Ensure a Smooth Move

8 June 2009 12:00 p.m. Eastern
Credit Union National Association, Edited by Nicole Thompson

Americans rate moving as the third most stressful life event after death and divorce. Fortunately the Internet has hundreds of sites to help you plan, research, budget and shop for moving day. Many even offer huge discounts you can't find elsewhere.

A good place to start is with an all-purpose moving site like move.com, or imove.com that provides planners, budgeting tools, links to jobs and information about schools. To find a trustworthy carrier, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends getting at least one in-home visual estimate in writing. Find out what services the estimate covers and ask about the company's insurance and workers' compensation.

Also check with your state's Department of Transportation, local BBB and the American Moving and Storage Association to ensure the company is in good standing.

Remember that while you're canceling your phone, cable, gas and electric, you don't have to cancel your credit union membership. Once you're a PEFCU member, you're always a member. Plus with direct deposit, online and mobile banking, and more than 3,500 free shared branches and 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs located nationwide, you're never far from great PEFCU service. Use our Locator Search to find a shared branch or ATM near your new home.