Cutting Moving Costs

An interstate move of at least 1,220 miles costs, on average $5,630. In state moves cost an average of $1,170, according to the American Moving and Storage Association. Buying and selling a home is the exciting part; moving is the necessary evil. Read about six ways to cut moving expenses, below:

1. Do it yourself. You can rent a truck and pack your belongings yourself. Not comfortable driving large moving vehicles? Some companies will let you pack and load your own moving truck, while providing drivers. You can also outsource some of the moving (larger items such as futons and big screen TVs cannot easily be personally transported) and do the rest yourself (smaller items such as clothes and kitchen supplies can be packed in boxes and transported in your own car).

2. Request price quotes. Contact at least three moving companies and inform them of the weight and number of items you need to move. Include the number of miles between your old and new home in order to get accurate quotes. Check resources such as Angie's List and Yelp to read reviews of various moving companies and value for price. Also look for coupons and discounts. For a quick quote, click here.

3. Schedule your move for a non-peak time, if you can. Most people move in the summer, at the beginning or end of the month. Moving at another time can lead to better deals. Be sure to thoroughly plan your move.

4. Check your insurance policy. Some homeowner's and renter's insurance policies cover your items during your move. If not, insurance to protect your belonging during your move can be purchased for an additional fee.

5. Save on moving materials. Go to big box stores, gas stations, and grocery stores and ask for their leftover shipping boxes. Ask family, friends, and coworkers for their spare boxes. There is no need to spend $20 on a specialty TV box! Use newspapers and T-shirts to safely pack you items.

6. Use tax deductions. People who move for work can be eligible to deduct moving expenses from their taxes, especially if moving 50 miles or more away. Get more information about moving-related tax deductions here.