May 4th, 2010
Richmond Moving Tips!
If you’re moving into a new Richmond home, your pockets probably feel pretty empty right now. You’ve just paid a down payment, closing costs etc, so the last thing you want is an expensive move. Here are some tips to help you pack up and ship out on a budget no matter if you are moving across the street, across town or across the country!
If you don’t need it, don’t pay to move it. Movers base their prices on what you’re shipping, so cutting down on clutter will simplify your life and lighten up the load in the moving truck. We’re talking to you, the owner of the treadmill-turned-drying-rack. You can sell what you don’t need or donate it to charity.
Get multiple in-home estimates. There are many good movers in the Richmond area. Make some calls and talk to 3 or 4. If you’re hiring a professional mover to do the heavy lifting and packing, prices can vary widely between companies.
Don’t use a jack-leg or fly-by-night mover! You’ll be loading up all your worldly possessions and putting them on a truck with a few workers you barely know. Protect yourself! Look for red flags and get recommendations from friends and neighbors to avoid getting scammed. Skye Bruce properties has a list of recommended movers and you can also check with the Richmond Better Business Bureau to make sure your mover is reliable.
Use what you have for packing, and then buy your own supplies. Moving companies often charge hefty fees for packing supplies. Save money by filling up containers you already have, like suitcases or plastic bins. Use sheets and linens to wrap items. Buy the packing materials you still need from a recycled box company, or get them free from a local business.
Ask questions to unearth hidden moving costs. Even legitimate movers might not spill all the costs unless you ask. To get an accurate quote of your total, ask if they’ll charge for heavy items, repacking, stairs or waiting so you are not surprised when you get the final bill.
Use portable storage and delivery. Companies like PODS will deliver a storage unit to your door. You’ll save money packing it yourself, and they’ll pick it up and deliver it to your new digs. Not a bad option if you don’t have a lot to move.
Rent a truck for a totally do-it-yourself move. Young and have a strong back? Renting a truck and doing it yourself is the most cost-effective way to move. Enlist your friends and family for packing.
Get moving insurance. Even the best movers have one potential pitfall: They’re human. If you do wind up with a lost or damaged item, you’ll likely need more than the measly 60-cent-per-pound coverage that comes free to replace it. Don’t skimp on this if you have nice furnishings!
Deduct your moving expenses from your taxes. Don’t forget to save those receipts — you can also save money after the big move! If you relocated for a new full-time job at least 50 miles away from your previous home, you can deduct the cost of packing, transporting or storing your household goods from next year’s tax return.
From home listings to home marketing to home searches to house hunting to mortgages to home inspections to closings and moving; selling and buying a home can be a complicated process. At Skye Bruce Properties we have a team of industry experts to help you every step of the way. Our expertise in supporting our clients throughout the home selling and buying process is what has made Skye Bruce Properties one of the Top 10 largest volume real estate teams in all of Central Virginia. It’s why so many individuals and families choose Skye Bruce Properties! Contact Skye Bruce Properties!
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