It’s often said that after the death of a loved one or a divorce, moving house is one of the most stressful things you can do in life. And there may well be some truth in that.
So we’ve put together some “Movers’ Mantras” to help you through the moving process, avoid being ripped off, and save you money.
Added to the worry of actually moving all your possessions is the hassle of closing all your utility and insurance accounts and re-opening new ones. That means making a flurry of financial decisions wile stressed that could come back to bite you if you don’t get them right!
Avoid “mover deals”
There are companies that specialise in connecting movers to their new utilities and other services. They may contact you via one of the businesses involved in your transaction.
These services may look like a godsend but, be wary. The often do not offer anything like the best deals available. They may connect you to high-cost plans because they know you don’t have the time or energy to do your own market research in search of a cheaper provider.
Movers are sitting ducks for dud deals.
Our first piece of advice is: start by phoning your current service providers – as long as you are happy with them. Tell them you are moving and ask them “is this your best current deal”?
You should get amazing customer service and here’s why: Retailers are terrified of you moving. It means they effectively lose your business – even if it is only for a few minutes before they re-connect you at your new home.
It is also a time when many people switch providers because they look at their current plan and realise that a rival utility could be up to $200 cheaper than the last time they picked a plan.
Electricity, NBN and mobile phone costs, for example, have all dropped in the past year.
So, when you mention the ‘M’ word, a red flag goes up at the utility’s call centre. This is when you have the most leverage to drive a hard bargain.
Don’t leave it too late
This one can easily go wrong. A lot of people contact their electricity and gas providers the day before they move. Problem here is that most providers require a standard three days to disconnect and hook up a new account.
However, that does not mean you won’t have power or Gs in your new home – you may just need to pay a couple of days’ energy for the new owners of your last abode. So, it’s not the end of the world.
Do remember to disconnect your old place though, or you will pay for extra power for longer.
Insurance savings
Changing your address with your insurance company might even save you some money.
Your premium is not only based on your claims history; it is also based on the “risk rating” of your property’s address or postcode, calculated by the insurance company’s team of actuaries.
So, if you are moving to a new address that is considered less risky – for either car or home insurance – they may refund you part of any premium you might have pre-paid for a full year. It always pays to ask.
Buying a new home? This is the big one!
Don’t forget to have your home loan reviewed! We get it. Looking at your current home loan is a hassle and with everything going on it’s easy just to stick with your current lender.
However here is where big savings can be enjoyed. With technology it’s even easier to switch lenders these days. There are also great offers for new borrowers so very likely you’ll score a cheaper home loan rate with lower repayments saving you possibly thousands of dollars in interest!
Our tip – act early to ensure you can settle your new place on time – and use a lending specialist who does all the work for you!
Related Post: You can check out one of our current specials here
Free retail delivery
Finally, we cannot over-emphasise how useful the new breed of online retailers can be in the first few days after you move in.
With mountains of boxes to unpack, the last thing you have time for is a trip to the shopping mall.
However, thanks to the likes of Amazon Prime and eBay Plus, you can order any number of goods you may need for your new home, including that bottle of champagne you so desperately need, and it arrives the very next day.
There is also a free trial period to these retailers, so it does not even need to cost you anything unless you decide to stay with them and pay their subscription fees.
Let us help you save time and money!
Our lending specialists offer a no obligation planning session that can help you understand your home loan options – and take the stress out of moving or buying a home.
We’re available for a simple chat either in person, phone, or online.
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This article is prepared based on general information. It does not take into account individual financial objectives or needs and is not financial product advice. Credit criteria applies to any loan application.