9 Ways To Save Money When You're Moving

When you listed your home for sale, you knew someday you'd have to move. Unfortunately, the process can be stressful and time-consuming. It can also be surprisingly expensive. If you're moving, you can't eliminate expenses altogether, but these nine tips should help you save some cash. 

1. Get organized
   At least a month before your scheduled move, create a moving to-do list and mark off each task as you go. Organizing your move will help you plan each step. You can avoid last-minute overspending on unanticipated purchases.
2. Get rid of the pounds
   Professional movers charge by the pound, and the more stuff you have, the bigger the DIY rental truck. Do a ruthless decluttering to get rid of junk you won't use. Have a moving sale to make money on your decluttering efforts or donate unwanted items where you can get a tax deduction.
3. Economize on moving supplies 
   To get the freebie boxes you need, you might have to ask a grocery store's night crew to put some aside for you. The bigger stores dismantle or pitch boxes after stocking the stores at night. You might not have that problem at a smaller store. 
   
   You can sometimes stock up on discount packing tape and bubble wrap in a dollar store. You'll also get a good deal by buying shipping supplies in bulk at membership stores like Sam's Club or Costco. Limit bubble wrap costs by cushioning TVs and delicate electronics with blankets, quilts, and pillows.
4. Take your time when DIY packing
   Instead of a rushed marathon packing session, spread your tasks over several weeks. When you do a leisurely pack, you won't use as many supplies, and you'll have more time to find donatable items.
5. Save on your truck rental
   Guarantee your rental by reserving early. If the truck size you need is unavailable, you'll pay more for a larger truck or have to make more trips with a smaller truck. Get loading and unloading help if you're moving locally. The work will go faster, and you'll avoid paying for extra rental days. 
6. Compare movers costs
   Consumer Reports recommends getting three estimates before you commit to a mover. Review the details carefully. Ask questions about charges you don't understand. To help you choose, look for mover complaints and reviews on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Better Business Bureau sites and on social media.
7. Control additional charges
   Professional movers charge extra for using elevators or stairs, moving pianos, guaranteed arrival dates, and many other items you might think are free. Make sure you understand which services have additional costs so you can plan for them or avoid them. 
8. Use a container service
   PODS, Upack, and other shipping container companies combine DIY with professional moving. They drop off a big container. You load it at your leisure. When you're ready, you schedule a truck to move it to your new destination.
9. Employer relocation assistance
   If you're relocating to a new job, ask your employer about relocation benefits. They may have a program to reimburse your costs or contribute a flat dollar amount.

Moving can be an expensive endeavor, but if you're careful, you can avoid wasting money as you say goodbye to your old home.

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