Movers: Less Stuff, Lower Cost

Instead of every move having the same cost movers often create an estimate based on the amount of time or the amount of "stuff" involved. A truck only has so much space. Everything doesn't need to go along to the new location. Clean out the closets and clear out the garage; it is time to find the excess and purge. This presents an opportunity to lower the cost of your move.

Return to Owner

Are there items in the home that don't belong to you? Borrowing something from a friend or family member is a great idea. It saves money and meets a need. However, the items need to be returned once the project is completed. Look through the house and search for things that belong to someone else. Return these items to their owners to cut back on the stuff going along in the move.

Sell

Are there things that no one needs or uses anymore? Instead of dragging them along for no reason, sell them at a yard sale or in the local newspaper. New furniture for the new home means that the older items are no longer needed. If the move isn't scheduled right away there is time to place an ad for the larger items and wait to get the desired price. Use the money made towards the cost of hiring movers.

If you're moving in next week, get everything outside and have a quick yard sale. You can put out anything and everything. Extra towels, extra kitchen tools and even clothes that are no longer worn can be set out for sale. While getting some extra cash is great, the number of unnecessary items is dwindling and you are already decreasing the clutter for your new home.

Donate

Once the yard or newspaper sales are complete there could be some items leftover. They shouldn't go to the new house, but they can't stay at the old location either. Instead of tossing them out, donate them to a local charity. Pack everything up in the car or truck and make one trip with all the unwanted items.

Some facilities cannot accept everything. They may not have enough space for furniture or appliances. If you are including any of these items in the donation, find out in advance if they will be accepted. Some charities will even come to your home to pick up larger items. After this decision there is less for the movers to work with.

Getting rid of things you don't need doesn't just help to decrease your bill from the movers, it also gives you a fresh start at the new home. You are going in with the things that you need, nothing more. Before packing a box or setting something aside to be moved, make sure that it is worth taking to the new location.