AAA educates residents on how to move without breaking the bank
TAMPA, Fla. — Summer for most people means warmer weather, backyard barbeques, family vacations, and moving season. Nearly 1 in 5 Floridians (19%) in a recent AAA Consumer Pulse™ survey, plan to move within the next year. The majority of residents (53%) plan their move for the spring (April – June) or summer (July – September).
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Moving by the Numbers |
|
|
Florida Movers |
|
| Own | 60% |
| Rent | 33% |
| Moving Vehicle: | |
|
43% |
|
42% |
|
40% |
|
Residence Type: |
|
|
49% |
|
29% |
|
Moving Location: |
|
|
47% |
|
29% |
|
17% |
| Moving Finances: | |
|
59% |
|
27% |
| Spend: | |
|
28% |
|
23% |
According to Penske, Tampa/Sarasota (5) and Orlando (6) were two of the top ten moving destinations in the country in 2017. Click here for more information.
“Most people pay for their moving expenses using cash or savings,” said Matt Nasworthy, Florida Public Affairs Director, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “During a move money can be tight, which means most consumers are looking for the best value for their dollar when paying for things like moving trucks and packing supplies. Taking advantage of discounts, like those at AAA, and timing your move correctly can save you a substantial amount.”
Money Saving Moving Tips
- Timing – Most people move at the beginning or end of the month, during the weekend, or in the summer. These are the most expensive times to move because moving service and moving truck rental prices are at a premium. If possible, schedule your move mid-month, mid-week, or even during the winter months to get the best rates.
- Discounts – Before paying, be sure you’re getting the best deal. Get several quotes on moving services and rentals and search for discounts. For instance, AAA members can save up to 12% on Penske truck rentals. Visit aaa.com/Penske for more information.
- Get Someone Else to Pay – If moving for work your new employer could foot some of the bill. Some moving expenses are even tax deductible, so be sure to keep all receipts associated with your move. Is the cost of boxes daunting? Visit local businesses like a grocery store, liquor store, or office building and ask them for boxes. Many business pay to have their cardboard taken away and would be happy to be rid of them.
Tips for Packing
- Plan ahead. Give yourself plenty of time. Start planning for your move up to six weeks before you intend to leave your current home. This will ensure that moving day is less of a hassle, regardless of whether you are using a moving company or doing it yourself.
- Label boxes. You’ll thank yourself later. It will make your life a whole lot easier when it comes time to unpack if you have some idea as to which items are included in each box. Label the tops and sides of each box and, perhaps, write the room of your new home where the contents of a particular box will go. If you are using movers, be sure to write “fragile” on any boxes that apply.
- Keep important records with you. These could include your birth certificate, Social Security card, passport, tax documents, checkbooks, original copies of wills, drivers licenses and any investment papers. Don’t pack these items into boxes, but keep them in a safe place where you won’t lose them.
Discover more discounts and money saving tips at aaa.com/discounts.
About the AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey
The AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey was conducted online among residents living in Florida from April 4, 2018 – April 27, 2018. A total of 202 residents who moved in the past 12 months or plan to move in the next 12 months completed the survey. Survey results have a maximum margin of error of ± 6.9 percentage points.
About Auto Club Group Traffic Safety Foundation
Established by AAA – The Auto Club Group in 2010, Auto Club Group Traffic Safety Foundation, Inc. (ACGTSF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and public charity dedicated to producing a significant and continuous reduction in traffic crashes, injuries and deaths in the communities targeted by its efforts. ACGTSF provides programs, education and outreach to increase public awareness about the importance of traffic safety and improve driving behavior. ACGTSF is funded by voluntary, tax-deductible contributions from organizations and individuals who support ACGTSF’s purpose. Visit www.AAA.com/foundation for more information.
About The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America. ACG and its affiliates provide membership, insurance, financial services and travel offerings to over 9.5 million members across eleven states and two U.S. territories including Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; most of Illinois and Minnesota; and a portion of Indiana. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 58 million members in the United States and Canada and whose mission includes protecting and advancing freedom of mobility and improving traffic safety. Motorists can map a route, identify gas prices, find discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.