Expenses add up when you’re moving. It can be tempting to save money by doing without the services of a professional mover. That may not be the best choice or even an option.
Renting a truck involves hidden costs and predictable headaches. Haphazard DIY packing can result in damaged property and expensive repairs. You don’t have to go it on your own to have a budget-friendly move. There are ways to save money while also taking advantage of the experience and skills of a professional mover.
Get Estimates
Contact a few different moving companies for an in-home estimate. When they visit your home, the mover can take stock of the job, telling you whether any of your items require special handling, for instance. During the estimate, take the opportunity to learn more about the company’s services and policies. Ask if rates are lower if you do some of the packing yourself. The lowest-priced estimate may not be the best deal. It all depends on what the company provides, and whether it’s committed to doing a good job.
Donate, Sell, Recycle and Discard
Movers charge, in part, by weight. Lighten the load and you’ll save. Start sorting through your belongings well ahead of your move. Make separate piles for donating, selling, recycling and trashing.
Have a garage sale, sell through classifieds or at a concession store. Find a charity that will come to your house and pick up your items. Many moving companies, including Master Movers, work with Move for Hunger and will pick up unopened, packaged foods.
If you’re downsizing, get rid of pieces that are too large for the space you’re moving to. There’s no sense in paying to move that large sectional when you won’t be able to use.
Avoid Peak Moving Times
Summer is the busiest time for moves. Families with children often try to move before a new school year starts. If you can schedule a move for the months between October and April, you may be able to save as much as 25 percent in moving costs. The middle of the month is often less expensive. Many renters move at the end or beginning of the month because that’s how leases typically run.
Look for Tax Incentives
The IRS allows deductions for some moving expenses if you’re relocating for work. Check out the guidelines for qualified costs and keep receipts for those things you’ll be itemizing. When you donate to a qualified charity, you can deduct the value of those items. Read about the IRS rules for charitable contribution deductions.
Check the Moving Company’s Credentials
Take time to research a company before you sign on the dotted line. You want a mover that’s licensed, insured and has an established reputation. You can read online reviews and check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA). Moving scams and movers with shaky ethics are out there. Beware.
Master Movers has an A+ rating with the BBB and is an AMSA ProMover. We’ve been locally owned since 1992, and we’re proud to be a trusted resource for Portland’s community. Get started on a budget-friendly move by contacting us today for a free estimate.