Downsizing your home?

With the current foreclosure and unemployment rates in the U.S., downsizing can make a lot of sense. If you are able to do a short sale on your home and come out ahead or at least in the black, it’s a great outcome for many Americans.

Downsizing to a smaller home can mean lower utility bills and an overall reduction in living expenses. If you choose to downsize, select a neighborhood that has an lower overall cost of living but is still close to your work or potential place of employment. You’ll save on fuel for your car when commuting and reduce the amount of stress that can accompany this type of transition. A smaller home will also mean savings in terms of time and money on maintenance for your home such as landscaping and housekeeping.

You’ll also want to consider other areas of your overhead that can be reduced to support downsizing. Rather than paying for a home cable entertainment package for example, select a home-delivery film membership such as Netflix. You can visit friends or family for the Super Bowl instead of hosting, which will save money from expenses on entertaining.

When its time to move, you’ll want to hire a mover that can provide cost-effective moving services with superior value. Starving Students has very competitive rates, and you only pay for the time that you actually use. We have low hourly minimums and then we pro-rate time in 15 minute increments thereafter. Ask us about your origin location-specific benefits when you contact us.

The timing of your move is another consideration. Often with a short-sale, you don’t have a lot of lead time to prepare for movers or to make reservations weeks in advance. Starving Students operates with 33 locations in 10 states, and we do thousands of moves every year. We have the resources to schedule your move last minute if need be.

Here are some money saving tips:

• If you are able to affect your move date, try and move on weekdays or on non-peak weekends for possibly lower moving rates.
  
• Order your packing supplies in advance at discount pricing and with FREE shipping. Make sure your boxes and furniture are protected for transit and ready to be loaded on the truck for a more efficient, cost and time-effective move.
  
• Ask your Starving Students moving specialist about “Valuation Protection” for your valuable items.
  
• Read our Moving Advice to help you get ready for the move day.
  

Starving Students wishes you a healthy and properous 2011!