When you move expenses are everywhere-movers, boxes, truck rental and the like. When I recently moved, I was determined to keep costs to a minimum. As a result, I actually made money when I moved…$500.00 in gift cards and discounts! This article will tell you how to make money when YOU move. It’s easy!!!
Before You Begin – How To Make Money When You Move
· Make a list of all the utility companies you currently use at your present location.
· Make a list of all the utility companies you plan to use at your new location.
· Determine if there is a Lowe’s, Home Depot, Target or other National Brand type retail store in the area where you will be moving.
Instructions – How To Make Money When You Move
· Take the list of utility companies you currently use, check their websites to determine if they offer any discounts or incentives for either moving your service using their online system or requesting disconnects online. (While there may be no specific incentive for requesting disconnects online, it can be advantages for you to have something in writing that shows you requested disconnect on a certain date. My local cable company attempted to extend my service and hit me with a full months bill, but I had an email copy that they could not deny. It saved me nearly $100.00 and a fight.) Also, see if utilities are offering any bundling or package deals with other utilities.
· Stop! Don’t complete any forms yet. A bit more research is needed. Make notes or print the pages with the information you found. (Personally, I recommend printing the pages, then if there is any dispute about the offer, you have evidence to support your claim.)
· Locate the local government and Chamber of Commerce home pages for the county and city where you will be moving and check the Newcomers and Utilities link on their page(s). Make a note of the information that pertains to you and your new utility needs or print the pages containing that information, i.e., phone numbers, addresses, websites. While you are there, check for any advertisements or discount offers by local businesses. Ten percent here and ten percent there can add up to big dollars when it comes to new drapes, household items or that cool new computer monitor you have on your wish list. See if they offer a newcomer’s information package. This can be helpful when trying to find your way around a new town.
· Visit the websites of the utilities you will need at your new location. Look for offers associated with moving your service or changing to their service. Make notes or print the pages.
· Go to the websites of stores like Lowe’s, Home Depot and Target and do a search using the words move, moving, newcomer, new customers. See what pops up. Some of these companies offer discounts and special incentives via email sign up.
· Now that you have completed your research, sit down with all your information and make an informed decision about all your utilities. Where you have choices, such as with deregulated natural gas providers, there is often stiff competition for your business. If you like one offer better than another, but you don’t like the per therm price, ask if they will match their competitor’s price. They often will, but be careful not to get locked into a lengthy contract at a set price. It could end up costing instead of saving.
· Once you make your decisions, complete the online request and or sign-ups. Print copies of every confirmation and put them in a folder-just in case. You will now make money when you move. (Note that some online offers state that you may not contact by phone or the offer is void, so read all the conditions.)
Results Of How I Was Able to Make Money On My Recent Move
· Gas Provider – competitive price plus a $35.00 Visa gift card
· Phone Provider – $35.00 Visa gift card for moving my service using the online system, $75.00 Visa gift card for bundling services, plus a monthly discount on all billing because I bundled services
· Satellite Provider – $150.00 off my bill over the next 15 months, plus a portable DVD player ($169.00 value)-Christmas or Birthday present for someone.
· Local Retailers – 10% and 15% discount coupons for local retailers including a home improvement store where I saved over $100.00
This isn’t hard work. It just takes a little time and a bit of thought. Be sure to complete a change of address card for the Post Office. I received a package of discount coupons from them, when they confirmed my address change. The old days of clipping coupons has been given a new twist. The Internet has made it possible for you to access all sorts of opportunities and find special offers that the companies don’t necessarily publicize or tell you about over the phone. Take advantage of this new technology and go make money when you move.
P.S. Are you a senior citizen? Always ask if the provider or retailer offers a senior citizen’s discount program.
