How to Cut Down The Cost of Moving
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The cost of moving can be staggering, but you may
be able to do a few things to cut those costs. First
off, make sure you get estimates from good quality
companies. You'll want to get at least 3 estimates
and make sure you show the moving company rep exactly
what you will be moving. Moving costs are calculated
by the weight of the items moved and the distance you
are moving. As you can see, giving an estimate just
by looking at your items can be tricky but most movers
are professionals with years of experience and can get
you in the general ball park.
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One way to cut down the cost of moving is to ask
for a discount. If you don't ask, you can't get one. Be careful when you are using other
estimates as your leverage - you want to make sure the
estimates are on the same weight and distance. If you
have 3 estimates with different weights, simply pick
the highest weight and call the other companies to
have them adjust their estimate - that way you will
know who really is cheapest.
Moving costs can be lower during off-times. Most
moves are done in the spring and summer so movers will
be more inclined to cut the bill in the winter months.
If you are lucky enough to be able to schedule your
move for the winter, you may be able to save quite a
bit.
Another way to cut costs is to do as much work
yourself as possible. Pack all your household goods
yourself (although, you may want to leave anything
expensive to the movers in case it breaks so it can be
covered in the insurance). All your clothing, and non
breakables can be packed by you. Don't just buy the
moving company boxes either, shop around for the best
price. Check out online stores like Uline and even
eBay as they often have much better deals than local
stores especially if you buy in bulk.
Since moving costs are calculated by weight,
another way to cut the cost of moving is to get rid of
everything you do not need. All those clothes in
smaller sizes that you're going to be able to wear
again someday - get rid of them - buy new ones when
you do reach that smaller size! Old stuff that
is laying around in the basement and attic can
probably be sold in yard sales or thrown out. Take a
good hard look at everything and think about how much
you would miss it if it was lost in a fire or flood -
be honest now. Everything you wouldn't miss can be
sacrificed to lighten the load.
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