One of the most plausible reasons why Detroit became known as Motor City is that it became the hub of mass-produced cars in the early 1900s. Ford Motors, General Motors, and Chrysler made this city their base, and many other car manufacturing companies followed suit. However, following a series of crises, the city declared bankruptcy in 2013. The name Motor City stuck, though.
Thanks to Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert and many other hometown businessmen who never gave up on their city, Detroit is back on its feet. The city has been steadily rising and is open to new job opportunities. If you’re on a job-related move to Detroit, here are handy tips to get you moving without any hassle.
1. Visit Your New Community
Visit your new community to get a better understanding of the neighborhood. Scope your top priorities – community center, school, distance from work, shopping, recreation, or whatever you consider topmost in your needs. Detroit may still be facing many issues, but it has many neighborhoods with a lot to offer.
2. Plan Your New Home’s Look
If possible, create a floor plan for your new house or apartment so you can plan your rooms as you pack your belongings. The floor plan is better than just pictures because it has dimensions. You can use these dimensions as a reference for planning where you’ll place your furniture, appliances, and other large fixtures.
If you can’t tackle creating a floor plan, the next best thing is pictures. Don’t rely on images of the house from the website, though, because some unscrupulous house owners sometimes post misleading pictures. If you can’t visit the place, ask for photos from your real estate agent.
3. Pack Smart
After getting a rough plan of the new house, pack your boxes according to the rooms they’re going to. Take a picture of each box and tape it on the box for easier reference.
Collect as many boxes as you can to skip buying moving boxes. Buy packaging tapes (not duct tape) to support the lower part of the box and seal the boxes.
4. Contact Several Moving Companies
Don’t rely on a single moving company to quote for your move. Get quotes from several moving companies in the Motor City to compare their price and services. Some of the questions you should clear with your prospect moving company are:
- Services included in the price
- License and certifications
- Insurance coverage
- Experience and references
- Cancellation policy
- Add-on expense and services
5. Organize Your Move
Here are the most important things to do at least a month before moving.
- Put together a moving folder. Everything you need for the move, including contracts, essential contact persons, personal documents, receipts, bills, open house schedules, and addresses, should be in this folder.
- Alert your utility providers when to cut off or connect your utilities. Here’s a list of utility companies in Detroit.
- Organize your loan and mortgage details. Furnish your creditors and banks with all the forwarding addresses and new contact numbers before moving to avoid unnecessary issues.
- Check out health insurance coverage, especially if you’re moving out of state. Discuss changes you need to make to keep your coverage or if you need a new plan.
6. Create a Moving Budget
A moving budget is a rough estimate of the cost you’ll incur for the move, including hiring a moving company, insurance expense, fees for activation of utilities, moving to a new school, and many others. Itemize your possible expense and create a reliable budget after getting a quote from each player.
If the budget is tight, save on moving rentals by making a DIY move. Enlist the help of friends and family to help you pack and transfer your belongings from the house to the moving truck.
7. Involve Your Kids
Some kids find moving very traumatic and unstable, especially in their younger years. Involve them by bringing them to the open house. Consider their needs like open spaces to play, safety, school bus routes, and a healthy neighborhood to support their growth.
Check out schools in Detroit and prepare all transfer documents if you have school-age kids. Ask for local clubs and sports teams that your kid can join to occupy them when not in school.
8. Check to see if You Qualify for Moving Tax Deduction
Though there are restrictions on tax deductions for your moving expense, you can still use it if you qualify. If you lose your job or are a Armed Forces member, you get a tax exemption. However, if you are a full-time employee or self-employed, you must pass the distance and time test.
Here are essential facts about tax-deductible moving expenses to help you save on money.
Last Note
Detroit may not be the most ideal place to move to, but it’s a changing city with great opportunities worth checking out. You can take part in making this city great again.