As jobs change and families grow most of us find ourselves needing to move several times in our lifetime. It is optimal if the expense of a move can be offset with financial gains from the sale of a house or a job promotion. However, for most of us, moving expenses are most often right out of our savings. What is the best way to minimize expenses while still ensuring your things are moved safely and securely?



Plan ahead. Don't wait until the last minute to find a moving company, or rental truck if you will be moving yourself. It is best to arrange for how your things will be moved at least six weeks in advance. With adequate lead time you can ensure the company is reputable and the services provided will be what you expect. Although it may not be as necessary to reserve a rental truck six weeks in advance, a busy moving season will mean fewer available trucks ? so plan at least a few weeks ahead. You will want to make sure you get the right size truck for both the physical space where the truck must be parked and for the volume of your belongings. Getting stuck with a truck that is larger than what is needed can be an unnecessary expense in both rental and fuel costs.

Choose the best time of year. Although you may have no control over the time of year you need to move, keep in mind the most expensive times to move are school breaks and holidays. If you have to move during these times, a weekday may still be less expensive than the weekend. Reserve your movers or truck well in advance and try to negotiate if the price quoted is too high. Check in a couple of times before the move date to make sure everything is in order with your reservation and that all outstanding issues have been addressed.

Beware of fees. Don't assume the moving company has informed you of all possible additional fees. Try to think about any possible reason that the move might not go as planned and find out how that will affect the bottom line. Do you have any items that will require special treatment such as extra moving blankets for protection? Is it possible your things could end up in storage if you do not arrive at your destination on time? Do any of your belongings, such as oversized furniture or a piano, require special equipment to move? Will there be adequate parking during the move? Your moving company should ask you about the number of flights of stairs and any awkward angles that will make moving difficult. The more they know the fewer surprises you may face later on.

Have a moving plan. Sometimes a move can come up quickly making planning time impossible, but if you can swing it ? a little advance planning can help minimize additional costs. Having to arrange a last minute service for something you forgot ? such as artwork or oversized plants ? can really add to your costs. Come up with a timeline that organizes various tasks that must be completed prior to the move. Once you know what must be done before the move ? develop a moving budget. A budget that is developed beforehand will help ensure you have enough to cover the entire process and nothing gets out of hand too early. Although unexpected costs will inevitably arise, at least you will know exactly where you stand financially and where you might be able to cut back. Depending on the country in which you will be moving ? tax deductions for your move may be available as well ? check with your local tax authority.