© 2008-2010 SavingsNut.com.™  All rights reserved.

SavingsNut.com™ – The Best Site On The Internet For Money Saving Tips & Frugal Living Ideas

Also Visit

AutoSavingsNut.com

CollegeSavingsNut.com

EnergySavingsNut.com

HealthcareSavingsNut.com

InsuranceSavingsNut.com

ShoppingSavingsNut.com

TravelSavingsNut.com

WeddingSavingsNut.com

“A Detailed Guide of Money Saving Advice & Budgeting Know-How On How To Be Frugal & Spend Less”

Facebook

“The best resource on the Internet to teach both young and old how to reduce everyday household expenses. Simply the best.”   TSN

HOUSEHOLD MOVING MONEY SAVING & BUDGETING TIPS

Finding a Mover

Packing & Storage

Moving Day

Closing & Opening Household Accounts

Moving In

Other Moving Tips

Finding a Mover

Moving a household is an emotional and challenging time.  It is both time consuming and expensive.  Here are some tips to help your move go both smoothly and economically. The first decision is whether you are going to move yourself, or employ the services of a professional mover.

1.     You can save money by moving yourself.  Perhaps.  If the amount of your belongings is not large, moving yourself may be a money-saving option.  It is very hard work, but if you are up to it, and you have some friends and relatives to assist, it can be done and save you a considerable amount of money.  This is particularly true if you are moving locally, where your friends can assist with both loading and unloading.  However, keep in mind the following:

a.  Renting trucks can get expensive.  Depending on the distance you are moving, you may need a one-way rental or a local rental.  One-way rentals are generally more expensive.  If you are moving locally, and the distance is short, a smaller truck which is less expensive may be most economical, if more than one trip is feasible. But keep in mind mileage charges and the cost of fuel for the truck.  A larger truck that can move everything in one trip resulting in fewer miles may end up being cheaper.  And don’t forget the other equipment required, such as dollies, furniture pads, etc. will increase the cost.  However, if you ask, the rental company may throw these items in for free.  Insuring the truck, in case of damage, will also increase the cost if your auto insurance policy (or perhaps credit card company) does not cover this.  Make sure you check.  If you are considering renting a truck, shop around well ahead of your desired moving date for the best deal, but make sure the truck is in good condition, is not likely to break down and has a ramp or power lift.

b.  Another potential cost of moving yourself is damage to your goods.  Most of the time this exposure will be uninsured, and you will bear any losses sustained.  If that beautiful cabinet or TV is dropped, it’s gone.  Check with your insurance company for coverage.

c.  Because of the weight being lifted, more than one moving yourself project has resulted in injury.  This cannot only be debilitating, but become very expensive.  And if it is a friend that is hurt, liability could be an issue.  Consider checking if you have insurance coverage for any injuries that occur.

2.     Hiring a professional mover may not only be easier but may also, as noted above, end up being not much more expensive than moving yourself, or actually cheaper.  However, the degree of professionalism in the moving business varies greatly, and you need to be careful you get what you are paying for.  Always make sure the professional mover is licensed and insured, and check references when possible.  You may also want to consider calling the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed.

a.  If hiring a professional for local moves, there are usually a number of local moving companies that are both reputable and reasonably priced.  Shop around.  You may either receive a fixed quote for the entire move, or an hourly rate based on the use of their truck and a certain number of employees.  Check references to make sure they are legitimate and reliable.  Also check to see if they are bonded and insured and any damage to your belongings they cause is covered.

b.  If the move is not local, your best bet is probably a major regional or national moving company.  Lesser known, bargain-priced companies could be fine, but it is not unusual to hear the horror story where your household belongings get lost for days or weeks, and/or the moving company refuses to deliver your goods until you pay more money than was initially agreed upon.  Beware of Internet deals on unknown moving companies.  However, even with a reputable moving company, there will probably be a clause that allows them to charge a certain percentage over the estimate to cover various contingencies.  Plan on the company taking advantage of this clause.  It’s most likely going to happen.  Of course, shop around for at least three quotes and ask for discounts.  In order to lower your moving cost the most, ask the moving companies if they have lower rates, depending on the dates of your move and how long they have to deliver your household goods.

c.  Find out if extra services are required and available, such as preparing appliances, moving a piano, etc., and what they cost.  Make sure the company is insured and that your belongings will be insured for loss or damage.  Loss and damage insurance will probably cost extra, but you should not skimp in this area.  Make sure the coverage is replacement cost coverage that will pay the full cost of replacing the item, not it’s depreciated value.

HOUSEHOLD MOVING

Next Page