Moving? Steps to save money….

www.cbbaker.com 

Moving services can be costly, but there are some things you can do to help keep down the cost of moving your household goods:

• Do as much yourself as possible. Rent a van, pack, load and move with help from family and friends. At least do the packing to cut mover’s charges considerably.
• Move off-season. If possible, schedule your move after September 30 and before May 1 for lower moving or truck rental rates.
• Get the floor plan of your future home to ensure your furniture will fit-get rid of what won’t.
• Toss old clothes. A full wardrobe carton weighs 75 pounds. Why ship items you won’t ever wear again? Instead, hold a tag sale and give someone else the chance to enjoy them.
• Toss or sell low-value, heavy and large items you no longer need or want. Items such as weight-lifting equipment, bird baths, appliances, a pool table, etc. have a way of weighing you down.
• Be generous. Donate items you don’t want to a charity and take a deduction at tax time. Many charities will be happy to pick up heavier items at your home.
• Avoid storage expenses by coordinating move-out and move-in dates so you can transfer possessions directly from the old home to the new one.