Tips for Saving Money when You Move

Fall brings about many changes, including the choice many people make about deciding to move. Since movers will essentially be hauling your entire life and memories in a truck, it's important to make sure you pick the right company. It's also important not to be charged an arm and a leg, but the two ideas are often incompatible. While there's no easy answer, there are a few things you can do ahead of time to ensure your household treasures - and your wallet - arrive at your new destination intact.

First, research moving companies in your area via the Better Business Bureau. You can look up any complaints against them and how or if those issues were resolved. When you've found a few companies that seem to have a clean record, get an estimate from at least three or four of them for hauling your stuff.

If you're going with a full-service van company, they could end up charging you more than they're supposed to for weight. Instead of fighting unfair charges later, tell the moving company you want to take a trip with the driver to a weigh station twice - once before packing everything in, and once after (for comparison.) This keeps the company honest and satisfies your curiosity.

If you want the whole kit and caboodle when it comes to service you won't be disappointed, but it will cost you. A professional interstate mover may be the best option for you, but be prepared to fork out the money for it. If you're moving over a thousand miles, when you add up the cost for loading your belongings onto the truck, hauling it and unloading at the other end, you're looking at a price tag over $2500. If you're going with this option, try to schedule your move-in date between October and May, as their rates drop nearly 10% off-season.

Though this step seems obvious, don't leave the packing duty to your movers if at all possible. Moving companies can add up to $1000 extra for the job, which doesn't always equal an even trade for the time you save. Consider purchasing moving supplies (boxes, bubble wrap, tape) from an online supplier rather than locally, as prices have risen sharply the last few years with the increase in interstate moves. Buying online will save you ten to twenty-five percent more money than if you walked into a store.

While I wouldn't recommend leaving the packing to your moving company, driving is another matter. You might be able to save a lot of money with U-Haul or Penske, but if you're not used to driving a truck that size, the experience could be hair-raising at best. Residential freight companies such as PODS and U-Pack have been springing up, offering a third alternative. These companies will leave a large freight container outside your house, allowing you to load (and unload) your belongings at your leisure. Compare the prices of these companies with the cost you would have with a U-Haul truck and you'll usually see the price of a freight company's container service only a few dollars more. While slightly more expensive than the do-it-yourself method, the added convenience of not having to drive a truck the size of Montana more than makes up for it.

Finally, if you're moving as the result of a job relocation and your new job is over fifty miles from your old residence, look into the income tax break the IRS offers people in your situation. While it won't completely cover the cost of moving, you may be able to take a deduction for expenses like the cost to ship your items.

These money-saving tips should help lessen the upheaval in your family as you make the trek to your new home.