moving Archives - 3 Kids and Us

Money-Saving Tips for Large Families

March 19, 2022 by admin

Budgeting can be hard when you have a large family to provide for. Studies show that families are reluctant to have more than 2 children, citing finances as the biggest reason.

Here are a few money-saving tips for larger families.

Minimize Vehicles

Although having only one vehicle can sound stressful, or impossible, for parents who have to transport multiple children to events and activities on top of driving themselves to work, the money you would save on insurance, maintenance, and fuel just might be worth it.

Public transportation can save hundreds of dollars annually in comparison to fuel for cars, not to mention the elimination of the possibility of unplanned vehicle maintenance (which always seems to be necessary at the most inconvenient times). Taking public transportation or walking to work if possible can be cheaper than driving, and if you have friends whose children attend the same school or participate in the same activities as yours, arranging to carpool can be much easier than you might think. While having one vehicle might take some getting used to, it can save a ton of money.

Buy in Bulk

Investing in a Costco or Sam’s Club membership and buying groceries or other household items in bulk just might be worth it. Buying bulk amounts of non-perishable food items, beverages, and cleaning supplies or toiletries can save hundreds of dollars per year and will minimize your trips to the grocery store that put you at risk for impulse purchases.

Eat at Home

Preparing meals and eating at home is one of the simplest, yet most effective ways to save money. The average household spends hundreds of dollars each month on fast food and restaurants when the very same meals can be prepared at home for a fraction of the cost. Try meal prep services like Lean Kitchen to help you save time getting meals together, and save dining out for special occasions.

Take Advantage of Second Hand Items

Take second-hand items like clothing and home goods from friends and family who are getting rid of these things. This is easy to do if you have friends with children close to the ages of your own. Thrifting or shopping at second-hand stores is also a good way to find deals on gently used items like clothing and toys. Plus, using second-hand items is good for the environment!

Consult a Financial Advisor

If you find it too difficult to stick to your monthly budget no matter how hard you try, it might be time to enlist the help of a professional. Meet with a financial advisor to create a budget that is realistic for the family and let them determine what is and is not working, and where effective improvements to your ways of budgeting can be made. Sticking to a budget is key to saving money and alleviating financial stress!

Saving Money on Your Next Long-Distance Move

September 24, 2020 by admin

Whether you are buying your first, second, or third home, each move is expensive. The cost could double or even triple if the move is made across the country. The good news is there are several ways to lower your expenses.

Rent a truck or Hire a Professional Moving Company

Driving a truck loaded to the max across the country can cause an abundance of stress. Whereas hiring professional movers takes the worry off your shoulders. However, if your budget is skinny, hiring a moving company can cost thousands on its own. You need to weigh the pros and cons and then come to a final decision.

Advantages of Hiring Movers

There are some clear advantages to hiring movers. First, you won’t have to drive a big truck through traffic and suspect roadways. Second, if you opt for their insurance, you won’t have to worry about the damage that may occur during transport. If there’s something of value such as antique glassware or your mother’s pearls, pack a separate box and bring them with you. Another advantage is that they will pack up the truck and remove everything from the truck into your new home.

Reducing the Estimate

Every company will provide you with a written estimate based on the information you provide. Naturally, if any of the info changes, the cost can increase or decrease accordingly. Most estimates include a charge for packing a set number of boxes. If you opt to pack up the boxes yourself, you can lower the final cost. The written estimate will also include a fee for the supplied boxes. However, if you decide to acquire the boxes on your own, that amount comes off the bill. You can find boxes for free at retail stores, supermarkets, and liquor stores.

Move During the Off-Season

Moving companies charge different rates throughout the year. During their peak season, May through September, you can expect to pay the most. However, if you schedule the move from October through March, you’ll pay less. It’s all about supply and demand. To save even more, schedule the move for a weekday versus over the weekend.

Take Only What You Want

Everything that you take along is going to occupy space on the truck. The more room you use, the higher the fee. Before contacting a moving company, figure out what you want. Clean out the basement, the garage, and the attic and start the process of decluttering. Anything you no longer use or need set aside. Return to these items a day or two later, and if you’re still on the fence about bringing them, leave them behind. You can sell, donate, or contact a junk company to haul them away. You can use the profits on the items you sell to help fund your move and the donations as a tax deduction.

Moving Container

If you decide that hiring a moving company is not in your budget and you don’t want to drive a truck for more than a thousand miles, a moving container may provide a good fit. Moving containers have a price somewhere in the middle. One advantage of having a container delivered is that you have time to pack up at your leisure. The company simply drops off the container and you give them a call when it’s ready for pick up. They also deliver it to your new home when you’re ready. This lets you get the fine cleaning done ahead of your things.

Moving can be emotional for you, your spouse, children, and pets. You can remain excited and move for less if you reduce your inventory, find boxes, pack yourself, and choose the moving date during the week in the off-season.

Moving House With Your Cat The Stress-Free Way

July 24, 2020 by admin

Most cats develop strong bonds with their environment so house moves can stress them out. If cats could choose, they would prefer to stay put at where they are comfortably settled in. Making the transition as stress-free as possible for your pet cat can have immense benefits, including reducing the risk of anxiety-based house soiling, excessive meowing and crying, hiding, escape attempts and aggression.

While a move is a big change for your feline companion, it is possible to reduce the stress your pet feels. This is a list of things you can do for your cat before the long drive and throughout the move.

Get your cat to get used to traveling in the car – The easiest way to do this is to start going on drives — begin with short trips around the neighbourhood then go a little longer leading up to the move. Ensure that your cat is riding how he will be during the move: either in a harness, carrier or crate.

Introducing the carrier – To get your beloved cat familiar with his carrier, put it somewhere he likes to hang out and open the door. Place a few treats inside to lure him in. After he has ventured into the cage several times for treats, start feeding him in there, slowly moving the food bowl from the door entrance to deeper inside.

On moving day – ensure that your cat is safe and placed in an empty room that will not be disturbed. If this precaution is not taken, your cat would be in danger by getting into open boxes or in the way of movers. It also prevents them from hiding and not being located when the time has come for them to be moved. Also, place their toys, food, water, and bedding in their temporary room for comfort.

At the new home – Upon arrival, confine your feline to just one room until unpacking is completed and the movers have left. Place a sign on the door to ensure that no one lets him escape. Put his bedding, litter tray, food and water in with him to give him some familiarity.

If you are moving interstate and overseas, it’s important to check quarantine regulations long before the trip is planned. The cat may need to spend some time in quarantine or proof of vaccinations may be required.

Cat Transport Services

If you cannot transport your beloved cat to or from a location yourself, this is where cat transportation services can offer their services. However, finding the best cat transport service is not always easy, with a lot of time needing to be spent researching services and requesting quotes individually.

You can book a Shiply cat transportation service and quotes will be sent to you via email. It’s hassle-free and no phone calls are required. All it takes is to fill out a simple online form and the quotes will be emailed to you. There are numerous cat transportation services on Shiply’s platform who are ready to bid on your job, often at up to 75% less than typical rates.

May these tips help your move go smoothly and safely for both you and your beloved pet cat.