By Ellen Gefen
You’ve found the perfect place to call home. It has excellent schools, awesome options for local entertainment, and is close to friends and family. So, you start packing up your belongings in boxes in anticipation of your new home. When it comes time to contact movers, you might be shocked at the price. Moving isn’t cheap, and as such, you’ll need to find ways to save on your next move.
According to HomeAdvisor.com, hiring movers can cost between $25 to $50 per hour per person. Moving locally could cost between $800 to $2,000 depending on how much you have to move. More than 50% of renters said they have either already spent or anticipate spending more on their move this year compared to years past, according to a national survey by Apartments.com.
So, learn how you can save money on your next move with these tips from Moving.com:
Shop Around
Finding affordable movers can be difficult. However, if you thought that you had to accept the first quote that you get, think again. Moving prices are negotiable and you should try to bargain your way to a better deal. If costs are too high, shop around for four to six moving quotes. Given the competitive climate, don’t shy away from asking for complimentary extras such as boxes and moving supplies.
Get More for Your Money
From heirloom antiques to that statement piece sofa you recently purchased, you have a lot of items that probably mean a lot to you. That’s why you should never sacrifice quality for the cheapest moving option. Determine everything that is included in your moving quote, push for additional perks, and vet out quality issues beforehand. Understand all costs and confirm the prices several times with your mover so there are no surprises on moving day.
Ask for Insurance
All movers are required to offer insurance to their customers, and the company you hire is no exception. So, find out about the moving company’s insurance policy options before you sign the contract. The released value protection is a basic insurance policy that covers your items at 60 cents per pound, according to Moving.com. On the other hand, full value protection allows you to choose to have your item repaired or replaced (at fair market value) should it be lost or broken. You don’t want to discover that your items aren’t insured for their worth after something important breaks during the moving process.
Avoid Peak Rental Season
Although it might not be possible, try to avoid moving during peak rental season. This period begins in May and continues throughout August. By creating some flexibility in your calendar – moving in September versus August and moving during the week rather than a weekend – you will see a substantial cost savings. Plus, if your movers aren’t harried with a lot of customers, you’ll hopefully receive more quality care for your items.
Whether you’re moving your items to another neighborhood (or halfway across the country), take the time to thoroughly vet your moving company. Look for online references and understand its policies in and out. That way, you’ll have a successful move and get all your items to your new home safely.
