Collecting used packing supplies instead of buying new is an easy way to shave $100 or more off the cost of moving that anyone can do in just one afternoon.
Moving from one home to another is an expensive and stressful process, no matter how you slice it. Fortunately, there are some ways to cut costs and save hundreds—if not more—by staying organized, finding the best mover for the job, and being willing to do a bit of the work yourself.
Keep Organized
One of the quickest ways moving costs can spiral out of control is when a person is disorganized. Contracts get misplaced, boxes get lost, and important documents can get thrown away entirely, causing moving day to move slowly and last longer.
To cut down on time and costs, it’s important to stay organized at all times. Everyone has his own system, but the basics of staying organized on moving day include properly labeling all boxes that need to be moved (either color coding or by clearly labeling with a Sharpie marker), separating any boxes or furniture that should be hauled too a dump or recycling center, and keeping all important documents (including contact and contracts with the moving company) in one easy-to-find, brightly colored folder.
Choose the Right Mover
Dozens of legitimate movers may be in your area with proper credentials and licensing requirements, but that doesn’t mean that each of these companies would be perfect for every job. Rather, certain companies work better as movers for specific types of moves than others.
In general, larger companies—which may charge more—usually have bigger vehicles, making these companies the preferred vendors for any especially large or long haul moves. On the other hand, smaller moving companies—which may not have the oversized trucks necessary for large jobs—oftentimes charge much less, making them the ideal vendors to choose for a smaller move across town or to a new apartment.
Of course, these are just generalizations. For the best chances of finding a reputable mover that can handle your move, ask for recommendations for friends or do some basic research online for companies in your area.
Get More Than One Estimate.
Once you’ve narrowed the field of moving companies to a handful that seem like they’d be the right fit for the job, it’s time to ask for an in-home estimate. The majority of moving companies will swing by your residence and do this for free—so long as your move is in-state—which is why any company that claims it charges money for an estimate should be crossed off your list.
Getting three or more estimates is a great way of comparing prices between movers and ensuring that you are getting the best deal possible. Because it’s important to compare apples to apples, ask that each company give you a written binding or binding-not-to-exceed estimate. Both types of estimates guarantee that you will not owe any more than the estimated price on moving day.
