Moving Tips

Archive for May, 2011

Moving to a new location can get pretty expensive if you have to hire a moving truck. Depending on how much stuff you have and how far you’re going, it can be accomplished in many other ways. Before calling the movers, take a look at your situation and see if there’s a better way to accomplish this daunting task.

1. Trailer – The first thing I would do is locate a trailer to use. You can rent one, of course, but ask around and see if someone you know has one you can borrow. If you have a lot to move, especially if it’s a long distance, you could possibly save money by purchasing a trailer. Enclosed trailers can be used for extra storage even after the move or you can sell it to someone else.
2. Pickup – If you don’t own a pickup, you probably know someone who does. This is the most common method of moving stuff. Just make sure everything is securely fastened down before heading out on the highway.
3. Van – If you don’t have access to a trailer or pickup, a van would be the next best thing. Depending on the size of the van, you might be somewhat limited on larger items like appliances, but for smaller furniture and the rest of your junk, it just might work.
4. Your car – You’d be amazed how much stuff you can actually cram into an average sized car. It might take you a few trips, but for short moves without a lot of furniture, it can be done.
5. Storage units – Portable storage units can be the way to go. They drop the unit off at your location and you can pack it yourself. This would work especially well for a situation where you have to move out before you can move into your new place.
6. Ship it – If you don’t have any furniture or large items to move, you may want to just pack it up and ship it. Be careful to compare the cost to any of your other alternatives first.
7. Friends – When moving time comes, you can always count on your friends to pitch in and help. By pooling their resources you might be able to get all your stuff moved without renting anything. Make sure you treat them right and throw a party when you’re done or you may find yourself friendless afterward.
8. Anything with wheels – For short distances like just next door or down the block, start looking around for anything with wheels. Pallet jacks, two-wheel carts, wagons, and furniture dollies can all be used to move your stuff from one point to another.
9. Carry it – If you’re just moving down the hall or across the street, a strong back may be all you need. For heavier items you may need a few strong backs. You might want to treat yourself and friends to a good massage afterward.
10. RV – If you or someone you know has an RV this could be another option. You can load up all your stuff and hit the road. Then you have a place to stay while you get everything unpacked in your new home.

I don’t know anyone who thinks moving is fun, but you can save cash by doing it yourself. Instead of trusting your possessions to strangers who may not care about it like you do, take a look at your other options. With a little ingenuity you could be surprised at what you can accomplish with just a little help from your friends.

Whether you are starting your kids in soccer for the first time, or have just moved to a new area, choosing the right soccer club for your kids is important. All coaches are not the same, and all programs are not run the same. It pays to ask some questions before you decide.

1. Parks and Recreation Department. Your local parks and recreation department is a good place to start when looking for information on who to contact regarding soccer programs for kids. They may also give you some tips about the differences between the different clubs available.
2. Soccer Parents. The best source for finding the best group for your kids to be a part of can be other soccer parents. They have already had experience and have spent time around several different soccer teams during the previous years. A veteran soccer parent would generally have plenty of advice on the subject.
3. Coaching ratio. Ask about the ratio of kids to coaches when checking out soccer clubs. Eight to ten kids per coach would be ideal. You definitely wouldn’t want it to be higher than 14 kids per coach.
4. Experienced coaches. How long have the coaches been coaching kid’s soccer, and what are their credentials? The coach is the key to whole program. A new, inexperienced coach could mean a year of chaos for your kids.
5. Attend the practices. If you really want to know whether you’ve made the right choice in a soccer club for your kids, you need to attend the practices. That is where you will see the coach and the kids in action. You’ll see how they are being taught and how the players are being treated. You won’t be dependent on your kids to relay accurate information.
6. Lesson plans. Ask about how the training program for kids and assistant coaches is set up. Is the structure for younger kids different than those who are more experienced? It should be. Is there a plan in place for training the assistant coaches, or are they expected to pick it up on their own?
7. Widen your search. If you aren’t satisfied with what you are finding in your area, take a look at the soccer programs in neighboring towns. It may be worth a little extra drive time to get your kids enrolled in a better program.
8. Soccer kids. Check with the kids who have been in the program in previous years. Did they enjoy it? What do they have to say about the coach?
9. Soccer league. Check on the web to see if there is a youth soccer league in your area. Find out if they are affiliated with the US Youth Soccer National League. Do some research on the benefits provided by being part of an official league.
10. Weekly sessions. Ask about how many weekly sessions there are for the different levels. Introductory clubs should be only once or twice a week, while those practice sessions should increase with the higher skill levels.

Your child’s experience with soccer can be positive or negative. Choosing the right club can make a big difference on which experience they have.