elevators? What is the price difference between interstate moves and local moves? Are prices different for a moving truck or a moving van?
It’s important to note that these quotes and estimates are not the final prices. A final price comes at the end of the move. Most movers will give you as close to an accurate estimate as possible before this happens to ensure there are no nasty surprises.
9. Understand your quote
There are different kinds of quotes and estimates that different companies offer. Knowing the difference can help save you money in the long run.
There are two basic kinds of estimates: binding and non-binding. Binding means that the cost is in stone and guaranteed, whereas non-binding means that the estimate is just a projection and subject to slight changes.
The type of estimate you have is in your contract.
10. Ask questions
While obtaining quotes from the companies, now’s the time to ask any questions you may have. Is there anything that would cost extra, like if the movers need to disassemble furniture? Do they have experience moving a certain type of item? Is there a cancellation policy? Are there any items that the movers aren’t allowed to move? This is the opportunity to fully flesh out what the company offers and fill in the gaps in the information you found online. Make sure you know absolutely everything about a company’s practices and prices as possible.
11. Compare rates and services
Once you’ve had your questions answered and have several estimates in hand, it’s time to compare and contrast. Look at the type of move you’re making, what you need help with and the different services and rates each company offers and choose the one that makes the most sense for your move.
While weighing your options, keep these red flags in mind.
12. Avoid companies that require upfront payment or large deposits
If a company requires that you pay for the move upfront, run far away. Similarly, if they ask for a giant down payment or deposit, it’s a company to avoid.
Some moving companies require a small deposit, while others don’t. But these deposits should never be more than 20 percent of the estimated total. If a well-reviewed company with a good track record is asking for a small deposit, the likelihood of being scammed or ripped off is low. But, if you pay for the move upfront or put down a lot of money, they could abscond with your belongings or take their sweet time delivering them. Never pay upfront for a move.
13. Avoid companies that only take cash
A huge red flag is if the company asks for cash payment. Any reputable company will have credit cards or checks as the preferred payment method.
It’s a good idea to keep some cash on hand at the end of the move, though, to tip the movers.
14. Keep a look out for extra fees
A good moving company is upfront and transparent about its rates, but it’s still a good idea to know what other fees or costs you may encounter during a move. Do they charge extra for packing materials or special circumstances? What about travel fees for long-distance moves? If you have a lot of stuff that you need to move in stages, will they require payment for storage places? Extra fees are normal in a move but you should still know about them as they can quickly drive up moving costs.
15. Understand your insurance options
Although moving companies must have and offer liability insurance, it’s important that you understand exactly what it covers and if you have the option to purchase extra coverage.
16. Book quickly
Once you’ve decided what company to go with, lock them in quickly for the dates you need. The last thing you want to risk is going through this entire process again because someone else swooped in and took the dates you needed.
17. Get everything in writing
From the quotes to the moving contract, make sure you have written confirmations of everything related to the move.
This is especially true of the moving contract. A blank contract is a giant red flag. Your contract needs to include an accurate estimate, possible fees, moving date, delivery dates and a complete inventory list. Never accept or sign a blank moving contract that doesn’t have this information filled out.
18. Do a moving inventory list with your movers
Prior to completing your contract, your movers should do an inventory of all your belongings. This mover’s estimate helps give them a rough estimate of the bulk and weight, how many boxes they’ll need and more.
19. Do a walk-through
A proper moving company will also do a proper, thorough walk-through of your home with you. This is so you can point out what items don’t need moving and so they can ask questions to determine the moving game plan.
20. Know your rights
It’s important to get thoroughly involved in the planning and moving process so you know your rights. That includes understanding the contract and insurance so that if anything goes wrong, you know what recourses you have.
21. Figure out logistics for during the move
Gearing up for the move, communicate with the team to know what to expect and set expectations. Can you contact the driver personally during the move? How long do they estimate the move will take?
22. Report any issues as soon as possible
Once you and your personal belongings have arrived at your new home, start checking everything. If something gets damaged or anything goes wrong during the move, you should file a complaint with the company as fast as possible. Based on their response, you can handle the issue directly with them or take it to a higher level, like the Better Business Bureau.
Get informed for a smooth move
This guide on how to hire movers will help you avoid mistakes and have a smooth, happy moving experience. Taking the time to hire a reputable service will help give you peace of mind while moving.
As a resident living fairly close to the Gulf Coast, I’m familiar with evacuating for a hurricane. There’s no way around it — evacuating for a natural disaster is a pain. But, there are things you do to make the process less stressful. Here’s a short list of the things I consider when evacuating.
The most important thing is to have a plan.
Where are you going to go? My wife’s job requires her to be back to work as soon as the storm blows through, which makes it tricky for us to evacuate &madsh; we can’t go too far away. Our evacuation route is decided based on where we think the storm is going to go. For instance, when Hurricane Gustav came in well to our east, we headed west to my sister-in-law’s house. When Hurricane Ike came in to our southwest, we headed north.
During an emergency, your local government will have an evacuation route that they want everyone to follow, but if you leave early enough you can go pretty much wherever you want to go.
The most economical way to evacuate is to stay with friends or family. This is the best way to go because it’s hard to find an empty hotel when everyone else is evacuating. Just be sure you’re a good guest. Don’t overstay your welcome. If you don’t have friends or relatives that you can stay with and you don’t have money for a hotel, consider a shelter.
What are you going to pack? For the most part you need to pack like you’re taking a vacation. If you need to evacuate for a natural disaster or other emergency, consider the following:
Clothes and toiletries. Be prepared to be away from home for at least a week — more likely two.
Important papers. I use one of those portable filing boxes to store our most important papers (insurance information, social security cards, birth certificates, employee benefits information, etc.). (Some of these documents may be stored in a safe deposit box.)
Pets. Don’t forget Fluffy. Be sure and take a bottle of water and some pet food. Also, if you have an outside pet, you might want to give a good scrubbing before you load it into the car. I don’t like traveling with a dirty, smelly dog. Washing the dog is my kids’ job.
Food and water. There’s no need to go overboard but it is a good idea to pack some bottled water and maybe a few canned goods.
Computer. This is easy if you own a laptop. It’s important to be able to go online to check in with your local news station and newspaper for important information.
Road atlas. Never leave home without one.
Money. It’s a good idea to have some cash on hand. I usually take $300, which isn’t a lot but is better than nothing.
Phone numbers to your neighbors. I have the cell phone numbers of most of my neighbors so that we can check in with each other to get status reports. One of my neighbors called me to tell me when our power was back on.
Finally, be sure and check on your older neighbors. Are they evacuating? If you have room, take them with you.
What are you going to do with the things you leave behind? As important as the things you take with you is what you leave behind. Proper preparations can save hassle when you return.
Board up the house. For the first time ever, I boarded up some of the windows of my house. I never did this before because I thought it was too expensive to do. This year I bought six sheet of 1/2-inch plywood and one bag of clips and spent over $114. I then spent an afternoon cutting the pieces to fit my windows and marked each one for storage. When I boarded up for Ike, it only took me a few minutes to secure the boards. [J.D.’s note: Not every disaster requires boarding up, of course.]
Take an inventory of your stuff. My wife went room-by-room and took pictures of everything we owned. Chances are good that you won’t need to use these pictures but you never know. I also have an itemized list of my CD collection.
Unplug all your appliances and electronics. I do leave my answering machine plugged in so that I can check in to see if I have power (if the answering machine doesn’t pick up, I don’t have power).
Pick up loose items in the yard and empty out the shed. One of the biggest problems with hurricanes, tornadoes, and other wind storms is all the debris flying through the air. (And in the case of flooding, there’s plenty of debris in the water.) You can do your part by moving all your patio furniture other loose items into your garage. This is a great job for the kids. Don’t forget that portable basketball goal.
EMPTY THE REFRIGERATOR! For some crazy reason, we didn’t empty our refrigerators for Hurricane Rita. BIG MISTAKE! By the time we got to come back to check out our house, our power had been off a week. I can’t tell you how bad the smell was!
Lock the house. I usually lock the garage doors and unplug the garage door openers.
A little preparation before the disaster can save a lot of headache later.
What about AFTER the emergency? This is a whole topic by itself but I will say that if your area is hit by a hurricane, tornado, or flood, it could be weeks before you get back power and drinkable water. You have to decide if you’re going to go back and rough it or if you are going to stay away.
Because I’m a big wimp, I always opt to stay away. I don’t have a generator and am not really interested in buying one. I realize that not everyone will have the option to stay away if their job requires them to be back as soon as possible.
You may also be interested in reading The Simple Dollar’s recent guide to surviving a natural disaster.
J.D.’s note: Kris and I don’t have any sort of emergency preparedness plan. Oregon isn’t subject to many disasters, but we do have the occasional flood or earthquake. JLP’s experience is a reminder that advance preparation beats future regret.
Hiring movers and using a moving company to help with your move has all sorts of benefits, like saving time and logistics coordination. Using these types of services is as basic as just having someone help carry boxes or entrusting the entire moving process to your movers. But how much do movers cost? How much will you need to pay for specific types of services and what’s included?
This guide on how much movers cost and the overall cost of moving will help you know what to expect so you can budget and prepare accordingly and not be caught off-guard.
How much does it cost to hire a moving company?
How much do movers cost? Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this key question. The cost of hiring movers and getting a company to help with your move depends on a variety of factors, from how far you’re moving to how much stuff you’re transporting.
To give you a ballpark figure, hiring a moving company ranges in price from $800 to $2,500. The national average cost of using movers is $1,400. But, moving company costs go up significantly if you’re moving cross country, ranging between $2,200 and $5,700.
Different companies, from local operators to major outfitters like United Van Lines, will also have different pricing structures and rates.
What does the cost of hiring movers include?
At its most basic, the cost covers labor (the movers) and the means of transport (the truck). You don’t need to go to an outside truck rental company, and you have at least one mover helping out. But, hiring movers can have all sorts of add-ons like packing materials.
What impacts the cost of hiring movers?
There are several factors that impact the cost of hiring a moving company and movers.
Time of year
The season and time of year that you move have a definite effect on how expensive your move will be. Peak moving season generally extends from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend, meaning that the majority of people move during the summer months. In fact, roughly 70 percent of all local or long-distance moves happen during this timeframe. There are several reasons for this. For one, school is out and it’s easier to coordinate a move, especially long-distance moves when the kids aren’t in school. For another, the weather is nicer and the days are longer.
This also means that summer is a busy season for movers and costs are higher. If you plan your move in the off-seasons of fall, winter or spring, moving company prices are lower and you’ll save money.
Distance
The price to hire movers and use moving services also depends on distance and how far the movers have to travel, like moving to a different state. For a local move that’s within 100 miles of the original apartment, costs are generally lower. This is because there are fewer logistics and travel costs involved. A moving company can typically give you a quote over the phone instead of an in-person visit, and a short-distance move uses less gas and takes less time.
But, you can expect to pay much more for a long-distance move. Long-distance moving companies naturally charge more and have higher rates than local moving companies because of the travel fees associated with a long-distance move versus local moves.
For one thing, longer moves require more planning and are more complicated. The movers will typically have to come to your home and give you an in-person estimate. The more belongings you have, the bigger the truck required for the move. On a long-distance move, costs need to cover more necessities like gas, mileage, tolls and potential lodgings or essentials for the drivers and movers. You’re also paying for time. If the company charges an hourly rate, you’ll pay for all the hours the movers spend getting to the destination. For flat rates, they’ll be higher, as well, to account for the hours, miles and time invested.
Amount of goods
If you’re packing up a studio apartment and are mainly moving personal belongings, moving services cost less because they’re transporting fewer goods. But, if you’re packing up an entire three-bedroom apartment with furniture, appliances and more, it’ll take much more manpower and therefore cost more.
Number of movers
On top of paying by the hour, you’ll also pay per mover. For easy, local moves where you only need one or two movers, you’ll pay less. But, if you’re moving cross country with a three-bedroom apartment’s worth of stuff, it’ll likely require a bigger team and more experienced movers. In that case, you’re paying for the extra movers and their advanced expertise.
Size of truck
The larger the truck, the higher the cost. The size of the truck needed for your move also impacts the average cost. Smaller vehicles have better fuel efficiency and cost less due to their reduced capacity. But, bigger moves typically require larger box trucks or even semis to fit everything. Carrying bigger, heavier loads and being larger reduces the trucks’ fuel efficiency, requiring more frequent fill-ups at the gas station.
Specialty services and items
Moving fragile, unique items like grand pianos, extra vehicles or antique furniture drives the cost more since these objects require special care and attention.
Full-service moves
Full-service movers take care of pretty much everything for you during your move, from packing up your apartment to assembling furniture at your new place. But, that kind of personalized service comes at a much higher cost because it requires more hours, skills and personnel.
If you pay for labor-only movers and no additional services, you’ll keep costs down.
Packing supplies
Moving services that take care of everything for you also typically provide packing materials, but you rarely have control of the price. You can avoid these costs altogether by buying or using your own packing materials.
Accessibility or difficult locations
Movers charge a premium for more complicated moves. For example, if your new apartment is on the top floor of an older apartment building with no elevator, the movers will have to carry all the boxes and furniture up multiple flights or stairs. Typically, that can add a couple of hundred dollars to your bill.
Additional moving costs
On top of all these, you may have to pay for additional services like closing costs, using a storage unit or having the movers assemble furniture or unpack things for you.
How can I save money and reduce costs when hiring moving companies?
If you have a tight budget and need to keep costs down during the moving process, there are plenty of ways you can reduce your moving expenses.
Move on a weekday
Because of work, the majority of people plan their moves to happen on the weekend. Not only does this mean that movers have less availability, but also movers cost more on the weekends due to the increased demand.
You can usually find a better deal and more availability by moving during the week between Mondays and Thursdays.
Pack everything yourself
For an extra cost, a full-service moving company will pack all your belongings for you. But, the cost of having movers pack up your household for you can cost up to $1,000.
Avoid this charge by packing up your personal belongings ahead of the move. That way, you’re only paying for the labor of having movers load and unload boxes.
Find free packing supplies
Unless you have a ton of moving boxes and bubble wrap lying around, you’ll have to buy packing materials. Depending on how much stuff you need to pack, you may have to spend a decent amount of money on all the supplies you need.
Luckily, there are ways to find free packing materials. If you know you have a move coming up, you can start saving boxes you get in the mail in advance. People frequently get rid of unwanted packing materials on online marketplaces like Craigslist and Freecycle. Check with friends, family and acquaintances to see if they have boxes and other materials to spare. You can even request free boxes from USPS.
Don’t move at the beginning or end of the month
Since most apartment leases start or end at the beginning or end of the month, those are the busiest times for movers. By planning your move for the middle of the month, movers cost less and have more availability.
Is it cheaper to move by myself and not hire movers?
Generally speaking, yes, it’s cheaper to do a DIY move and not hire professional movers. For one thing, you don’t have to pay an entire crew of people to help you with the move. You’ll still need to pay for a moving truck, gas money, packing supplies and maybe some pizza and beer as a thank you to any friends or family members who helped out.
In some cases, you may not even need to rent a moving truck. If you don’t have a ton of stuff to move, you can usually make do with your own car and borrow a friend’s truck. But,as you get older and accumulate more belongings, you’ll likely need to get a bigger truck rental.
However, since you don’t have someone helping you with the planning and logistics of a move, you may encounter unexpected costs or expenses that you didn’t plan for or anticipate. You’ll also have the entire burden and stress of moving solely on you.
How much should I tip?
On top of the overall moving costs, it’s customary to tip the movers assigned to your move. It’s not required, but it’s good practice and generally expected as a final thank you for a job well done. It’s especially recommended to tip your movers more if the job was especially big or they had to handle fragile items. Fast, efficient service and your movers going above and beyond are also reasons to tip more. Cash is also best.
There’s no set amount since moving costs are different for each person and company. In general, you should tip between 5 and 10 percent of the total cost of the move. Another option is to tip by the hour. Anywhere from $6 to $12 per hour and per mover is a good current rate. The more movers you have and the more hours they work, the higher the tips are.
Your tip should also be big enough so all the movers, including the driver, are equally compensated. To make sure that everyone gets their share, you can pass out the tips to everyone while thanking them. Another way to thank your movers is by providing easy food like pizza and sandwiches and drinks.
The tip should also reflect the quality of the service. If lots of boxes arrived damaged, the movers got the moving date wrong or the moving truck arrived late, those are all causes for a reduced tip.
What are the benefits of hiring a moving company?
Even though using a moving company is expensive, there are many benefits to hiring movers to assist you with a big move.
Prevents injuries
From heavy boxes to giant pieces of furniture, the process of moving apartments is rife with opportunities to accidentally injure yourself or others. You could pick up a heavy box of books and hurt your back. Maneuvering heavy furniture opens the door to everything from accidentally dropping it on someone’s foot to hurting yourself rather than risking damaging the furniture. While there are certainly some items you can easily move by yourself, others it’s best to leave the pros.
Since movers do this for a living, they have more than enough experience handling heavy boxes or unwieldy furniture. Not only do they have the strength and dexterity, but they also operate as a team, working together as a well-coordinated, experienced unit to safely move items without injury or damage to themselves or the objects.
Finally, they also have the proper tools for the job. From moving dollies to hand trucks, having the right equipment reduces the risk of injury. So, why put yourself at risk of lifting that too-heavy box of books when you can call in the pros?
Saves time
Saving time is one of the biggest advantages of hiring a moving company.
Maybe you’re starting a new job on the other side of the country and need to get settled in by a certain date. Or, you’re trying to juggle a job, family and other responsibilities while planning a move at the same time. Whatever the reason, most of us already have significant other demands on our time aside from moving. Most people don’t have the benefit of hitting pause on all their other responsibilities while moving house. Moving takes a lot of time and can take anywhere from a few days to several months from start to finish. That’s where movers come in.
If you don’t have the time of day to plan and coordinate everything yourself, a moving company takes the stress of planning off your plate. Even if you do have the time, it’s nice to leave the process in the hands of professionals. By shifting the logistics of moving to your movers, you can focus on other things and not get overwhelmed.
Professional service and expertise
When your car breaks down, you take it to the mechanic. If your sink gets clogged, you call a plumber. We turn to professionals to solve all kinds of problems, so why wouldn’t you do the same for moving?
Professional moving companies are here to make the process of moving easy for you. They take care of all the heavy lifting (literally), offer quality customer service and take the burden off your shoulders. If something goes wrong or there’s an issue, they problem-solve and offer solutions. As moving experts, they know exactly how to get your belongings from Point A to Point B safely and efficiently. Everything from loading and unloading to planning out the logistics of the move, they can do for you, and you know you can trust them because they do this every day. You also know that your personal belongings are safe and are in good hands.
Hiring a moving company ensures you have an expert beside you to hold your hand, answer your questions and take care of everything for you during the move.
Reduces stress
No matter which way you slice it, moving is a stressful process. Maybe you have a short timeline and don’t have a ton of time to pack and plan. Even if you have months to plan a move, unexpected problems like delays can come up. When you hire movers, you don’t have to face and solve these problems alone, which cuts down on stress.
How much will my move cost?
Now that you know what factors impact the cost of hiring professional movers, you may wonder how much your move will cost you.
To calculate the cost of your move, you can use our moving cost calculator to get a free estimate and start creating your moving budget. As you’ve seen above, there are plenty of ways you can keep moving costs down, from packing your belongings yourself to being flexible with the season or time of the month that you move.
How much movers cost depends on the needs of your move
While some moving costs are in stone, you can take steps to reduce costs or find a moving operator that fits your budget.