Ways to Reduce the Cost of a Move

There are many ways to reduce the time and cost required to complete your move. No single item will greatly lower your costs, but any combination of the following can produce significant savings.

1. Start the move as early as possible. Late starts, particularly on large moves, can have a psychological as well as physical effect on both the crew and you. Overtime can become a factor as well.

2. Be ready when the movers arrive. Make certain that all small items, including lamps, pictures, small mirrors, lampshades, dishes, books, etc., are packed prior to the arrival of the movers. Use cartons that can be sealed. Follow our 'Packing Tips' carefully. We can supply you with all the materials necessary to ensure a proper packing job. Keep in mind that the costs of these materials may be outweighed by the extra cost of the move, should it take longer due to improper packing. Mark the cartons clearly to ensure proper placement in your new residence.

3. Discard unwanted items prior to the move. Have a garage sale for items that you no longer consider useful. Don't pay to move what you don't need.

4. Have the cars out of the driveway. Otherwise the moving van may block them in. If the truck has to load off the street, try to ensure that there is a parking spot specifically reserved for the movers.

5. If you are moving from an apartment, have the elevator on service and meet the crew when they arrive in the moving room.

6. In the winter, make sure the driveways and walkways are clear and salted to prevent slipping.

7. Remove all items that you are moving yourself prior to the arrival of the movers, so they won't be in the way during the move.

8. Move small plants yourself. The movers will move large plants at the customer's risk, if desired.

9. Disconnect all appliances and remove hoses completely from the washer and the dryer to prevent scratching and soiling of walls and floors. Place the hoses inside the washer to ensure that you will find them later.

10. Bring garden tools, lawn mower, patio furniture, etc. from the backyard to the front.

11. Bring small items and cartons up from the basement and put them in the garage for quicker access.

12. Disassemble swing sets and other large items. If you're moving in winter, plan ahead to prevent them from freezing in the ground.

13. Disassemble all beds. Movers assume that waterbeds will be drained completely and disassembled prior to their arrival.

14. Take mirrors off the dressers. Wrap the screws and tape them into the top right-hand drawer of the dresser.

15. Take the legs off large tables and handle carefully to avoid damage.

16. Remove screen door plungers and any doors that had to be removed when you moved in.

17. Walk through the house when the crew first arrives and point out the things that are not to go, as well as items you are especially concerned about.

18. Make yourself available at all times in case of questions.

19. Try to keep children from getting in the way of the movers. Remember this is a big day for them, and try to be as patient as possible.

20. Assist in carrying small items, boxes, etc. Do not attempt to carry heavy items requiring two people. The movers are experienced at working together.

21. Check the house thoroughly prior to the departure of the crew. The driver is instructed not to leave until you are satisfied that they have loaded everything that is to go.

22. Be organized at the new house. Have someone at the door to direct the movers. This will eliminate confusion about where to place items.

23. Pack and unpack the clothing wardrobe cartons you rented, or which the movers supplied on the day of the move, while the movers load and unload the truck. Make sure they're one of the last things to go onto the truck. This way, you can unpack the wardrobe cartons quickly and the movers can take them when they leave, thus avoiding additional rental costs.

24. Reassemble items on your own where possible to save time and the cost of having the movers do it.

25. Pick a closing date that is unique and not end of the month.

26. Think about where your moving from. (i.e. elevator to large building may be busy)

The items listed above are just some of the money-saving tips you can try. The most important suggestion we can make is to be organized. Your move should be an enjoyable event, and a little planning will ensure you and your family have a great move.

Moving Checklist

1. Book the Movers
You can choose to have your movers pack everything, have them pack just the breakables or you can go ahead and pack it all yourself. Regardless of the packing responsibilities, it's a good idea to obtain estimates from several different moving companies and ask for complete references.

2. If You Own Your Present Home

• Arrange to have your gas, water and electric meters read on the day you leave and forward the bill to your new address.
• Have the oil tank read and filled before your sale closes (unless stipulated otherwise in the offer).
• If the water heater or furnace is rented, arrange for a transfer of the rental agreement to the purchaser.
• Disconnect your telephone, cable and water softener.

3. If You Rent Your Present Home
Give necessary written notice to your landlord and make arrangements for the return of any money you have on deposit.

4. At Your New Home
Make arrangements for the utilities, telephone and cable to be connected on the day the sale closes.

5. General

• Get change of address cards from the post office and send out well before moving day.
• Have the post office forward your mail to your new address.
• Cancel any contracted services and pre-authorized checks.
• Inform gardening, dry cleaning, garbage pick-up, newspapers, magazines and other home services.
• Cancel or transfer social, athletic, civic, religious or business affiliations and memberships.
• Arrange for transfer of medical, dental, prescription and optical records.
• Change the address on your driver's license effective the day of the move.
• Collect all items for cleaning, repair or storage (e.g. dry cleaning).
• Make special arrangements for the moving of your pets.