Moving Tips

Want some moving know-how?

I’m talking insight into the dirty secrets of moving companies, and advice for handling the hardest cross-country moves. I’m talking moving tips from moving experts who understand that moving means more than throwing money at U-Haul and using cardboard boxes.

Well, you’re in luck. In this article, you will find moving tip after moving tip, 50 of them to be exact. Read them. Write them down. And when it’s time to move, remember them. One little tip can go a long way in making a move smoother than soft-serve ice cream on a hot, sunny day.

Here are our top 50 Moving Tips:

MovingGuru.com’s Moving Tips

1. Get multiple moving quotes – At worst, free moving quotes will give you a good idea about how much moving will cost you, preparing you for further negotiations with movers. At best, they’ll turn you on to a great moving company.
2. Read our eBook – We published our eBook for Kindle, and it’s a classic read. The Moby Dick of moving books, if you will. If you would like a PDF version, let us know.
3. Start early – The best tip we have is to not procrastinate. The more you think about your move and start doing stuff, the less likely you will end up in a desperate situation.
4. DIY move on Saturday – If you’re moving on your own, move on Saturday. It’s the most relaxing day, and you always have Sunday to finish up.
5. Get free moving supplies – Getting free moving supplies can save you between $50-200 on average.
6. Ship some boxes – In most situations, shipping moving boxes by train or mail is WAY cheaper than hiring a moving company or moving pod. You can save thousands, so long as you don’t need to move a couch.
7. Get a flat rate or a binding not-to-exceed price – Having an actual price that you know won’t be exceeded is a relaxing thing. On moving day, you don’t want to find out your move is actually going to cost you $1,500 more than expected.
8. Know who the AMSA is – If you end up with a dispute with your movers, the AMSA might be able to really help you out.
9. Don’t wear headphones – Do-it-yourself movers might want some tunes for moving day, but it’s a bad idea. Those headphones will get caught on many things. Blast your fav Backstreet Boys’ CD through some speakers instead.
10. Tell the DMV – Change your address with the DMV (or your state’s department of transportation). It’s extremely important.
11. Budget – Creating a moving budget is very important, unless you’re so rich money doesn’t matter.
12. Sell some big things – Selling a mammoth bed or armoire can save you a lot more money that it costs.
13. Shop for movers – Don’t just hire the first mover you find. Shop around, like looking for the perfect pair of shoes. Ask questions, get quotes, and, in the end, side with the cheapest and most reputable option. Chances are it won’t be the first one you called.
14. Understand how movers charge – You should know how moving companies charge, so you can negotiate for the best pricing option.
15. Get a moving contract – Really, make sure you have one.
16. Read your moving contract – Did I stutter? READ YOUR MOVING CONTRACT. Learn what a moving contract is, and what should be in your moving contract.
17. Ask questions – What will you be charged for? Do your movers get paid lunch? Are you insured? Check here for more questions to ask your movers.
18. Check your movers’ reputation online – Read online reviews and look for any complaints of scams.
19. Try to move mid-month, mid-week – Mid-month and mid-week are the cheapest times to move. The weekend before the end of the month is the most expensive.
20. Check the weather – If you’re moving on your own, start checking the weather a week before moving day. If it’s going to rain/snow/blaze/freeze, plan accordingly.
21. Pack on your own – Even if you have a TON of stuff, packing what you can on your own can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Get the whole family involved.
22. Clean up – You don’t need to have a $400 cleaning charge tacked onto your moving bill. Make sure you clean up your old place.
23. Be willing to sell stuff – The more you sell, the less you have to move, the cheaper your move will be, the more money you’ll have in your pocket. It’s win-win-win.
24. Label – When packing, label each box with the contents and the room it’s going to. That way, you won’t be opening a box of silverware in your third floor bedroom, or searching for hours for the box that contains your printer cord.
25. Consider a moving pod over a rental truck – Moving pods might be more expensive, but they’re a lot easier than driving a moving truck.
26. Get help – You should be able to sucker friends and family into helping you for a fraction of the price of actual movers. For example, my going “friend” rate is two pints of beer to move stuff for a couple hours on a Sunday.  Movers will charge about $250 for that…
27. Get furniture sliders – Furniture sliders will let you move heavy furniture without lifting it or carving up your flooring.
28. Group related items – Silverware goes with knives. Electronics go with cords. Knives DO NOT go with cords.
29. Forward your mail – Make sure to forward your mail to your new address. About two weeks before you move, go to USPS.com and set your address to change the day before you move.
30. Avoid storage costs – Storage, whether self-storage or storage with a moving company, is expensive. Avoid these costs by selling excess stuff and making sure you beat your moving company to your new home.
31. Climate control – If you’re going to get self storage, make sure it’s climate controlled.
32. Plan how to tip your movers – Calculate your tip to movers before moving day, and have the right amount of cash on hand, so you don’t end up doing something embarrassing.
33. Provide water – Whoever is handling the move, make sure there’s plenty of water on hand.
34. Use your muscles! – The more work you do, whether it’s packing, loading, or driving, the less you’ll have to pay in the end.
35. Insist on an in-home survey – In-home moving estimates are the most-accurate moving estimates you can get.
36. Hide your valuables and embarrassing items – Movers are people, too. If they find your polka-dot panties, they might take a picture for Facebook. They also might jack your watch.
37. Lock the moving truck – Treat a moving truck as though it’s your home, because it kind of is.
38. Check your new home for faults – After your move, make sure to check for defects, like broken screens, chipped paint, etc. It can save you a lot of money when your landlord tries to charge you for it.
39. Get a dolly – If you do need to move a couch, a dolly will help immensely.
40. Get a nearby rental truck – Rental trucks charge you by mile, so if you get one that’s located twenty miles away, you’re tacking on an extra $15-20 to your move.
41. List your possessions – Go through your house and list everything you own. Mark the stuff that you intend to move with you. You’ll be very happy to have that list on hand when it’s time to plan your move, talk to movers, and navigate the chaos of moving day.
42. Use rubber bands – Rubber bands are a great way to keep cords from getting jumbled.
43. Wear shoes – Sandals will increase your chances of tripping, and going barefoot is just foolish.
44. Know where you’re moving – Have a map on hand of your new city, including where your new home is located.
45. Have a moving-away party – It’s a good way to remember the place you’re leaving.
46. Having a moving-in party – It’s a good way to meet people in the place you’re moving to.
47. Meet your neighbors – Be nice when you move in. At least say hello.
48. Save two weeks to explore before work starts – Give yourself some time to get acquainted with a new area.
49. Stop talking about where you used to live – People in Phoenix don’t care about how much better Boston is, so stop being that guy/gal.
50. Be optimistic – Wherever you’re going, whoever you’re leaving, and whatever you’ll be doing, stay optimistic. There’s no benefit to hating where you live. If you do, you’re only damning yourself. So, find the place’s positives, and enjoy them.