Moving

What are some "Tricks of the Trade" to Cut Moving Costs?

The least expensive way to move is to do it yourself. However, not all of us have the time, strength and energy, so our first step so to choose the right professional mover. Moving companies provide a variety of services and range of fees. Shop for the best service, rates and charges. Determine the degree of liability the mover assumes for your furnishings, what claims you will have, and the mover’s record of reliable service. Get estimates based on the approximate weight or volume of your belongings and the distance to be traveled. Many companies offer binding estimates, which guarantee a given price, barring additions to the estimated load. This takes the guesswork out of the picture, but a non-binding estimate is apt to be lower than a binding one and might be more feasible - especially if you are able to check the weight yourself at a weighing station. Do not stop with just rates - ask about additional charges and methods used to compute time.

Some cost-wise tactics:

Leave the oldies, heavies and out-growns behind: the 20-year-old washer and dryer, the workbench, the sandbox. Purge your record and book collection. To make your moving simpler and your house show better have a yard sale of outgrown cloths, garage "treasures" and other disposables. Give unwanted items to friends or donate to charity.

Do your own packing but do it professionally. Use specially-designed containers bought from your mover.

Insure your belongings sufficiently for the move. Mover’s insurance is minimal. Check to see if the standard coverage per pound times the weight of your shipment is sufficient to pay replacement costs of your good. You may need to purchase additional coverage from your mover.

To be on the safe side, take your valuables - jewelry, legal documents, family photos, etc. - with you or send them by registered or insured mail. Keeping a list of all items you want to take with you personally may be helpful.

Save on your taxes. Keep a detailed moving-expenses book with receipts of your costs, including transportation, lodging, meals, etc. If you are moving because of a job change, such expenses may be deductible.

Find out if your employer, either the one you are leaving or your new one, will share your expenses. These could include the costs of selling your current house, real estate fees, your house-hunting and moving costs and related expenses, plus settlement fees at both ends.

What are some Tips to make Moving go as Smoothly as Possible?

Moving is never easy, no matter how hard you try. Here are some basics to at least minimize any problems:

• Recognize the inevitable stress of moving and take steps to reduce it by: a) Paying close attention to the feelings and ideas of every member of the family; b) Helping children face moving by making a game of as many steps as you can: in packing; exploring the new place, especially any schools, parks, playgrounds, pools; having a good-bye party where friends are invited to the old place, and planning another party soon after the move. Ask kids to help pack their things, and mark boxes "My Stuff"; c) Getting as well acquainted as you can with your new surroundings before you start packing; in general, starting your new life before you give up the old one.
• Start well before moving day to re-address newspapers, magazine and other subscriptions. Notify utility companies at both ends of changeover dates. Get all necessary reports and transfer papers from banks, schools, churches and doctors. Cancel deliveries. Alert friends to your moving schedule and the best times to drop by for farewells.
• Whether you are hiring a mover or moving yourself, do the sorting and packing in easy stages. Pack boxes firmly for snug stacking in the truck or van. Stuff pillows and blankets into bureau drawers. Number or color code boxes and make an inventory of contents, perhaps mark room location on outside of boxes.
• Make a floor plan of the new house and plan where everything will go. Don’t guess; take measurements. Indicate which box number or color code goes in which room, and use this inventory as a chick list at new home.
• Pack all items you will take with you personally. Mark them "Do not load, for car". Put them into car or out of the way before movers come.
• Pack a "care package" and mark "unload first". Moving in will be a long day, so take basics such as dried soups, coffee, tea, crackers, peanut butter, canned goods, light bulbs, paper towels, toilet paper, garbage bags, sauce pan, paper plates, cups and utensils, can opener, etc. Priorities will be the children's rooms, TV or radio, and a basic kitchen to unpack.
• On moving day, lay down plastic sheets to minimize dirt in the house. Lead movers around the house to make sure that they understand your instructions. Do a final check for forgotten items. Check movers Bill of Lading against your inventory.
• At the end of the day, or arrival day, since everything is packed, go out and have a nice dinner. You have earned it!

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