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4 Professional Moving Tips Straight From the Professionals

Moving houses can be physically and mentally challenging. Without proper planning or preparation, it can also crush you financially. In fact, according to the American Moving and Storage Association, the average cost of interstate moves is roughly $4,300. Multiply this by the number of times the average American moves, which according to the U.S. Census Bureau is 11.7 times throughout a lifetime, and this amounts to almost $50,000 in moving costs. To help you execute a cost-effective and hassle-free move, here are four tips sourced straight from professional movers themselves. 

1. Lose Some Luggage

Many professional movers are astonished by how much stuff people pack with them that they don't necessarily need. Items that should be considered low value and thus low priority include worn-out clothing, bulky and damaged furniture and electronics, and half-empty containers of bathroom or kitchen supplies. You can sell these items by posting them online or through a garage sale, or you can donate your still-usable items to non-profit organizations or friends. Remember that professional moving companies take into account weight and distance when writing a quote. Hence, the lighter the load, the less expensive your moving cost is. 

2. Time Your Move

Timing is everything, especially if you're planning to hire professional movers. Avoid waiting until the last minute to contact prospects. The end of every month is usually the peak time for moving businesses. In addition, if your move-out date is during the summer months and/or college breaks, make sure to schedule and to reserve your planned move-out date weeks in advance. Moving trucks and helpers are often in high demand during these times of the year. Even if you do manage to find someone who can help you move, the quotes are often higher due to higher-than-normal demand. 

3. Know Where to Look for Free Packing Supplies

Local businesses, such as liquor stores, have to restock their inventories on a regular basis, such as every week or so. The goods delivered to them come in large cardboard boxes that they don't really need and usually just throw out. Most of these businesses will give the boxes away for free or at a very low cost. In addition, instead of bubble wrap and packing peanuts, you can also ask for old newspapers and magazines from your workplace or friends/family. Old rags and clothes can also be used to wrap fragile items, such mirrors and kitchenware. 

4. Keep an Essentials Bag With You

If you are having your personal belongings shipped through a professional moving company or a courier service, keep an essentials bag with you in case you arrive at your new place before your stuff does. Pack a clean set of clothes, toiletries, personal hygiene products, pet supplies, medications, and any other important items that you use daily. This will give you the option to rough it out for the night in case your moving boxes arrive late. 

These moving tips will not only help you save money, but they will also create a smooth transition from point A to point B. After all, moving should be a positive experience that marks the start of a new life and new opportunities that abound.