Most people labor under the mistaken impression that moving companies are too expensive when the time comes to move. Yet the risks involved in a do-it-yourself can be costly too. The reality? If you know how to do it, you can keep the cost of hiring professional movers to one where you can fit it into your budget. Here are a few tips from NCMSS that can help you keep your costs under control.
It All Starts with a Phone Call
The best place for you to get started is to call a few of your local moving companies. Ask them if they offer lower season rates, have military/veteran discounts, senior or student discounts. Most companies offer some forms of discount or have reduced rates during the off-season. Talk to them about being added to a cancellation list if they have one; some companies offer discounts for those who will take a cancellation just to fill the empty appointment.
Do Your Own Packing
Doing your own packing can save you a significant sum, but only if you take the time pack things properly and use the right packing materials. Use sturdy moving boxes such as those available from grocery stores and liquor stores; they tend to have the strongest boxes. Use packing paper, sheets, towels, t-shirts, etc. to protect your breakables.
Pack plates standing upright on a layer of bubble wrap or soft towels, place packing paper between plates, fill any voids using packing paper, soft towels, etc. As you pack, be sure to place smaller items inside large ones as you wrap them. Be sure you pack any non-perishable foods, you will need them in your next home and why waste the money?
Your New Home
If possible measure the rooms in your new home to make sure furniture and appliances will fit. At the same time, consider the age and condition of your furniture and appliances. Are they worth the cost of shipping or should you get rid of them and replace them in your new home? This is also a good time to declutter, if you don’t use it, get rid of it, donate items to charity, recycle, or dispose of them. Don’t waste money paying to ship them.
You can donate items to your nearby thrift stores, (Goodwill, St. Vincent De Paul), have a yard sale, advertise bigger items on eBay, your local community Facebook page, Craigslist. You can deduct donations to non-profits on your taxes.
All of these are great ways to cut down on the cost of hiring one of your local moving companies. For more information and moving tips, contact NCMSS at (510) 200-0370 and talk to one of our moving specialists.
