Saving Tips for your move
Moving is expensive, there are two options when it comes to packing up and moving.
Hire a local moving to do the job
Do the move yourself with the help of family and friends
While both options need a cash to be spent but be smart about your upcoming move—you must anticipate and budget for any “hidden” moving costs which inevitably pop up and bite you in the pocketbook.
Yes, paying professionals to move your stuff is likely your least stressful option, you’ll have to pay transportation and labor charges.
Movers paid by the hour might not work quite as fast as you’d prefer, while those paid by the job could rush the move to get to their next location.
Whatever you choose to do could wind up costing you more than you initially budgeted.
Do your research on moving costs, online has many websites just for that reason: While the moving costs of any long-distance move are based on weight and distance traveled, be prepared for fine-print charges which can add up. Always look for and talk about any possible hidden moving costs with the moving company’s move coordinator
Here are a few examples of items that’ll cost extra:
Transportation surcharges if the moving company compensates its movers for work performed in major metropolitan areas where labor is more expensive.
Charges for moving heavy items such as riding lawnmowers, snowmobiles, or a piano.
Charges for specialists brought in to disassemble pianos and pool tables.
Charges if movers have to walk more than 75 feet from door to truck or need to use stairs or an elevator.
If the moving van is too large to squeeze down your narrow street or is blocked by low-hanging wires or branches, movers may need to shuttle your furnishings on a smaller truck.
Of course, you can avoid the pitfalls outlined above and do the job yourself.
Keep in mind, that a do it yourself move comes with its own set of hidden money traps. Never mind the steer and labor—time spent renting, packing, and driving is a truck for long hours you’ll never get back.
Here are several other thoughts to remember if you decide to go it alone.
Get truck insurance: Having an accident while driving a rented truck could put you at risk unless you’ve purchased from the rental company. Chances are your automobile policy doesn’t cover commercial vehicles. Check with your insurance agent.
Add an insurance rider: Property damaged in transit may not be covered under your homeowner’s policy. You may have to purchase an insurance rider that covers contents. Check with your insurance agent.
Exercise damage control: If you’ve damaged a rental property, the landlord that will most likely pocket your security deposit to cover the cost of repairs. If you damaged your home while moving out, the incoming family may ask to be reimbursed.
Have cash on hand: Allow extra money for hotels, restaurants, gasoline, and tolls. Have extra cash on hand for any contingencies.
Make sure the truck is a good one: A poorly-maintained rental truck could break down in transit, and you’ll have to pay for repairs until the rental truck company can reimburse you. Please do not drive away with a truck that looks old, runs roughly, or seems poorly maintained. A breakdown could delay your move, throw off your schedule, and cost you money.
Don’t buy new boxes: Craigslist has a free tab, many times people post free boxes.