How to Reduce Your Moving Costs

1. Consider Hiring A Self-Service Mover
2. Don't Set A Moving Date In Stone
3. See If You Can Apply A Tax Write-Off
4. Do Away With Old Items
5. Transport Some Of The Items Yourself

Moving can be expensive. There's no way around that, especially if you have to move quite far, have many possessions, and/or also have to transport your car. But the good news is that there are plenty of ways to cut down on your moving costs if you follow these tips:

Consider Hiring a Self-Service Mover

If you hire a self-service mover, you will save a considerable amount of money compared to a full-service mover. This does mean that you will have to pack and unpack all of your boxes, so only choose this option if you're physically able to do it and have the time.

Don't Set a Moving Date in Stone

Consider some flexibility in your moving date. Many moving companies offer cheaper prices if it's in the middle of the month as opposed to the beginning or end of the month. In addition, the time of day that you want your items moved also can make a difference on the final price. Talk with the moving company about this beforehand to see what options are available.

See If You Can Apply a Tax Write-Off

Talk with your accountant beforehand, but see if you can list your moving expenses as a tax write-off. If you're moving due to a new job or a job relocation, they can be considered to be moving expenses. In this case, make sure to keep detailed records and documentation of your entire move.

Do Away With Old Items

We're not saying to throw away any old items that have sentimental value to you or are particularly valuable in any way. But, don't be a hoarder. If you really don't need an item, throw it away or donate it to charity. This includes clothes or gifts that you've never really used. Check your kitchen. Check your closet. Surely you don't use or value everything in there. Less items means less boxes which means less moving costs for you.

Also, you can consider selling some of these items through a garage sale or on eBay. That's a great way to not only lessen your moving expenses, but also pay for some of the costs of it as well!

Transport Some of the Items Yourself

If you're driving your vehicle to your new location, load it up with as many items as possible, rather than leaving it all for the movers. This will definitely decrease the costs, especially since many moving companies partially charge depending on the weight of the total amount of items that they're transporting. Try and take as many smaller items as possible and leave the big furniture and appliances for the movers.

Reducing your moving costs can be done, especially with a little creativity. Just make sure to think outside the box a bit, use some common sense, and you'll realize that your moving expenses will not be as bad as you think they'll be. Good luck!