If you’re in the market to save some bucks when moving out of state, read on for our top tips and tricks. Don’t waste your money on hidden fees, rather than on filling your new fridge with lovely foods.
As we all know by now, moving can cost an arm and a leg (and even maybe a toe in 2024). Movers tend to get you on the small thing with hidden fees, additional costs for things that seem basic and included, and overall things end up costing you more than planned for. Avoid the hassle and plan ahead with proper pre-moving budgeting to keep yourself ahead of the game.
Your Personal Inventory For the Move
Don’t think twice about this critical step. Your personal inventory home list will help you settle on a binding quote with actual number and a tally as well as be your own personal insurance policy if anything were to happen to your goods.
This list which should include pictures of all the items is your proof if your TV shows up at the new home with a giant crack that it was the moving company’s fault.
Your personal inventory list is a list you create according to your household of all items packed, according to the room they belong to and their according box number so they can be easily found. It is a master list of all the items set to be moved.
You should create it by going room-by-room making a tally to ensure nothing is missed. Don’t stress about labeling small things like the number of towels or sheets, but rather think of this list as a master guide to what you should find delivered by your mover. Ie: 2 boxes of bathroom supplies.
Quick how to:
- Start with the big and obvious items
- Take photo evidence of each item’s condition
- Tally out the boxes by room and brief description of the contents
Pro-tip: Take a quality detailed video of your home before beginning to pack so that you can remember how to best unpack your items and prove your inventory list visually.
Insurance and the Works
Insurance is usually where people try to cut corners to save money on the move that ends up costing them more. In order to de-stress your move, having the knowledge that financially you will recover from any expensive moving mistakes, moving insurance is the way to go.
Know that items can get lost in the frenzy, broken, or even stolen from the street while loading or unloading them and this can cost you hundreds of dollars if you aren’t insured.
You should try to understand the types of insurance policies on the market. Review coverage limits, and most importantly, the exclusions. Make a personal inventory, and maintain a good relationship with your insurance company to make sure you’re really protected
Many times only the basic of the basic insurance is included which the deductibles are so high it wont make sense to use their policy. Be on the look out for this issue.
Here’s a few things to keep in mind:
- What is the basic policy included?
- What is your coverage limit?
- What is excluded from the policy? It could be that the policy will exclude electronics or other items.
- What is the deductible you are expected to pay should damage be claimed? This is usually a minimal amount in a good policy.
- How does it work to enable your policy?
- How does it work to declare the values of your high price tag items? (If you have a really expensive piece that looks like it was bought from Ikea, prove its value ahead of time to save headaches.)
All about Tipping
Pro tip: Tipping between 15-20% is expected by movers and drivers alike. Think of it as if you’ve gone to a restaurant and left without tipping if you plan without this amount. Plan ahead for these costs so you aren’t surprised later. Don’t cheap out on the tip for the guys that will be handling all your precious items.
Wrapping up the Fun
FAQ
What is the top important tip to know when booking a mover?
Know that you are working with a trusted and honest service provider that includes at least basic moving insurance. If you have even a flicker of doubt, walk away. Don’t try to cut corners and save on an unreputable mover as we promise you, you will end up paying way more in hidden fees and damages.
How can I save money on my moving expenses by planning ahead?
When you plan ahead, you are actually in control of your own move. Since you can play around with the dates and times, you can haggle with your mover for a cheaper deal.
Moving mid week or in the winter when people prefer not to move can end up saving you hundreds of dollars in the long run, and since the moving companies are less busy, they don’t mind giving a discount in exchange for you booking with them in advance.
How do I best use my personalized inventory moving list?
When you’re finally loading up the truck, take a tally that everything on your list was actually loaded onto the truck. This list is your insurance policy to yourself. It can also serve as a helpful unpacking guide as you can tick off the lines you have completed.
What is the best way to get organized before packing up my home?
We recommend purging as many items as you feel comfortable with. Whether it be by way of clothing and toy donations or a giant garage junk sale, you will feel more comfortable going into your new home with minimal clutter. Marie Condo that home!
