5 Simple Ways To Save On Long Distance Moves

Posted by Gaby Wallace on October 31st, 2018

Most people will move many times over the course of their lives. People move because they want to take a new job, be with their family, further their education or just because it's time to move right now. Moving any distance can be expensive. Moving long distance can be even more expensive. If you are planning a move, you'll want to make sure you're staying within your set moving budget.

Saving Money on Supplies

Moving long distance means using a lot of packing supplies. Make sure you know what you need before you start packing. Boxes, tape and packing foam are important to protect your delicate items as you move, but prices can quickly rack up when buying everything new. Using recycled boxes from local grocery stores and blankets and pillows and packing protection can save you a pretty penny up front. This way, you won't spend too much money and have extra supplies you don't need when the move is finished.

Using Insurance

Insurance is a crucial service in your hands when you are moving a long way away. Insurance compensates you for anything that might get lost or broken. Investigate how much money you need to insure your items compared to the value of your goods. Your goal should be to keep your insurance costs to a minimum but still have enough to compensate you if something gets damaged.

Hire Someone?

One of the most important questions everyone moving long distance must answer is whether or not to do it themselves or hire professional movers. Many people find it best to work directly with professional movers because of the ease of hiring and the amount of work it saves you. Professional moving companies help their clients alleviate stress by doing pretty much everything. There’s an old saying that goes, ”you don't know how much you have until you move” and nothing could be more true. Packing, protecting furniture, loading the truck, driving it cross country, unloading everything, and unpacking can be quite the chore. Experts at a professional moving service, typically, know how to use moving supplies carefully so that everything gets there in one piece. Saving you from a mind-bending headache.  

Get a List of Fees

Keep in mind the kind of fees you are likely to be charged before you begin. A moving company should be able to provide you with such a list well in advance. In general, you can expect to be charged a basic fee for services rendered. This may include fees for the use of the moving van as well as services for each mover. You may also be charged other fees for things like using more than one truck or living in a building without an elevator. Now is the time to do your homework and know about any hidden costs, so that you’re not caught by surprise later. This can also help with negotiations. If one company is adding fees that another isn’t you need to bring this up. Things like moving during the off season or packing yourself and letting them load the truck can also be a money saver.

Deducting Your Moving Costs

If you're moving, you might find you can deduct the costs of your move from your taxes. While not all costs are deductible, it is possible to deduct such costs under certain circumstances. Now might be the time to consult with a tax expert. They can help you decide what moving expenses are deductible and what are not. Before you do this, make sure you are keeping a close personal eye on all of your moving expenses. Keep all receipts along with any gas and mileage bills. Doing so can really save you money on the move in the end.