7 Essential Ways to Save on Moving Costs

Moving is tough -- boxes to pack, utilities to shut off, floors to clean, furniture to haul -- and that’s before you even step foot into your new place. Because buying a house isn’t cheap, funds might be limited during your move. To avoid additional stress in the midst of your relocation, here are seven money saving tips to help your move.

#1 Cut down on what you move.
How many items are you bringing with you? Are all of them necessary? With a move coming up, it’s always a good idea to downsize your inventory. While it might be difficult to part with some items, you’ll thank yourself later for unloading the extra weight.

#2 Figure out if you will DIY the move or hire a pro.

Research the various DIY options available and compare them with professional movers in your area. Regardless of your decision, you should always:

Get three quotes (from movers or moving truck rental companies).

Look at ratings and reviews for DIY and/or professional services.

Pick a time with low traffic -- absolutely avoid rush hour.

#3 Always get a firm quote.

Never settle for a guesstimate. If an exact cost can’t be provided, consult another service. A guaranteed price is imperative no matter what moving or DIY service you choose.

#4 Never pay for a box.

Most home improvement stores and moving companies will have a variety of box sizes to choose from. But, if you have a big move ahead of you, purchasing boxes can get expensive. Instead, think about these free alternatives:

• Check your office for old printer boxes.
• Ask friends if they have any moving boxes.
• Visit the free sections of websites like craigslist to see if there are boxes available.
• Check with local retailers to see if they have extras.

#5 Choose how you wrap items.

Using your linens as packing material is an easy (and cost-effective) alternative to paper or bubble wrap. Fragile items like dishes or antiques might call for a more thorough packing job (i.e., bubble wrap and packing paper). Other home remedy packing solutions include coffee filters or printer paper.

#6 Disassemble large items.

Whether you DIY your move, or hire movers, hauling cumbersome furniture will slow down loading times and possibly cost you additional money. As a result, taking apart large pieces of furniture ahead of your move is key.

#7 Keep all your receipts

When you hire a professional mover or services related to the big move, make sure you keep all of the receipts. Depending on your circumstances and whether you’re starting a new job, claiming your move on your tax returns is a possibility. You should also keep receipts in case items are damaged--receipts are invaluable when claiming refunds (especially in the case of damage).

 SOURCE: investopedia.com