Save Money on Moving Costs
Move for Less; How to Transport Your Belongings at a Lower Cost
You’ve found the home of your dreams, and now it’s time to move into it. The problem: How to fund the move.
Ways to Save on Moving Costs:
- Shop around. Just because you’ve seen the same truck with the same large logo in your neighborhood time and time again doesn’t mean that company is right for you. Call at least three or four different movers and get prices. Find out exactly what is covered and how much your property is insured for damage. These are the questions you need to ask: Are the employees bonded? What is your recourse in case furniture is damaged or missing? How long will the actual move take? If you’re relocating across country, how many stops will the van make? Do stairs and higher elevations cost extra? How many workers will be on the job at any one time?
- Obtain a detailed description of each service the company offers. Even if all you want is a bare-bones move, price out the cost of packing and boxing. It may be worth your while to have the movers professionally pack up your fine china and crystal. That way, they are responsible if something happens.
- Look into renting your own truck. If you find moving costs to be out of your budget and all you have are a couple of rooms full of furniture, leasing a truck may be the answer. Find out how much the deposit is and the exact cost of renting the truck from point A to point B. And make sure point B is close to your final destination. If you find yourself having to drive an hour from where you live to drop off the vehicle, it may not be worth it.
- Pay with a credit card. Don't give them a check. If something goes wrong, at least you have some recourse with your credit card company. Also check with the Better Business Bureau or the Attorney General's office before you sign a contract.
Where to Find Packing Supplies:
Going to the grocery store and picking up some old boxes worked great when you were in college, but now that your belongings have some value, that may no longer be an option. After a box has been used to transport grapefruit, it may not be suitable or durable enough for fine china. Spend the money on quality boxes from a moving company.
Don’t scrimp on strong, durable packing tape. Masking tape won’t cut it. It’s best to buy tape in bulk at a warehouse club to save money. Don’t worry, you’ll go through a lot of it.
Finally, don’t be afraid to enlist the help of friends and relatives. If you think back, you’ll likely come up with plenty of instances where you’ve lent them a helping hand.
