How to Manage Your Moving Cost

To manage your costs for moving, first you must know all possible costs involved in the move. This information is crucial if you decide to rent a moving truck or during your setup with a moving firm.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with internet connection and VOP (VoIP)
• Telephone, celphone
• Pen or pencil, and something to write on
• Calculator (optional)
• Careful planning

1. As you know, the closer your current living location is to your new place, the cheaper that the moving costs. If you are moving between states, you probably need to add extra costs to move such as air travel or rental of an extra vehicle. There are many hidden costs in long distance move, including but not limited to the cost of gas, food, and lodging.

2. A hidden cost relating to moving is storage. If you have to vacate your current home before moving into your new place, renting a temporary storage space for your belongings is unavoidable. You may even find that your new location has less space for all your stuff; your storage costs will be more long term in such situation, except you can eliminate them, like donating or selling them off quickly.

3. You will need to rent a truck, if know that you are making the move yourself. Call several places and get as many estimates as you can before deciding which company to rent the truck from. Make sure you have the extra moving equipment on hand that includes packing materials, furniture pads, dollies... etc.

4. If you are hiring a moving company, ask to write an estimate in writing. Check that the estimate clearly have what is included in it, and what is not. It has to include minimum costs and all labor involved. If the estimate says a fee of $60/hour, ask for how many workers is it for (one, two or more movers; workers). Keep in mind that if you are going to need help with packing or just the part in moving. Because the more you do it yourself, the less the movers do, then the cheaper your cost.

5. 
    
   Rental truck

   Be sure you are insured. Regardless you hire or do the move yourself.

6. So you have the actual moving cost figured out. But there are indirect costs as well. For example, you need to have utilities turned on and off at your old place and to your new location, and that may require a deposit. And some companies charge a one-time setup fee/service fee for that.

7. Bottom line is, do your homework.

[luv2blog]

on 12/19/2008 Great article on moving preparations. The best thing I did when I relocated was hold a yard sale. There was no reason to re-store stuff I hadn't used for years! lol.