Charities that help with moving expenses

Charities that help with moving expenses

Contents:

• 1. Charities for Women and Single Parents
• 2. Relocation Grants for Low Income Families
• 3. Moving Assistance for the Disabled
• 4. Supportive Programs for Veterans
• 5. Support from Religious Organizations
• 6. Relocation Grants for New Employees
• 7. Budgeting Loans
• 8. Grants Search Tools

In some cases moving can be very expensive as well as logistically difficult. The situation is getting worse when a person is under pressure of his individual circumstances. You might be tight on money to hire a moving company and have nobody to help you with moving costs. Whatever is your individual reason to move, there are special organizations providing grants and programs to help move within or out of state.

Charities for Women and Single Parents

• State Welfare Agency. Such agencies usually help in such spheres as Medicaid or food, but don’t provide financial assistance for moving expenses. However, they give cash assistance to families with low incomings. Women may use this money to pay a moving company.
• Escape from Abuse. Safe shelters offer asylum for all women escaping from abusive relationships. And some of them provide moving assistance for women in severe living conditions.
• Salvation Army. This is a real giant in the world of charity. This organization controls thousands of operation centers on a country scale. The Salvation Army gives assistance to people requiring food, clothes, moving services, shelter etc. It has the largest amount of single mother community care grants for moving home. Many of these programs have limited funds, and some might not be available for a single parent who does not meet specific requirements.
• Other sources. There are some other organizations which can help ladies move to a new place. The amount of aid varies greatly. You can apply to reputable socially active organizations: different religious social services, the YWCA, and the others.

Relocation Grants for Low Income Families

Nowadays many people live in leasehold houses and should change their places of residence quite often. But for people with low earnings even an interstate move seems a heavy financial burden. That is why the USA government offers relocation assistance programs to the people in need.

Grants and Benefits

• The HUD (Dep. of Housing and Urban Development) provides relocation grants for households meeting the special qualifications. Besides, several state agencies also give assistance in covering such type of moving expenses. For example, if you reside in Washington state and your home is under risk to be demolished, condemned or converted, you can obtain financial aid from your state. If you live in Miami (Florida), you may obtain help from the Housing Assistance Network of Dade. A number of grants cover not only the moving itself, but also utilities and rent expenses. Some grants may offer help in covering rent costs on a temporary basis.
• Federal Relocation Assistance Program.
  Federal authorities direct resources to state administrations as Family and Children Department or Social Services Agency. As an example, TANF funds are sent to state offices to provide material support to the families in need. The aid covers everyday expenses such as utilities, rent, relocation costs.
• Emergency Solutions Grant.
  The purpose of ESG is to help families to get stability after going through homelessness or other severe circumstances. This emergency moving fund gives a grant up to $2.500 for individuals moving to a new location. Such grants are very quickly processed – within 24 hours and are sent directly to the utility company, landlord or management company.

Eligibility Requirements

Only the families falling into a low-income scope can be qualified for a migration financial assistance. The income range differs from state to state. And each course has its particular requirements. You can expect to get this encouragement if your rental home is under the risk to be converted or reconstructed, or not meet the safety codes. Some grants require landlord’s eviction notice.

How to apply for help

All the information about assistance policy can be found on websites of the Social Services Department, HUD, or of Housing Authority. You should complete an application and provide documents proving the income, residency and the needs for relocation.

Moving Assistance for the Disabled

Citizens with disabilities usually have neither financial resources nor physical ability to pack and carry things. But after surfing the web a bit you will definitely find free assistance.

An Impressive Alliance

The homepages of the University of New Hampshire as well as National Institute on Disability are a prefect resource of data about statewide programs and free moving help for disabled people. ADAPT, UAP and other organizations improve life quality of individuals with disabilities implementing social supports.

Operation Roundup Program

This program is a perfect addition to those on the alliance. This organization adds an extra tax to the utility bills of ordinary people so that they benefit the families in need. Contact your utility company to get more information. The amount of this assistance is limited, so apply as soon as possible.

SSA

The SSA (Social Security Administration) answers all the questions regarding disabilities in its online booklet. If you didn’t find required information, you may contact SSA specialists for more detailed data.

Grants

All the government branches at all the levels provide relocation grants for people with special needs. The government awards money for different goals, including home renovation as well as moving assistance.

Supportive Programs for Veterans

The Veterans Inc. Supportive Services provide various types of help to veteran soldiers and their families. If a person meets all the requirements, he can get support in rent and utilities payment, housing, childcare, legal services, moving expenses, security deposit etc.

Support from Religious Organizations

Many churches assist not only women and single mothers, but also families with low earnings and disabled people to pay their urgent expenses, including moving costs. The success of your request depends on the temple’s budget and the pastor’s loyalty. Even if you’ve never attended a church or if a pastor refused, you can call to other churches referring to your local YP.

Relocation Grants for New Employees

Many reputable companies provide their new employees with financial support to pay moving expenses for relocating to another state. The amount of assistance varies from $1.000 to $10.000 depending on the employer and the employee’s place of residence.

Budgeting Loans

The people applying for a budgeting loan for moving costs should be on Pension Credit, or on JSA (Job seekers Allowance), or ESA (Employment and Support Allowance) for no less than 26 weeks. The amount of loans is from $100 and depends on the personal circumstances. Such loans are interest free and should be repaid within 2 years.

Grants Search Tools

Each charity organization is unique in the way it supports people. The financial assistance is usually offered through grants, services and advice. Surfing the web gives you great opportunities to find support matching your individual case.

• You can contact HUD Department providing quick help for people, which lost their homes unexpectedly.
• BENEFITS.GOV aggregates a lot of useful programs and grants.
• Or visit Housing Industry Foundation in California offering grants within 24 hours.
• Concerning elderly people, the independentage.org website is a source of full and diverse information including charity funds, which provide financial support for moving and housing.
• GRANTFORWARD.COM and GRANTS.GOV have free search tools for grants.

Why You Should Plan a House Move in Early Spring

The reality is that most people don’t have the freedom to choose when they want their move to happen due to uncontrollable factors like job requirements and family. If you are fortunate enough, however, to choose when to plan your house move, you should plan an early spring move. There are many reasons why residential moving in early spring is the best time to relocate. Here are some you should know about.

You Get an Early Start

Moving during the spring allows you to get an early start, so that you can work with the moving company of your choice, without worrying about overbooking. It allows you to pack, move, get unpacked, and set up your home in time for the summer. You can also host a housewarming party and encourage your family and friends to visit your new place in the summer, when you’re settled in.

Suitable Weather

The success of a move is greatly impacted by the weather. It isn’t fun to think about moving trucks holding your valuables, driving through snowy or icy roads. It is also a drag to lift heavy boxes and move on hot days, when there isn’t a breeze to be found. Springtime has fairly good weather, which makes it perfect for busy moves.

Spring Breaks

If you’re moving your entire house, you should make sure that you have enough time to pack your belongings. Spring break is the perfect time of year to schedule your move because you will have the time to get help from every family member. Your kids also won’t miss any school, as they will be moving during a week-long break. Alternatively, if you want the freedom to organize and pack while your children are busy, school days maybe more favourable. Whichever style works best for you, spring is a great time to relocate.

Coordinate with Spring Cleaning and Garage Sales

Traditionally, spring has been considered the time of year to give your house a deep cleaning and organize everything. Since local movers, especially long-distance movers, use the total distance and weight of the items being moved to calculate their rates, spring cleaning allows you to prepare for your move. You can go through all your items and throw away, sell, or donate anything you don’t need. This way, you will save on moving costs and enjoy less unnecessary packing, as you are bringing less junk along.

Best Professional Movers Available

Springtime is a great time to relocate because professional movers will be readily available. They receive a high volume of relocation requests in the summer, so if you work a few weeks or months ahead of the peak season, it will be easier for you to secure your preferred move-in date, even on short notice.

Looking for a professional moving company to help you with your move? Consider working with Firemen Movers. We are a GTA-based moving company that has a wealth of experience in all aspects of moving. This allows us to think about all the small details and be there to fully support you. Contact us today for more information or to get a quote on our services.

Stress and Clutter: 4 Tips to Reduce Stress

Have you ever said “if I could just clear some of this clutter, I’d feel a lot better?” Well, you may be on to something. According to a recent Huffington Post article, clutter “has proven, tangible effects on your mental and physical well-being.”

If you feel a bit stressed by your environment, try decluttering these four areas to reduce stress:

• Clear or Clean the Bedroom – In a recent psychological study, women who described their space as clear or clutter free saw their room as restorative and restful. Between two-thirds and three-fourths of respondents said a cool clean room with fresh air was important for a good night’s sleep.

• Keep the Kitchen Counters Clear - Studies have proven, people in clutter free spaces chose healthier snacks than those in a cluttered environment. Dr. Eva Selhub describes clutter as “stressful” making the brain more “likely to resort to coping mechanisms such as choosing comfort foods or overeating than if you spend time in neater surroundings.”

• Declutter Your Play/Workspace - Whether it’s a man cave theater, an office, garage, or studio, clutter can inhibit your ability to work worry free. In a study by Princeton University Neuroscience Institute, findings showed “multiple stimuli present in the visual field at the same time compete for neural representation” while “a clean work environment will help you be more productive, less moody, and better able to process information.” 

• Clear the Coffee Table - Making sure the coffee table is clear goes a long way towards giving a room a clean pulled together look, gives a boost of confidence, and improves hospitality. Clean common areas make it easier to entertain guests and find items like remotes and keys where the “time you spend looking for missing items can also take away from time you could be spending together.” Ultimately, “clutter can create tension and conflict,” and decluttering can prevent or reduce it.

The Most Epic Moving Checklist in the History of Moving

Let’s face it, moving is stressful. That’s why we’ve created an epic moving checklist to help you stay on track. We’re here to help you figure out exactly what you should be doing before, during, and even after your move. Moving all your belongings from one place to another is hard, and so is relocating your life in general. But, let’s not forget that moving to a new place is an exciting time! With some guidance and this 8-week guide to your upcoming move, you’ll be sure to have everything done between now and the big day, leaving you plenty of time to celebrate.

8 weeks before you move:

So, you’re 8 weeks out! Close, but not too close. It’s important for you to start planning ahead for every aspect of your move. The good news? We’ve got you covered. We’re not going to lie, there’s a lot to do to prepare. Yet, you’ll be thankful you started early and had this epic moving checklist to ensure you stay on top of your to-do list.

1. Create a “moving” file or folder on Google Drive to store quotes, receipts, and records related to your move. For example, how much is Dan the mover quoting you? Was that price for 10 or 15 boxes? You’re not going to be able to remember all of the details. So throw them in a document for easy reference.

2. Schedule in-home estimates with an Updater Certified Moving Company. Make sure you hire someone you feel you can trust by clicking the button below. 

FIND A MOVING COMPANY

3. Create a realistic budget for moving expenses. We know you want to hire professional movers, but that new sectional and that wine fridge, but priorities, right? 

4. Read over documents from your movers before signing anything. Don’t let contracts intimidate you by learning about the documents you’ll be receiving ahead of time. We can’t emphasize enough how important this is, there’s a reason it’s #4 on our list.

5. Request time off work for moving day. If you can, plan to take off and move on a Friday. That gives you the rest of the weekend to get yourself organized. Nice tip, right?

6. Choose a school for your kids. Need a little help in the research department? Great Schoolscan help you choose the best school in your area.  

7. Along the same vein, request transcripts for your kids from their old school for their new school. Regardless of how far you are moving, the new school your child attends will need these. Arrive prepared so your kid(s) don’t get left behind.

8.  Plan a garage sale. Then, donate anything left that you couldn’t sell.

9. Plan how to move fragile or unusual items, such as guns, pianos, fine art, pool tables or safes. The list goes on and on. The movers you hire may not be qualified to move some larger (or more expensive) items, so you may need to hire a specialty mover to do the job. Make sure you’re aware of exactly what the movers you hired will and will not move.

10. Confirm that your moving company is licensed and insured by verifying their Department of Transportation number (also referred to as a DOT number).

6 weeks before you move:

When you’re six weeks out from a move, it’s important to make sure you’re getting all your ducks in a row. If you’re moving out of town, you’ll need to do things like spend time with family and friends. Then of course, you need to begin to organize your belonging (and life in general). There are dozens of tasks that must be addressed in this time, so keep reading our epic moving checklist to discover all you need to do. Don’t worry, six weeks is plenty of time to get it all done.

11. Make time for friends and relatives before moving day. Squeeze in a few last memories is your current home by throwing a simple dinner party. It doesn’t have to be elaborate to do the trick.

12. Collect free boxes from restaurants liquor, grocery, and office supply stores. You can also pay a visit to your local bookstore. They have more boxes than they know what to do with and will be more than happy to hand them over for free.

13. Research packing hacks to make moving day easier.

14. Label your moving boxes using different colored stickers/tape for each room. This will make your life a ton easier when you’re all moved in and ready to start unpacking.

15. Create an inventory sheet of all your valuables before they go on the moving truck. Also, keep a private list of which boxes you packed your valuables in.

16. Mark moving boxes that are fragile. You don’t want textbooks stacked on top of your grandmother’s china.  

17. Take photos of all electronics before unplugging them. This will help jog your memory when you’re reconnecting things such as your TV and stereo.  

18. Put all your hardware in labeled baggies for easy furniture reassembly.

19. Gather socks, t-shirts, towels, and linens to use as free packing supplies. Wrapping water glasses in dish towels? Why didn’t we think of that!

20. If you’re moving into an apartment, find out if there are any moving day requirements.

21. Address minor home repairs before moving out. If you live in an apartment, this might be the difference between getting your security deposit back, or not.

22. If you’re moving cross country, have your vehicles serviced. The last thing you want is to deal with a breakdown mid-move!

23. If your move requires shipping your car, don’t leave anything in it! Spare tires and jacks might go missing.

24. Measure doorways, stairways, and elevators to make sure all your furniture will fit. Measure twice – move once!

25. Research your new community for points of interest. Find your new favorite hangout spot or restaurant! Yelp and Foursquare are great places to start.

26. Last but not least for this section, pack a little every day. You don’t want to find yourself packing all of your belongings the night before.

4 weeks before you move:

Four weeks out – you’ve officially hit the one-month mark! Now’s the time to start gathering important documents that you’ll need to bring with you to your new place. You should also start doing things like selling and donating items. It will be a lot easier to complete items on your moving checklist when you’re not bogged down in possession that you neither want nor need.

27. Purchase moving insurance to cover all your belongings during the move.

28. Confirm parking options for your moving truck – you may need a permit for moving day.

29. Use or donate items that you can’t pack or sell, such as frozen foods, bleach, and aerosol cans.

30. Gather all financial and legal records in one place.

31. Gather birth certificates and passports for everyone in your home. Then, carry important documents on your person during your move.

32. Find a landscaper and snow removal service in your new neighborhood.

33. Return your library books.

34. Return movie and video game rentals.

35. Pick up clothes from the dry cleaner.

36. Compile medical, dental, and optical records for everyone in your home.

37. If you’re moving out of town, find a new doctor, dentist, and vet in your new neighborhood.

38. Update your voter registration!

39. If you’re moving long distance, plan your route and book hotels.

40. Shop around for cable, internet, and phone bundles. Then, schedule installation and/or cancel your old services.

41. Make sure your pets have ID tags for their collars.

42. Request copies of vet records and get any necessary pet medication.

43. If you’re moving out of the country, make sure your pets have all necessary vaccinations.

44. Make a moving day playlist to enjoy while moving and unpacking.

2 weeks before you move:

The big day is almost here! You’re two weeks away from moving and it’s time to update your accounts and records for your new place and address. You also want to take these two weeks before your move to plan ahead packing, meals, medication, pets, and children. Moving day is a BUSY one. Make sure to have everything on your moving list checked off for this two-week point. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did!

45. Create a moving file to organize your moving-related receipts and bills. You’ll want to keep a list of moving-related expenses to claim as a deduction at tax time.

46. Recycle or dispose of corrosives, flammables, and poisonous items. Make sure you’re disposing of toxic items properly.  

47. Prep two-weeks worth of meals and use everything in the freezer. Check out some great meal prep ideas!

48. Return borrowed items from friends and family.

49. Back up your computer. If something goes awry during your move, you’ll be thankful you have everything saved in an alternate place.

50. Set up trash removal and recycling for your new home, and cancel your current service.

51. Remove light bulbs from all lamps you plan to move.

52. Moving far? Clean out your safe deposit box and any lockers you might have at a gym or community center.

53. Fill your prescriptions.

54. Prepare a list of emergency service technicians and preferred providers. You don’t want to be googling plumbers while your toilet is overflowing in your new home.

55. To keep little ones safe during a move, line up a babysitter or make arrangements for a play date.

56. Find somewhere safe for pets to go during your move. Look into doggy daycare or ask a friend to watch them for a day – who wouldn’t love to dog sit Fido, Fluffy or Muffin?

57.  Use Google Maps to find your way to work by car or public transportation.

58. Send out moving announcement. There are plenty of creative ways to share your new address.

59. Change your address with loan providers, credit cards, banks, and the payroll department at work. Also, remember to order new checks.

60. Forward your mail.

61. Change address for Social Security benefits within 10 days of moving. Make sure to notify government offices, including the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the IRS.

62. Transfer your homeowners or renters insurance to your new home. Here’s what happens to your homeowners insurance policy when you move.

63. Cancel or transfer your membership at the gym, yoga studio, Crossfit facility, etc.

64. Update your address for newspaper and magazine subscriptions.

65. Transfer your utilities including water, electric, and natural gas.

66. Update your driver’s license.

67. Update your address with Amazon and any monthly subscriptions boxes you receive.

68. Change your address for your auto insurance and car registration.

69. Clean outdoor furniture before it's moved.

70. Transfer your prescriptions to a new pharmacy, if necessary.

The week you move:

The week has come! It’s time to make sure you organize your belongings, finish packing, and clean your old home. Make sure everything’s squared away early. It’ll allow for a stress-free moving day – and who wouldn’t want that?

71. Donate unopened food by asking your moving company if they work with Move For Hunger.

72. Make sure you canceled and/or redirected scheduled deliveries. Remember that pair of shoes that was on backorder? Make sure they get shipped to correct address.

73. Clean your current home for the next resident.

74. Unplug your fridge and freezer to defrost the night before. Make sure you lay a towel in front of it to absorb any water that leaks.

75. Drain water hoses to your washing machine and ice maker.

76. Empty oil and gas from grills, heaters, lawn mowers, and snow blowers.

77. Leave a note or small gift for new residents.

78. Make sure nothing is hiding on shelves or in closet corners.

79. Before conducting a final walk through with your landlord, fill nail holes with a bar of soap. Check out some DIY tips here.

80. Watch the weather channel and prepare for rain or snow.

81. Pack an essentials box with everything you’ll need for your first 24 hours in your new home.

82. Make a worst-case scenario plan in case your movers run late.

83. Take photographs of your empty place to prove it’s in move-out condition.

84. Withdraw cash to tip your movers.

85. Clean your new place. A lot of times, the previous homeowners are only required to sweep their house or apartment. Don’t you want your new place to be in tip-top shape and sparkling from head to toe?

Moving day:

Moving day is here! All your moving prep has led you to this very moment. You’ve checked off almost 100 items on this moving checklist to get you to this point. On the day of your move, make sure you get an early start. Start the day off right and get moving. The earlier you move in, the more time you will have to start unpacking and settling into your new home.

86. Rise and shine! Set an alarm and get up early on moving day.

87. Protect your floors and carpets during the move.

88. They’ve worked hard for you all day, so tip your movers.

89. As soon as your movers leave, make your bed and unpack your shower curtain and toiletries. This makes a nap and a shower so much easier. And let’s face it, it’s the first thing you’ll want to do post move.

90. Get to know your neighbors!

91. Go grocery shopping. At this point, you’ve eaten enough take out. Having food in the house will also prevent you from unnecessary spending.

92. Don’t have curtains or shades yet? Cover your windows with sheets for privacy for your first night. This will help you sleep more comfortably, trust us.

93. Thank your real estate agent or broker. They’re the reason why you’ve moved into your beautiful new home. A simple thank you note goes a long way.

One week, post move:

You’re moved in! You’ve checked off almost everything on your moving checklist, but you’re not done yet. Now is the time to start making your new place yours. Unpack, decorate, and have fun personalizing your new home.

94. Leave a detailed review of your experience with your moving company.

95. Post leftover moving boxes or unwanted furniture on Craigslist. Or, give them to someone you know is moving.

96. Clean the carpets in your new home.

97. Sweep your chimney before you use it.

98. Make sure your home’s address is visible from the street.

99.  Install a new home security system.

100. Explore your new neighborhood – local shops, supermarkets, libraries, cafés, grocery stores, and restaurants.

101. Send thank you notes to friends and family who helped you move.

Two weeks, post move:

Finally, you’ve made it to the last two checkpoints on this epic moving checklist! Make sure you’ve completely settled in. Now that you’re comfortable, take a night off and call a babysitter!

102. Aim to unpack all your stuff within two weeks of moving in.

103. Last, but not least, make copies of your new keys for the babysitter, nanny, and dog walker.

 Phew! We're out of breath. But congrats, you survived!

We hope that our moving checklist has been the list to end all checklists. Was it helpful? Let us know. And as always, we love feedback. If we missed anything, let us know in the comments section below. Happy moving!