Discarded furniture, sweaty brows and illegally-parked vehicles can only mean one thing \u2014 summer moving season is upon us. While most people tend to focus on big-picture items when planning a move, like hiring a moving company or forking over realtor commissions, it\u2019s the hidden costs that really add up. We asked PODS Lifestyle and Organization Expert Melissa Pollock to share her top tips on avoiding unexpected fees and expenses. After all, saving money on your move allows you to spend that cash on more important things, like pizza for your extremely generous friends or a sofa that actually fits through the front door.<\/p>\n
1. Declutter before you move<\/strong> 2. Don\u2019t forget costs that moving calculators may not take into account<\/strong> 3. Understand insurance-related charges<\/strong> 4. Make note of cancellation costs and important dates<\/strong> 5. Explore your options before deciding on a moving company<\/strong> 6. Use what you have before buying more<\/strong> 7. Don\u2019t do it alone<\/strong> 8. Keep receipts and document donations<\/strong> 9. Don\u2019t forget personal living expenses when you\u2019re between homes<\/strong> 10. Keep track of dates and fees for both where you\u2019re leaving and where you\u2019re going<\/strong>
\n\u201cMany moving companies and labor help will charge you based on the amount and weight of stuff you\u2019re moving,\u201d says Pollock. Begin paring down your belongings a couple months before the big day \u2014 selling whatever you can and donating the rest to charity (hello, tax breaks). \u201cThis can both help cut costs and reduce stress,\u201d says Pollock.<\/p>\n
\nWhen your moving checklist is several pages long, it\u2019s easy to forget about the elevator-usage deposit or hiring a dog sitter for Spot. \u201cEven the most minute aspects of moving can add up,\u201d warns Pollock. \u201cBoxes, bubble wrap and other packing accessories can quickly add to your moving costs.\u201d Be sure to check in with your moving company and the building manager to enquire about any unforeseen expenses. \u201cThere are sometimes charges for using elevators, stairs or moving bulky items like pianos. In addition, it could cost extra to haul your car, some companies have fuel surcharges, and other companies charge truck cleaning fees.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nIt\u2019s tempting to say \u2018no thank you\u2019 to insurance coverage when you\u2019re already spending an arm and a leg on your move, but it can save you from experiencing major headaches later on. \u201cFull-value protection moving insurance (over and above weight of items) can be purchased from most movers to cover the true cost of replacement for damaged belongings, rather than a per-pound reimbursement,\u201d says Pollock. Those shattered crystal glasses ain\u2019t gonna pay for themselves (unless you have insurance).<\/p>\n
\nYou\u2019re all packed and ready to go when suddenly you receive a call from your landlord \u2014 renovations are taking longer than expected and the unit won\u2019t be ready until next week. \u201cCancellation costs for moving trucks or help may be hidden in your contract and can charge you up to $100 for a cancellation made one week from your scheduled date, and up to $300 or your full deposit if you\u2019re cancelling less than five days before your scheduled move,\u201d says Pollock. If this situation does arise, the onus is typically on the landlord to pay for alternate housing and storage fees \u2014 know your rights as a tenant!<\/p>\n
\n\u201cCheck out at least three different moving companies to make sure you\u2019re finding the best fit for your needs,\u201d suggests Pollock. While your Uncle Lewis might \u201cknow a guy\u201d it\u2019s wise to compare rates, read online reviews and verify credentials. \u201cAlso look outside the traditional moving solutions. If you have some tricky moving and closing dates, research portable moving containers so you can move and store your stuff only once, even if your timeline changes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nWho knew cardboard boxes could be so expensive? Pollock recommends using alternatives such as \u201csuitcases, leftover TV boxes, laundry baskets, and bins.\u201d Avoid landfill fillers like packing peanuts and bubble wrap and opt for \u201csheets, linens, scarves, towels and clothes\u201d when padding delicate items. \u201cOnce you\u2019ve used your items the best way you can, gather the materials you still need. You can collect boxes from friends, family members or local businesses,\u201d says Pollock.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIf you can get help from friends and family, you can save a lot of money,\u201d says Pollock. As the old adage goes, \u201cthere are friends, and then there are friends who are willing to help you move.\u201d If the move is a large undertaking think beyond pizza and beer \u2014 Pollock suggests giving a gift card as a more meaningful thank you.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cSave your receipts and definitely document everything you donate to deduct from your taxes at the end of the year,\u201d says Pollock. Buy an accordion pocket folder to keep everything organized and do some basic research on what you can claim on your tax form. Canadians moving at least 40 kilometers to be closer to work or school can deduct moving expenses, while Americans who move for a new job that is at least 50 miles away from their previous home can \u201cdeduct expenses for packing, transporting or storing household goods,\u201d notes Pollock.<\/p>\n
\nMoving across the country? \u201cYou\u2019ll need to purchase plane, train or bus tickets if you\u2019re not driving your belongings, and if you are driving, take into account gas, tolls and other road-related travel expenses,\u201d says Pollock. Map out your route and search for discount hotels on sites like Hotwire or Trivago, or consider staying in an Airbnb for a more homelike environment. You can also pack your own travel snacks (much healthier than munching on Slim Jims) or use an app to locate the cheapest gas prices in your area.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIf there is a delay (between the end of your lease and your new home closing date, for example) that impacts your move, you may need storage for your belongings temporarily,\u201d says Pollock. Other not-so-fun moving expenses that may arise include utility deposits, connection fees, cleaning services and \u201creplacement costs for everything you didn\u2019t move, but need to buy again, from food to cleaning products and toiletries.\u201d<\/p>\n