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Whether you are moving yourself or hiring a moving company, a great way to reduce
the cost of your move is to not move household goods that you no longer use. You
save on packing costs, as well as transportation costs. The less “stuff” that has
to be moved requires less truck and less labor. And professional long-
So, do not pack or move anything you really do not need or want. And try using those
canned goods up before the move, they are heavy. A little discipline in this area
will save significantly on moving costs. Remember, that old refrigerator in the
garage will cost a lot to move. Hold a garage sale, sell items to a second hand
store, use eBay.com, or donate items to a charity and take a tax write-
1. Whether or not you are using a professional moving company, packing yourself can generate significant savings. All you need is some boxes, tape, packing paper and time. If you are using a moving company, ask for a booklet on how to pack. And make sure you write on the boxes a description of their contents, number the boxes and keep a detailed list of boxes by number and what is inside. This is invaluable when unpacking at your new home or figuring out if any boxes or other items are lost, and what the lost contents were.
a. Packing can be done over an extended period of time, if you are willing to put up with some moderate inconvenience prior to the move. Consider packing first items that are not needed until after the move. Pack everyday essentials last.
b. Packing can be done in both new purchased boxes or used boxes. New boxes can be bought from several sources such as truck rental companies, office supply stores, moving companies, as well as other retail outlets. Make sure you get different size boxes to account for the types of items being packed and their weight, and shop around. As long as it’s in decent condition, any type of used corrugated box can be utilized for the move. Grocery stores, liquor stores, drug stores and other retail outlets will give you these boxes. Visiting an apartment complex at the beginning of the month may also result in plenty of free boxes. Friends and neighbors that have recently moved may also have used boxes they would like to discard. Used boxes may also be available from your moving company at a reduced charge. Any decent box will do.
c. Don’t forget to pack non-
d. Buy a decent quality packing tape and make sure you use it generously, to ensure the box is well put together and will hold the weight.
e. While it is tempting to use newspaper to wrap items for packing, consider spending a little money and buy regular packing paper. It’s not that expensive and any potential problems with newsprint ink will be eliminated. You may also consider packing some highly breakable items in bathroom and kitchen linens.
f. Remember, moving companies will not move certain items. Included in this category are household chemicals, gasoline, oil, propane, etc. You will need to empty gasoline out of items like lawnmowers for them to be moved. And usually movers will not take live plants. Even if they will take your plants, do not expect them to look the same when they arrive at your new home.
g. Also remember, if you cannot afford to lose an item or have it damaged, do not let the movers move it. For instance, plan on taking your computer, cameras, jewelry, and other valuables with you in your car.
2. It is very expensive to have the moving company pack and unpack. If they are packing your goods, make sure you know the contents of each box, that it is labeled and numbered correctly, and that there is a detailed list of its contents. And beware, often packers for movers do not pack very efficiently in order to increase their revenue from packing and transporting. And generally packers will pack everything in sight, including that loaf of bread that is sitting on the counter. You will need to closely supervise on packing day. Unpacking is usually best done by yourself. While unpacking is a hassle, it costs a lot less than having the movers do it, and you will probably want to take your time to arrange unpacked items to your satisfaction in any case.
3. Some moves are not made directly to your new home and require temporary storage of your household goods. Consider the following:
a. Get a quote from your moving company ,or separately from a storage facility, for the goods you are planning on storing; either near your old home or new home. This quote will usually be for a period of time; by week or month. Ask if the rate will be prorated for partial weeks and months. And make sure to ask about coverage for your goods if they are lost or damaged while in storage.
b. Make sure the storage facility is temperature and humidity controlled, if this is important to the condition of your belongings.
c. Understand whether or not the storage facility will permit you to have access to your goods while they are in storage, and at what times. This may be a matter of policy or simply that the packed goods will not be accessible.
d. Make sure you understand any additional costs your moving company will charge to place items in storage and then pick them up and deliver them to your home at a future date.
e. Be aware that if for some reason you do not pay your storage bill your goods may be subject to confiscation and sale by auction.
HOUSEHOLD MOVING -
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