How to Save Money on Moving

 

1. Pack yourself

It's a great way to reduce your moving expenses especially if the moving company will be charging you per hour. You might as well spend a weekend before the move trying to do as much of your own packing as you possibly can. Leave the big furniture and bulky items to the moving professionals but pack your own boxes. If you plan on using a lot of packing materials, you might shop around and buy some online at a cheaper price. If you know you will be moving in a few months, start collecting boxes - whenever you get a delivery from Amazon, or see some left on the street by a new tenant who just moved in. You can also inquire in a local store if there any spare boxes that they are looking to get rid of, tell them you'll be more than happy to collect them.

2. Get more than one quote

Obtaining multiple moving estimates is essential since the cost of your size move will vary from one company to another. Some movers charge a premium rate based on their superb reputation, but if your stuff is mostly old furniture you inherited from your late uncle, is it worth paying for the name?  At the same time you should beware of a lowball estimate since it might imply some hidden charges. Once you get 3-5 quotes, you will have a better understand of how much your move will come up to. As you compare the estimates, make sure to check that the moving company of your choice is fully licensed and insured.

3. Sell your stuff

Downsizing before that move is another way to lower your moving cost. There's eBay and Craigslist that will help you get rid of the extra items you don't want to take along. You will ensure there'll be enough space in your new house for new items and make a few extra bucks along the way.

4. Be flexible

Movers have their peak and off-peak days. As you can guess, most people prefer to move during the weekend when they don't have to be at work. Another tendency is for moving companies to be more busy at the end and beginning of each month - many tenants rush to move before the next month's rent is up. And it goes without saying that summer is the hottest season in the moving industry since so many people wait to relocate until their kids are out of school. If you don't have a specific date preference,  try to move in the middle of the month on a weekday.

5. Check for tax benefits

If you are moving for work, you might qualify for a tax break. See more information on tax cuts for moving expenses here.

Relocating for Work

While there have been many intrepid explorers throughout the years, from Magellan to astronauts, most people prefer to stay in one place and establish roots. Starting a home and family in one area and spending a lifetime there is a natural part of the human condition. That's why uprooting yourself or your family can create a lot of inconvenience. One of the most frequent reasons cited for relocation has to do with a change of job or career.

Most people throughout the world have experience with relocating for work. Whether it's childhood memories of moving to different towns or cities, or personal experience starting a job in a different area, relocation is a common part of life. Changing your environment is a big undertaking and therefore requires much planning. There are so many things to consider when relocating, especially if a whole family is involved.

Moving for work is quite different from business travel that many professionals have to engage in now and then. The first things to think about when relocating for work-related reasons are the basic considerations. Moving costs are going to be first and foremost in any movers mind. Those who are currently employed may want to check with their employer to see about any relocation assistance that may be offered. Many times employers will share the cost of an employees relocation, especially when it's the employer who is mandating the move in the first place.

Those without current work - or without assistance from their employer - will need to calculate the cost all on their own. If time can be spared, it's always helpful to save up for a month or two to ensure that all moving and relocation expenses can be met. If this isn't an option, the best thing to do is check online deals on competing moving services in order to find the best possible bargain.

Checking for employment opportunities in the destination city is another good idea. Even if a person is moving for work, many times he or she may have a spouse that will need to find a new job. Most cities and towns across the U.S. have online resources available for those looking for job opportunities. Checking the cost of living of a particular city of community is also ideal when preparing a big move, as it will help movers adjust their living expenses budget.

If children are involved it is important to find information and good schools in the city or town the parent is moving to, as well as information on the neighborhoods surrounding the schools.