8 Ways to Reduce Moving Expenses

According to the Census Bureau, approximately 16.7 million households move annually.  The average professional household move costs a whopping $12,230, People make moves year-round, but the most popular time for moving is summer, because most families want to move when their children are out of school.You can save money if you move between October and April, because a summer move costs 25% more than moving during those months.

Unload What you Don’t Need

The weight of your load is a big factor in determining the price of a long-haul move. To downsize, get rid of your junk or contact charities such as Purple Heart or Salvation Army to donate unwanted items..Finding things that you can recycle, donate, give to a friend or throw away, can reduce the amount of items you have to transport by 40 to 50 percent. Start by going  through your house 60 days before your move and organizing things by room.

Time it Right

A midmonth move will save you the most money, because movers are busiest during the beginning and end of the month as leases turn over.

Save on Boxes

You can purchase used, recycled boxes and pack small items yourself to decrease the amount of time the movers will have to spend. You can then typically sell those boxes back to the company that you purchased them from to recoup costs.

Plan and Organize

Order colored tape and label which room each box goes to. That way, you don’t have to have somebody at the truck, telling the unloading crew where to put things. Even better, if you snap pictures of your next home and draw on them to show the movers in advance where each item will go, you’ll reduce the moving time even more.

Cover your Items

A big benefit of hiring professional movers is that you can insure the expensive items you’re transporting. Insurance costs extra, but it will save you money in the long run if anything breaks. However, your goods might already be covered by your homeowners or renters insurance, so check your policy first.If you purchase insurance through the mover, be clear about what you’re signing. Often, moving companies will offer you coverage of up to 60 cents per pound, so the insurance doesn’t necessarily take into account what the items are.

Snag a tax break

If you’re moving because of a job change, you may be able to deduct certain moving expenses, such as transportation and storage costs for household goods, as well as travel and lodging expenses incurred while moving from your old home to your new home. To see if you qualify, check the Internal Revenue Services guidelines or consult a tax advisor.

Price it Out

Contact at least three professional moving companies to compare prices. You’ll also want to get an in-home estimate by each mover. That way, the mover can get a better idea of what they’ll be moving and can give you a more realistic estimate for the move.

Research the Mover

Make sure that you’re hiring a legitimate mover — a licensed company equipped with the proper insurance and resources to complete your move efficiently.To help you vet moving companies, The American Moving and Storage Association provides a list of certified “ProMovers” at Moving.org. Also check the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the company.

These strategies take time, so plan ahead to ensure your move is a cost-efficient one.