Counting the Cost of a Big Move

Moving is never easy.

And usually, it’s never cheap.

I have a friend who is moving about 2 hours away from her current home and is facing just under $2,000 in moving expenses alone.

And that doesn’t take into account any of the new costs of living she will be facing in her new home.

At this rate and taking into account the extreme volatility of the current real estate market, she may not even make enough on the sale of her current home to cover the costs of her move.

My question is, are there actual ways to cut costs on moves (whether local or long distance)?

Is there any way to make it easier on your pocketbook if not your back?

Here are some things to take into account when budgeting for your moves that may help you save money in the long run.

1. Shop your ear off.

Credit

There are a limited number of options for the average mover, but I wouldn’t leave any option off the table until I have learned the cost benefit to each option. 

U-Haul

Budget

2 Men and a Truck

1-800-Pack-Rat

Pods

They are all valid options.

Call around.  And I say call, because you can only find so much out on a website.

Find out the requirements, the benefits, the disadvantages and the limitations of each option. 

2. Coupons MAY apply.

Credit

I don’t know about you, but once a week I get a stack of sale papers and yes – coupons – in my mailbox.  Most of these coupons and mailers are for local companies that provide just the kind of services you may be looking for. 

And don’t forget about your Val-Pak’s that you get once a month!  I can’t tell you how many times I have seen coupons for local businesses such as moving companies. 

If all else fails, check online for coupon codes to mention when you call in to each company.  You may be able to find a deal that you can’t walk away from.

3. Be Willing to Do Some of the Heavy Lifting

Credit

You can save yourself a heck of a lot of money if you are willing to do some of the stacking and loading yourself.  Not to mention the fact that you control what goes where – meaning your grandmother’s china won’t end up under 3 boxes full of college yearbooks. 

And if you go with the option of Pack-Rat or Pod’s, you have the luxury of packing at your leisure.  No 1-day rush to get it all in, out, and off.

Which your back will probably thank you for a week after your move is over.

4. Consider the tip.

Credit

If you choose to go with a moving company – actual people moving your stuff in and out of homes – you need to account for tipping the poor people whose backs you are breaking.  Most of the time that cost isn’t thought of until that day and suddenly you’re running to the nearest ATM and digging out whatever cash you can lay your hands on so that your helpful movers don’t end up breaking your Aunt Bernice’s antique glassware or spitting on your favorite sofa out of spite. 

Take that into account when you are budgeting IN ADVANCE of your move, and plan accordingly.

5. Gasoline Surcharges

Credit

Gas is expensive.

That's no secret.

And no matter which option you choose, you will need to take gas rates into account. 

Whether you opt to rent a U-Haul or send your stuff across 8 states by way of a crane, gas rates are going to affect you. 

Obviously, since the rates change almost daily, it is difficult to predict the actual amount you will pay, but consider the time of year and location of your move as well as the local average gas rates to prepare yourself.

You don’t want to end up with sticker shock at the “fuel surcharge” line for your move.

Overall, moving expenses are probably going to leave you feeling a little woozy, but preparation and knowing you got the best bang for your buck may hold your feet on solid ground for a little longer.