Cutting Moving Costs

Packing this time of year isn't limited to summer vacations. Half of the Americans who move households each year do so during the summer. Kelli Grant, Senior Consumer Reporter for SmartMoney.com, shares tips on how to cut those moving costs and maximize value.

Timing is everything, even when you're ready to move. Summer tends to be the most expensive time to move, simply because it's peak season. If you can't put off a move until fall, at least avoid the weekends. Prices also tend to be higher at the very beginning and end of the month, when many leases turn over.

There's no better time than now to lighten your load. Long-haul moves are priced primarily by volume and weight; local moves by volume and time. Either way, more stuff means a bigger bill. While packing, weed out items to sell, donate or throw out. Cleaning house cuts costs on the move itself, and also generates cash back from yard-sale earnings and tax deductions.

Don't go with your first quote - shop around. Get detailed written estimates from at least three movers. Have the movers conduct an in-home inspection instead of estimating by phone or email. That way, there's less room for errors like miscounted boxes or a larger-than-described dresser that would change the price come moving day. Check references with the local Better Business Bureau and your state's movers association.

Do some of the work yourself. Consumers who aren't up for heavy lifting can cut costs by packing everything themselves. Even simple things like unhooking appliances, rolling area rugs and disassembling bed frames before movers arrive can shave off an hour or more of paid time.

Review your current insurance coverage. Many renters and homeowners insurance policies cover belongings in transit. That eliminates the need to buy coverage from the moving company. If you do need extra coverage, ask how the company determines value. Policies often pay out by the weight of the item, reducing the "value" of a pricey-but-light flat-screen TV to just a few dollars.

For more information on saving on moving costs and other consumer tips click here.
Kelli Grant & Erika Wortham