Ways to Reduce the Cost of a Move

Whether you are hiring a mover, or strong-arming your buddies into helping you move, there are many ways to reduce the time, stress, and the expense of your move. No single one of these items will likely reduce your cost and stress greatly, but any combination of the following can produce significant savings in time, energy, and expense on moving day.

1. Start the move as early in the day as possible. Late starts, particularly on large moves, can have a psychological as well as physical effect on both you and the crew. Overtime can become a factor as well.
   
   
2. Be ready when the movers arrive. Make certain that all small items, including lamps, pictures, mirrors, dishes, books etc. are packed and ready to go. Use cartons that can be sealed. Mark the cartons to ensure proper placement in your new home.
   
   
3. Discard unwanted items prior to the move. Have a garage sale for items that you no longer want, don't pay to move stuff you don't want.
   
   
4. Have cars out of the driveway, make sure the house is easily accessible for the moving truck.
   
   
5. If moving into or out of an apartment, have the elevator on service.
   
   
6. In winter, make sure the driveways and sidewalks are clear.
   
   
7. Remove all items that you will be transporting yourself prior to the arrival of the movers, so they won't be in the way, or be loaded in error. Clearly mark or indicate to the movers any items that are to stay in the house.
   
   
8. Move plants yourself if possible.
   
   
9. Disconnect all appliances that need to be moved. Place hoses in the washer so that you will be able to find them later.
   
   
10. Bring garden tools, lawn mower, patio furniture etc. from the back yard to the front.
    
11. Bring small items up from the basement and put them in the garage for access.
    
    
12. Disassemble swing sets and other large items. If you are moving in winter, plan ahead if possible to prevent them from freezing into the ground.
    
13. Disassemble all beds, take mirrors off of dressers, wrap the screws and tape them into a dresser drawer.
    
14. Take the legs off of tables and wrap them, tape the screws to the underside of the tabletop.
    
    
15. Remove screen door plungers and any doors that will need to be removed.
    
    
16. If possible, have your children cared for at another location, make yourself available to the movers to answer questions.
    
    
17. Check the house carefully before the moving truck leaves the house, make sure everything that was to be loaded is.
    
    
18. Be at, or have someone at the new house to direct the movers, have as many items as possible placed into the rooms where they are to belong.
    
    
19. Re-assemble items on your own where possible to save time and cost on moving day.
    
20. Pick a moving day that is not at the end of a month. Truck rental and mover rates are often lower at off peak times.