1. Never choose a mover because he is friendly or close by. Make a comparison of costs by asking for estimates from at least three movers and checking the estimates carefully to ensure there are no hidden costs.
2. Ensure that the mover does not hand over a vague agreement with a lot of convoluted terms. He must give you a guaranteed not to exceed estimate. The estimate should include details of licenses, permits, shipping costs, insurance, packing , storage and so on.
3. Don't just pack all you have. Make time to take an inventory and determine what essentials are and what sentimental things are. If you can find out how much space your new home will have and the climate of the region. Put aside emotions and decide to take only essentials. If your home is owned by you, consider renting it out partially furnished, or give away things to charity, or put into storage. The fewer the things to be moved the lower the movers bill will be.
4. Reduce the bill by packing unbreakable things yourself. Find out if this is acceptable to the mover's terms and conditions. Let the movers pack breakable and valuable items.
5. Purchase special packing boxes wholesale this will cut costs considerably. If your move is planned well in advance you could collect empty cartons to pack unbreakable items and books from the local merchant.
6. If you are moving close by you could consider handling the move yourself by using au-haul.
7. Costs can be reduced if you use old newspapers, blankets, sheets and t-shirts as packing material instead of buying bubble wrap for everything.
8. Packing tape, rope, and string should be purchased whole sale.
9. Calculate the costs of flying as against driving down and incurring expenses of overnight stay as well as food and beverage.
10. Find out whether you will get any tax relief on moving expenses and purchase of insurance.
Create a budget that includes mover's estimate, packing, travel, stay, food and beverage as well as any other expenses you can think off against each entry mark what can be avoided and what is essential. Go over your notes with a professional mover or consultant.
If you can plan on moving off season this will reduce costs but create problems like school admissions and so on if you have children moving with you. Moving off season according to moving experts cuts costs by as much as 20%. Similarly one can save money by choosing to move in the middle of the month rather than beginning or end. Studies indicate that on an average an American moves at least 11 times in his life and the American Moving and Storage Association estimates that moving a nine room house from DC to LA would cost nearly US$ 12, 000 and more.
Be smart check estimates for "extras" you can do without. Trim costs but don't loose on essentials like breakage insurance.
