How to Make Home Moving Costs Affordable
Much of America is on the move for one reason or another. Job relocation, retirement and downsizing are but a few examples. Corporate-sponsored relocation accounts for a small percentage of moves, which means that most people foot their own bill when relocating. Whether you are moving across the street, across the state or across the entire country, there are ways to make moving more affordable. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Sell or give away your unneeded furniture, clothing and books. Particularly if you are hiring a moving company. Much of the cost of moving is based on weight; therefore, you can save money if you can lighten the load. Even better, have a big garage sale and use the money you make to put toward moving costs.
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Do your own packing. Search on sites such as Craigslist to find free boxes and paper. Otherwise, you can contact moving companies and purchase used boxes. If you are employing a moving company to move you, they might have used boxes that you can use for free. Don't forget to label each box after you pack it.
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Obtain at least three moving estimates. Include both major moving companies and local movers. During the walk-through, ask what things you can do in addition to packing yourself to save money.
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Begin emptying your pantry and freezer weeks before you move. Canned goods weigh a lot, and you will end up throwing away or giving away unused frozen goods if you don't begin planning for your move in advance.
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Rent a moving van yourself and let your friends know you are looking for help to load and unload. Even if you are moving to another state, as long as your furniture and personal items will fit into a rental truck, you can pick the moving truck up at one location and drop it off in another state. Hire students to help you pack and load if you don't want to impose on your friends.
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Don't move over a long weekend -- particularly if you are hiring a moving company. You can keep money in your pocket by moving during off-peak times such as in midweek, especially during the winter season.
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Tips & Warnings
In some cases, moving costs are deductible. Check IRS guidelines to see if your reasons for moving permit you to claim the costs.
Don't pay to have inexpensive heavy items moved, such as old appliances or children's play equipment, unless you absolutely need them at your new location.
Don't pack flammable items such as paint or paint thinners, and remember to empty gasoline from containers, generators and lawn equipment before you move.
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Resources
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