December 29, 2009

by Jamie Smith, Move Coordinator, diggins & ROSE

Moving tips

Local or long distance moving: Money-saving tips

Moving can seem like a daunting task. Whether you are moving across town (local move) or across the country (long distance move), it's expensive and time consuming. There are many ways to make small savings that add up...and a few ways you can save big.

Moving tip 1: Save original cartons

When you purchase items such as a large screen TV, electronics, large paintings etc, save and store the original cartons to use when you move. These special cartons with their custom inserts are quite expensive to repurchase and custom inserts must be fabricated by hand, which can be time-consuming.

Moving tip 2: Reduce your load

Get rid of stuff you don't need. Hold a garage sale. Leave books with friends, the local library or sell them to a used bookstore. Anything you can't sell, give to a local charity. Weight equals money. The less weight, the less money...it's that simple.

Moving tip 3: Move during the off-season

Choosing the best time to move can save you money. Off-season is usually anything but June or July and any time other than the first and last of the month. If you have the flexibility, talk to your movers and see when they can give you the best deal.

Moving tip 4: Understand possible extra charges

Ask about possible charges that could arise during your move and the fees attached to these services. Services may include accessorial charges, expedited service charges, and shuttle service. They can usually all be avoided or at least calculated into the cost if you plan in advance. There should never be any, or very little, surprise in the total cost of your move.

Moving tip 5: Make sure you're ready to move

Moving companies may charge extra if they have to help pack last minute items. Pack it yourself and have everything ready to go. If you have furniture that needs to be disassembled, ask the moving company when they provide the estimate if this service is included. Sometimes it is and other times it shows up on your bill as an extra fee.

Moving tip 6: Make sure you can move into your new property immediately

Delays during a move are costly! You must also have full payment for your move ready when the truck arrives. Both could result in storage-in-transit fees if your things have to be stored until they can be unloaded or until the move is paid in full.

Moving tip 7: Donate non-perishable foods

While moving, you will probably end up with some non-perishable food items that you do not wish to take to your new location. For many years diggins & ROSE Moving Systems has supported the efforts of local Soup Kitchens and churches by facilitating the donation of these items those less fortunate. Our moving personnel will arrive with special containers for unopened, non-perishable foods that you may wish to donate and will deliver them promptly to local area soup kitchens and church food programs: This can also save you money & time.

If you're moving locally, these items may be collected at the time of your move. If you're moving long distance, these items must be given to the packing crew before loading day if you are using diggins & ROSE professional packing services. The long distance truck will usually not be returning to our terminal before proceeding to your new destination.

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