Moving Tips

Top 10 Ways to Save on Your Next Move

Moving is often an expensive and frustrating experience. To avoid stress and save on your next move, start the process as early as possible, make a good plan, and consider these ways of alleviating expenses:

1. If possible, move in the off season to take advantage of special offers and lower moving costs. The busiest times are May 15 - September 15. Volume is also heavy at the end of the month and during end-of-year holiday weeks.
2. Avoid extra charges. Pack everything yourself and have it ready to load before the movers arrive.
3. As the move gets closer, don't buy any groceries you don't absolutely need. The less food you transport, the lighter the load. You'd be surprised how much "stuff" is in the average kitchen.
4. Compare the cost of hiring movers to "pack it yourself" storage pods. Learn more about storage pod moving options via the internet.
5. Instead of renting a truck or trailer, see if you can borrow one instead.
6. Avoid moving unwanted items; get rid of them through a garage sale or donations. Salvation Army and other non-profits will pick up items.
7. You may be able to transfer existing home services to your new home and avoid installation or setup fees for phone service, cable TV, satellite TV and/or high speed Internet. When transferring or setting up new home services, compare bundles and special offers for the plan that offers the best price for your particular needs.
8. Avoid the expense and environmental impact of bubble wrap by using towels and clothes to cushion fragile cargo.
9. Pick up free boxes from book stores and liquor stores. They're sturdy and you're recycling.
10. If time isn't an issue, tap into friends and family. They may not be professionals, but they're cheaper than hiring movers.