Moving Without Breaking The Bank

You can save money on your move by following these suggestions.

• Saving On Moving Supplies

Obtain affordable packing supplies by ordering them online or asking a friend who has recently moved to give or sell you their boxes. Borrow a tape dispenser instead of buying one. Try using crumpled newspaper as an alternative to bubble wrap. Simply crumple up some newspaper, plain unused newsprint or tissue paper to pad breakables. Shop around for the cheapest deal on packing tape and other supplies. Instead of renting padded blankets from the truck rental company, use your own blankets, linens and area rugs for padding. But bear in mind that you may have to launder or dry-clean them when you arrive.

• Saving On Labor

If you use professional movers, consider a "you pack, we drive" arrangement, in which you pack boxes, and the moving company loads, moves, and unloads your belongings. Call around and compare moving cost estimates. If you can live without all your stuff for a while at your new or old location, moving companies sometimes give significant cost reductions if they can short-term-store and consolidate your moving items with other customers' belongings. If you move yourself, round up "volunteers" to help you load and clean on moving day. It's still customary to reward them with moving-day food and beverages (and maybe a small cash gift). You may also have to "volunteer" to help them move some day. And on the day of your move, take out some of the stress – and save on child and pet care – by asking a family member or friend to baby sit while you’re busy loading up the truck.

• Saving On Trip Expenses

The night before you depart

Where will you stay the night before you depart? A hotel or motel might be most comfortable and convenient, but you could save a decent amount of money if you stay the night with a friend or relative. Or, if you have the gear, maybe you'd enjoy unrolling your sleeping bag and "roughing it" on your living room floor the night before you leave town. If you do, try to get hold of a sleeping pad or air mattress, which will help you get a good night's sleep.

Overnight on the Road

Look into motel discounts along your route. Your automobile club membership may qualify you for a better rate. When you call about them, ask if the hotel or motel includes a breakfast with your stay. If your move travel involves an overnight stay and you're game for camping, check into campgrounds and RV parks along your route. Be sure to ask whether a moving truck is allowed. Some parks have size restrictions; some RV parks may not welcome moving trucks; and some limit the number of vehicles allowed in a campsite.

"Food While Traveling" is one of those comfort factors that can make your move more enjoyable. Eating also gives you a reason to stop and rest, so here are some helpful pointers:

• Try to balance your need to save money with your (and your family's) health and comfort needs. Try to have at least one solid, nutritious, sit-down meal each day.
• Breakfast can be a budget - and schedule - friendly meal purchased at a grocery or convenience store and eaten on the road: fruit, muffins, and juice for example. Lunch prices at sit-down restaurants are typically cheaper than dinner prices. Consider having a hot lunch and then picnicking in your hotel or motel on supplies from a grocery store.

* Values are representative of a move involving professional moving services, preparing a home/apartment for sale, transfer of utilities to a new residence, and personal travel expenses. These costs are not indicative of every move and therefore, may result in higher or lower moving costs based on your individual moving needs.