Choosing Your Movers

The amount of stuff you have and the distance of your move determine whether or not you might hire moving services. If your move is fairly small and not too far, it might make sense to handle it yourself. Try to make your moving schedule flexible, so you don't end up rushing before you begin packing. Hire a moving company or book a moving truck to rent at least eight weeks before your planned moving date. If you're planning to move during the summer, you may have to move during the week as weekends are the busiest times for moving, and the equipment you need may not be available.

Hiring Professional Movers

The simplest way to move is to hire a professional moving company like USA Moving & Storage to pack up your household and transport it to your new destination. Estimates are generally not binding, but some companies will give binding estimates guaranteed to be final cost. Though you’ll know exactly what your moving costs will be, the binding estimate could actually be higher than the cost based on the weight of your possessions. But if your goods end up weighing more than the estimate, the mover cannot charge you more.

moving company Packing materials can add a bit to the cost of moving. Whether movers do your packing or you do it yourself, try to get used boxes from the moving company—they cost you about half the price of new ones. Or visit your local grocery store or department store—it may provide free boxes to take. Although cost estimates are important, consider the reputation of the mover. Check with local consumer protection groups if you're making a short move. These agencies keep records of complaints filed against businesses. The Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) regulates moves from one state to another. They can provide a summary of the most recent performance reports of the largest moving companies.

If you're moving to another state, the ICC requires the moving company to give you a document entitled "Summary of Information for Shippers of Household Goods." It details your rights and how to protect them. If you're moving within the state, check with the state attorney general for any regulations affecting the move. Even when using a professional mover, there are simple ways to cut costs. If possible, avoid the peak summer season. Minimize accessory charges—hooking up appliances and moving heavy furniture up more than one flight of stairs. Also, do as much of the packing as you can (leave expensive and fragile items to the movers for insurance reasons) and don't take nonessential items.

Moving Yourself

Packing your possessions and moving in a rented truck, will probably cut your moving bill in half. But saving money can come with a price…more work. Another downside is that you can only insure up to $25,000 for personal property, and claims are valid only for major damages (fire, accident, etc.). If your antiques break because you slam on the brakes, that's a packing problem not covered by most companies.

It is important to review your homeowner's insurance policy on the day you reserve a moving truck to see if it covers your possessions during a move. If not, you can buy cargo insurance through the truck-rental firm. This protects against accidental loss/damage to your possessions while in a rental truck. With any method you choose, be sure to save receipts.