How to Cut Back On Costs
Everyone agrees, moving is expensive. Although you won't be able to scrimp on some things during your move, there are a few tips that might help save you some money when hiring a moving company or renting a moving truck.
First, I strongly suggest you calculate the cheaper option; to move yourself or to hire a moving company. While you may think you know the answer, the cost is dependent on how far you're moving and what kind of time you have. Fuel costs and one-way rentals can be very expensive. Make sure you do a cost analysis to find the true answer.
If you are using a moving company, there are several ways to cut-down on your cost. Please note that some of these tips can also apply to renting a truck.
- Reduce your load. Get rid of stuff you don't need.
Hold a garage sale, leave books with friends, the local library or sell them to a used bookstore. Anything you can't sell, give to a local charity. Weight equals money. The less weight, the less money. It's that simple.
- Move during the off-season. Choosing the best time to move can save you money. Off-season is usually anything but June or July and any time either than the first and last of the month. If you have the flexibility, talk to your movers and see if they can give you a deal.
- Ask the moving company or rental agency for a discount. Most long-distance movers charge fees based on a book called Tariff 400, which is published by the American Moving and Storage Association. Tariff 400 instructs moving companies on how much they can charge based on weight and distance. Most companies already discount the suggested price by at least forty per cent. So, when you're asking for a quote, ask how much they are discounting the move from the price listed in Tariff 400, then ask for an even better deal. Companies have to stay competitive and this is the only way they can.
Remember to get at least three to five estimates. The more you get, the more leverage you have.
- Be flexible on the time that the movers pick up your stuff and when they deliver it. If you're willing to work within their timeframe, ask them if they will give you a price break in exchange.
- Moving companies offer varying services and will charge for each service. Ask about possible charges that could arise during your move and the fees attached to these services. Services may include accessorial charges, expedited service charge, flight charge, longhaul charges, long carry charges and shuttle service. They can usually all be avoided or at least calculated into the cost if you plan in advance. There should never be any, or very little, surprise in the total cost of your move.
- Make sure that you can move into your new property immediately and that you have payment ready for when the truck arrives. Both could result in storage-in-transit fees if your things have to be stored until they can be unloaded and after the move is paid in full.
- Ask about moving larger items or specialty items. Snowmobiles, boats and other recreational vehicles will cost extra to move. If you're driving to your destination, look into the cost to rent a trailer and move the items yourself.
- Moving pianos. Ask the mover how much they charge and if they are able to move a piano. After you have a quote, call around and find other options. Specialty movers may actually be less expensive than if your moving company hired additional staff. Most moving companies don't keep specialty movers on the payroll.
- Appliances sometimes require special special packing and handling to ensure they arrive still working. Your moving company may charge extra for this service. Ask first. If they do charge, find out if a neighbor or friend could help you out. You can also ask your local home outfitters. They may offer suggestions and solutions to ensuring everything arrives safely.
- Make sure you're ready to move. Moving companies may charge extra if they have to help pack last minute items. Pack it yourself and have everything ready to go. If you have furniture that needs to be disassembled, ask the moving company when they provide the estimate if this service is included. Sometimes it is and other times it shows up on your bill as an extra fee.
Moving agents in West Virginia & Professional West Virginia Moving Companies
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Saving on Moving Supplies buy using some of these tips
- Don't pay truck rental companies in West Virginia money for renting moving blankets, use your own blankets, linens, towels, rugs but keep in mind that what ever you use as a moving blanket will have to be washed after the move.
- Ask your local grocery store for free moving boxes.
- Instead of buying an expensive tape dispenser ask your moving company if they charge for closing boxes.
- Instead of buying expensive bubble wrap, take your old news paper, plain unused newsprint or tissue paper to protect your breakables.
- If you plan on hiring a professional "full service" moving company, consider a "You load, They Drive" company, get a free quote and compare to see which alternative fits your budget the best.
