Ways to Minimize Your Moving Costs When Relocating Out-of-State

Summer is moving season. The weather is warm, the kids are on vacation, and everyone can settle in before the new school year begins. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, it cost $4,300 to move from one state to another in 2016, an estimate based on a weight of 7,400 pounds. Expenses can go much higher depending on the distance of the move and its difficulty. If you’re relocating for a new job, your employer may help. If not, these tips from cheap NYC moving companies can save your sanity and your budget.

Seven Money-Saving Tips for Moving

1. Donate or sell what you don’t need

The heavier the load and the more boxes you take, the more the move will cost. Consider what you’ll need in the new place. Then, donate or sell the rest. You’ll save money, and you’ll have less work to do when you get there.

2. Pack unbreakable and small items yourself

You can save money by packing books, clothing and small non-breakables yourself. Hardware stores sell boxes, tape and packing paper, but local stores may give you boxes for free. Avoid newspaper for packing because the ink can rub off, and remember that boxes of the same size and shape take less space when stacked.

3. Do your research

Talk to friends, your realtor, and the Better Business Bureau before narrowing your search to three or more companies. Schedule appointments with each in your home for written estimates and questions. For instance, how long will it take? How many movers will they use? Will they provide supplies? Are you paying by the hour or by the number of movers?

4. Buy insurance

Federal regulations require moving companies to pay for basic coverage, usually around 60 cents per pound for interstate moves. While coverage for full replacement costs more, it may be worthwhile. Imagine being reimbursed by the pound for lightweight valuables or electronics. Full replacement runs $8 to $10 for every $10,000 of claimed value.

5. Check the calendar

Popular moving times, especially weekends and holidays, mean higher demand and higher prices. Ask movers if they’ll give you a discount for providing their services at a non-peak time. Rates may also go up at the end of the month when many leases expire.

6. Do it yourself

Renting your own truck and packing your things yourself is not a job for the faint of heart, but it can lead to big savings, especially if you have a light load and a lot of friends to help. Even then, you can still save money by renting a truck during less-busy times of the year. Rates differ, and rentals for out-of-state moves are more expensive than in-state.

7. Save on taxes

Under certain circumstances, you can deduct some of your moving expenses on your tax forms. Ask the Internal Revenue Service or an accountant for more information on regulations and mileage allowances.

As a rule of thumb, you will need a 17 to a 20-foot truck to move the contents of a two to a three-bedroom home. Whether you do the work yourself or hire someone else, don’t forget to reward your helpers, especially if they showed up on time, had a good attitude and handled your belongings with care. Moving is stressful, but good planning makes it easier and more affordable.