There are numerous ways to save money when moving whether it be a local, long distance or international move. I will describe how to save money on a local move in this article. I used to own a medium sized moving company so I have learned these methods from experience. The big question is how much to you want to do yourself. If you are just looking to get a good deal hiring a mover then here are a few guidlines:
1) Call three moving companies in for estimates after carefully researching all moving companies in your city on the internet.
2) Reguardless of the type of move, ask for a flat rate. This means that the cost will not vary no matter what. One of the big tricks of moving companies is that they will try to add additional costs. If the move is local they might give an estimate with the final cost dependent on actual time. If it is long distance they might give an estimate with the final cost dependent on final scaled weight. Do not agree to those terms.
3) Physically drive to view each company's office. Is it clean, do the trucks appear to be well maintained, are the employees clean and uniformed? If so, then the company is probably well run.
4) Ask about insurance. What are the terms and how much does it cost. Many companies will not even mention insurance until the day of the move and you will find it to be quite expensive. The reality is that all companies must carry liability insurance and moving companies are not allowed to resell it. Demand free insurance in the event of damages as a condition of booking with a given company but only do so after you have been quoted a price.
If you are looking to save money by doing some of the work yourself here are some guidelines based on the type of move. If you are moving locally:
1) Purchase the proper moving boxes. You can look in your local classifieds, or online on sites like Kijiji for used boxes if you are looking to save money on boxes. Using proper boxes is key to saving money and time on a local move. The reason for this is that these boxes are designed to be put together in the truck and fit like a perfect puzzle.
2) Put items in the proper boxes. For example: 2 cube boxes are for books and other heavy items that are not breakable, 4-5 cube boxes are for general household items that are not breakable and are generally pretty light. China barrels are for breakable items such as dishes, china, and glassware.
3) Take apart any furniture that can come apart yourself because it will likely have to come apart when the movers arrive. Most movers will not insure IKEA furniture under any circumstances. The best thing is to take it completly apart and box it.
4) Properly mark all boxes with large felt writing on the top and one side as to where it is going. The faster movers can see where it is going the faster the move will be.
5) Stack similar sized boxes in piles several feet from each other and four feet high in the garage or in a cleared out room in the house, like the living room. The reason for this is that the movers will then be able to use their dollies to move items to the trucks.
6) Purchase a roll of shrinkwrap at your local moving supply company. Carefully wrap all of your upholstery in this medium as the movers will have to do this when they arrive otherwise.
7) Box everything that can be boxed. Loose items are the number one reason that moving costs get high. The number of trips to and from the house are what increase the time and cost of a move.
8) Make sure that all laneways are clear when the movers arrive. (ie - do not have all the boxes at the front door as they may wish to start with furniture.
9) Make sure that you have someone who can be dedicated to guiding the movers at the new location as to where each piece of furniture will go. Two people would even be more ideal.
The above tips are for hiring a local moving company. In the above tips I am assuming that you are hiring a mover by the hour and not flat rate. If you do the above your move will cost less than half the cost of if you don't follow these tips.
Erin Dix is the author and owner of http://www.jewelryjoan.com/home.html featuring fine sterling silver jewelry and unique gift ideas.
|
Contributor's Note
DONT HIRE A MOVER UNLESS THEY ARE MEMBERS OF THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU
|
