Movers Give 7 Easy Ways to Lower Moving Costs

Moving can be an expensive process, even when it’s local. Whether you are moving apartments or just bought your first house, the expenses can add up quickly. Let’s look at seven ways you can lower local moving costs.

1. Keep your moving date/day flexible.

Movers have busy seasons. They also have days that are busier than others. If possible, stay flexible about the date or day you move. When feasible, do it during the winter months. Most moves happen during the summer. Also, try to schedule in the middle of the week. Weekend moves are almost always more expensive.

2. Get multiple estimates from movers.

Don’t hire the first mover that talks to you. These movers in Portland recommend getting at least three on-site estimates from different moving companies. Then, compare them carefully. Make sure each one covers the same things, and nothing is missing or vague. You want to go with an experienced moving company with a good reputation. 

3. Get rid of stuff you no longer need or want.

There’s no need to pay movers to lug around things you no longer need or want. Before you move, purge and declutter. If something’s broken, either fix it or trash it. If you no longer want something, give it to a family member, donate it to a worthy cause, or sell it. The less you move, the cheaper the move will be.

4. Grab free moving boxes.

Buying moving boxes can get expensive quickly. Look for free moving boxes where possible. Grocery stores often offer free boxes, as do alcohol stores. Ask friends if they might have some boxes. Check out local forums. People who just moved often offer their boxes for free.

5. Sell your extra stuff.

All those extra items you no longer need or want can be sold online or in a yard sale. As you are going through things, set aside items that you want to sell. You can use the money you make from these items to offset your moving costs.

6. Pack yourself.

Hiring movers to do the packing can get expensive. Instead, do all the preparation yourself. An hour of packing per day for a few weeks will get most homes close to being ready to move. If you are getting overwhelmed, ask friends and family members for help. 

7. Move some things yourself.

Leave the heavy and awkward items for the professionals. If you have a vehicle, consider moving some lighter items yourself. Move delicate or precious items you don’t want to lose. The less you put on the truck, the lower your moving costs will be.

When you’re getting ready to move, keep track of all of your expenses. It will keep you aware of the costs, plus you may be able to deduct some of those costs on next year’s taxes. May your move be easy and smooth.

How to Pack Your South Beach Condo for a Miami Move

It’s time to pack up your South Beach condo for a move to Miami. Any move can be a stressful process. Here are some tips for getting your packing done quickly and smoothly.

#1 Use a Variety of Boxes

Weighty items like books should be in smaller packing boxes, so they don’t get too heavy. Larger boxes are handy for bulky items like pillows and comforters. Medium boxes are great for most other needs. Use specialty boxes when needed.

The movers will get each box from your unit, down the elevator or stairs, and into the moving truck. Pack to ensure the contents are safe and nothing is too heavy.

#2 Don’t Leave Empty Spaces

When moving, make sure you make use of every space. According to Cheap Movers Miami, if you don’t pack boxes fully, the contents could get damaged in transit. Stuff crumpled newspaper or packing peanuts in the voids around fragile objects.

Another side to this is to use empty spaces to your advantage. For example, don’t empty dresser drawers. Take them out and wrap the entire thing with plastic wrap. The contents are safe and the drawers are easy to take out of the condo unit.

Other examples include:

  • Pack wheeled suitcases with books or heavy dishware wrapped in towels
  • Use large pots for packing your spices and small kitchen gadgets
  • Wrap the filled silverware organizer with plastic wrap

#3 Make Use of Your Soft Items

Your towels, linen, socks, and other soft items are ideal packing materials. Put glasses down into thick tube socks for extra padding. Wrap towels around lamp bases. Place washcloths between dishes. Roll sharp knives into kitchen towels.

#4 Pack a Moving Essentials Bag

Even though South Beach is just across the MacArthur Causeway from Miami, you should pack a moving essentials bag. Moving day is often chaotic and stressful. The essentials bag contains the items you need during the move and right after you get into your new place.

Things to include in your bag:

  • Medication
  • Pet supplies
  • Chargers
  • Important documents
  • A change of clothes
  • Basic toiletries

#5 Label and Color Code

As you are packing a box, take the time to label the outside. A quick note of its contents will help you find things quickly during the unpacking process. Assign a color code to each room in your new place (red for the kitchen, blue for bedroom, etc.). Then add a colored label to the box to indicate where it’s supposed to go. The movers can quickly sort boxes into the right rooms.

Before you close the box, take a quick picture from the top as a reminder of what’s inside. The technique is especially handy for boxes that contain a mixture of items.

These packing tips will make preparing for the move much more manageable. It also helps make unpacking much simpler. Which tips do you plan on using?

Moving from Tampa to Miami: How to Plan Your Move in 5 Easy Steps

Change of any kind can bring about stress and tension. Moving, in particular, is perhaps one of the most challenging life transitions. While the thought of relocating to a new place can stir up anxiety, so too can the process of moving. If you’re moving from Tampa to Miami, here are some essential steps you won’t want to overlook.

1. Consider your finances.

If money is tight, ample financial planning is required. To ensure that you don’t overspend or exhaust your funds, develop a plan. Knowing how much leeway you have in your budget bodes well for sensible spending. What’s more, it’ll help you avoid a financial fiasco. Account for unexpected hiccups as well. When these setbacks inevitably arise, you’ll find great comfort in knowing that you planned accordingly.

 

2. Purge your items before packing.

If you’re a hoarder, this step will be extraordinarily painstaking. We all tend to hold onto things we no longer want or need. Nostalgia is the primary reason. However, there’s no sense in clinging to the past when your present awaits. For the sake of expediting your move, go through your possessions, pack the essentials, and donate things that no longer have a place in your life. When it comes time to unpack, you’ll have fewer items to organize and find space for in your new home.

3. Create a timeline for the move.

Procrastinating will only add more strain to this already overwhelming process. To keep stress at bay, establish a timeline. As your departure date draws nearer, you won’t have to rush to get everything done. It is a surefire way to set yourself up for success. In essence, you want to give yourself enough time to declutter, organize, and pack. Otherwise, you’re liable to overlook essential steps while in the throes of a rushed move.

4. Make a list of people you need to contact.

You need to inform some institutions and government agencies of your upcoming move. You’ll also need to notify your cell phone and utility providers. After moving, they will still send some mail to your old address. If you’d like to receive it, you’ll need to speak with the post office to set up a mail forwarding option. Best of all, the post office offers a list of companies you may want to consider contacting before your move, so don’t hesitate to ask.

5. Hire a moving company.

One of the easiest ways to streamline a move is by hiring a moving company, like Cheap Movers Tampa. These professionals assist with packing, loading, and transporting your items. Employing a moving company will save you both time and money. You can also rest assured that your belongings will arrive safely. Before selecting a company, compare your options. Ask for quotes, credentials, and referrals; that way, you can be sure that you’re hiring a reputable business.

Best New York to Florida Movers & Approximate Costs

Moving to a new home requires a lot of preparation, especially when moving out-of-state. Keeping your checklists organized can significantly reduce the stress and help you have a seamless relocation.

Moving from New York to Florida

Below are a few things you have to keep in mind when moving interstate:

  • Create a plan – If making a long-distance move, be sure to prepare a few months ahead of your move. By doing so, you can prevent cramming at the last minute, which will surely make your move a disaster.
  • Set a budget – The costs of an interstate move is significantly higher than a local one. Create a budget that covers the moving services you need, plus allocate some for unforeseen expenses.
  • Do some research – Whether you’re moving alone or with family, you must know what waits for you in your new home. Familiarize yourself with the neighborhood, its amenities, and the culture around, so you don’t get lost as a transplant.
  • Start packing early – You can begin boxing up things you don’t usually use such as seasonal decorations and clothes. Make sure to label your boxes properly so you can still be tidy when you have to unpack your things.
  • Hire a moving company – Consider working with professionals like these NY to Florida movers to help you with your move. Though it may cost a little more than by doing it yourself, movers will be able to move your things safely from one state to another.

Reliable Moving Companies

Before working with a moving company, you need to check first their credibility by reading reviews online. It is also crucial that they have a license and insurance to keep your belongings safe during the move. Below are some of the trusted moving companies to help you move from New York to Florida:

  1. United Van Lines – This company offers long-distance and interstate moving services as well as packing, unpacking, and storage options. With more than 1.2 million customers served in the past ten years, they consistently receive high satisfaction ratings.
  2. Mayflower – This company offers custom full-service options with full value protection on your belongings for your interstate move. You can also count on their nearly 100 years of industry knowledge to give you a seamless move.
  3. PODS – This company specializes both in moving and storage services for 20 years. However, you have to pack and unpack your things by yourself, and then they can load it in their container and transfer it to your new home across the state.

Moving Costs

The price of an interstate move depends on factors like:

  • the distance between your old and new home,
  • weight of your belongings,
  • moving date (weekends and peak seasons cost more),
  • and other additional services (packing, unpacking).

The average cost for a long-distance household move from New York to Florida is around $5000, given that you are moving a 2-3 bedroom house with approximately 7,500 pounds of belongings that you packed by yourself. A full packing service will add around $1000-$2000 on the total cost.