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The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the average American moves 11.7 times in his lifetime. People move for a variety of reasons. Census data indicated 40 percent of those who moved during the 2009 through 2010 year did so to move into a better home and slightly over 30 percent of those who moved that year experienced a change in marital or employment status that rendered a move necessary.
As a retired military family, moving is all too familiar. We moved as far as 650 miles on a less than $1,000 budget. In most cases, the military only funds relocation expenses if they cut orders and force the relocation. Because I often moved by choice, when my husband was overseas, my family was forced to fund many of our moves. Moving is expensive and people seldom consider all of the expenses associated with a move. To minimize these costs, I carefully planned each move and I learned that you can save money with a little research and resourcefulness.
Out With the Old, In With the New
I was in the 34 percent of the American population who rents their homes. As a renter, I was careful to always honor each and every term and condition on my leases. When it was time to move, I allowed myself a seven day grace period. In other words, I signed the lease on my new rental home seven days prior being relieved of my previous lease. I only made one or two trips to the new home prior to moving as trips back and forth are expensive. I completed several transactions in one day including signing the lease, setting up any utilities and purchasing a few nonperishable groceries. Setting up the utilities in advance and purchasing groceries saved me money as it eliminated the need to stay in a hotel and the need to order take-out or eat at restaurants.
Moving Truck
Renting the moving truck was often the most significant expense, particularly for the longer interstate moves. To save money on a moving truck, I kept two things in mind - be flexible and shop around. Moving truck rental companies often provide customers with options. The customer may rent the truck for a local move and pay a flat rate per day plus mileage ($29.99 per day plus 89 cents per mile for instance) or she may rent for a long distance move and pay for a "package" that has a set amount of time and mileage included. If the long distance customer exceeds that time or mileage, additional charges apply. In addition, a long distance move allows the customer to drop off the truck in the new location. A local moved requires that the customer drop the truck off at the original office where she rented it from.
Being flexible often meant renting the smallest truck possible, adjusting my moving date and sometimes, driving the truck back to the original location. I would calculate every expense including gas, mileage, flat fees and variable fees to determine the better value - renting the truck under a local move or a long distance package move. I found that renting a moving truck on the weekdays is generally more inexpensive than on the weekends. Renting at least two weeks in advance is also more inexpensive. When I moved under 75 miles, I found that renting under a local move was often the more inexpensive option. When I moved from Georgia to South Carolina, I saved $100 by renting as a local move and driving the truck back to the Georgia location. When I moved longer distances, I found long distance was the cheaper option.
Supplies
Packing supplies included boxes, packing tape and materials to protect fragile items. I visited local liquor stores and grocery stores and they were willing to provide me with all of the boxes I needed. A pack of moving boxes costs around $35. I saved around $140 collecting boxes from stores. To protect my fragile items, I wrapped my fragile items in clothing and linens. This eliminated the need for purchasing bubble wrap. I also made sure I always had furniture sliders (which really work wonderfully) and a hand cart as these supplies allowed my husband and I to move most of the heavy items ourselves.
Logistics
During every one of my moves, I planned nearly every detail in advance. In addition to knowing all of the aforementioned, I researched the most inexpensive gas merchants along the way and I planned bathroom breaks. I packed snacks and coolers full of sandwiches to eliminate the need to stop at a restaurant. I created a schedule and a budget that I strictly followed.
I never spent any money on movers. I would pay an acquaintance a few dollars to help us move the few heavy things we could not move or ask a friend to help. When moving, especially long distance, planning is essential. Planning allowed me to complete the move quickly and easily with as little resources as possible.
Pricing
Using these techniques, my family moved 650 miles and paid only $930 in moving costs. This cost includes the moving truck, gas, and all moving supplies. We made an 80 mile move for less than $350. According to the Relocation.com Moving Calculator, full service movers can charge as high as $7,500 for 650 mile move. The charges depend on the size and weight of your belongings.
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