Moving can be a daunting proposition. You either have to pack up your whole household or pay someone to do it for you. You can move your belongings or reduce your stress and pay a professional to do the job.With every level of moving services, there’s a price. The good news is, moving isn’t a one-cost-fits-all proposition. There are ways to save money and still get your stuff from here to there while minimizing your stress.
- Do some of it yourself. If you can pack some or all of your things, do it. That will save you packing fees. (Though if you can afford to have someone else pack your stuff, a move gets infinitely easier!) Just make sure you pack well, using boxes efficiently, with sufficient padding so all of your things arrive in one piece.
- Make time to get organized. Don’t just throw all of your stuff into boxes, leaving some half-empty. Save money on boxes by nesting items. The more organized you are, the better your moving experience.
- Move less stuff. If you are moving a lot of stuff you don’t need, you’re paying to move that extra weight. It might be cheaper to buy canned goods in your new home than it will be to pay for the freight. If your furniture won’t work in your new place — or fit — don’t pay to move it. That extra box of books or those golf clubs or that heavy exercise gear you never use all add to the weight — and the cost — of your move. With that in mind . . .
- Have a yard sale. A corollary to No. 3 — sell off some of the things you don’t need. If you sell it, you’re not only not paying to move it, you’re making money from it. Donate what you can’t sell.
- Save on packing materials. Save shipping boxes and ask stores if you can have their sturdy boxes before they go into the recycling bin. For padding, use the sheets and towels you’re moving anyway. These cost-cutting moves mean you won’t have to buy as many professional moving boxes and rolls of bubble wrap.
- Move during off times. Summer is the most popular time to move. If you can move between September and May, you may be able to get off-peak rates from your mover. Midweek moves may also save you money. As you consider timing, try to move before you’re billed for an extra month for services like cable TV.
- Compare estimates. Have as many as three reliable companies give you moving quotes, always in person. Don’t base your choice entirely on price, though. Judge the company’s reputation, the fine points of their policies and your feel for their level of customer service before you make a decision. Be aware of any extra fees the movers may charge — for climbing stairs, for instance.
- See if someone else will help pay for your move. Moving costs should always be a part of your negotiations when you take a new job. Even if a company has a stated limit on moving costs, it may bend the rules if it wants to make you happy. It never hurts to ask!
- Deduct moving costs. You can deduct some moving costs on your tax return. Investigate that possibility with your accountant or the documentation that came with your tax software.
- Move a few things yourself. Let professionals handle most of your things, especially the back-breaking items. That’s why you hired movers. But you can always move a few things yourself if you have a vehicle, especially sensitive items like computers or priceless treasures like family photos.