moving costs

6 Ways New Grads Can Save on Moving Costs

Kat Tretina — Tue, 01 May 2018 08:30:20 +0000

If you're planning on moving to another state, get ready for sticker shock. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, the average cost of an out-of-state move is over $5,000. And when you're a new graduate fresh out of school, you likely don't have that kind of money stashed away.

However, that doesn't mean you have to give up your plans. There are ways to reduce your moving costs to make it more affordable. With some planning and a little homework, you can dramatically reduce how much you'll need to spend to move. (See also: Avoid These 6 Common Mistakes When Moving Across the Country)

Here are six ways you can make your move more budget-friendly.

1. Check Craigslist and Facebook for free packing materials

If you're spending money on boxes, Bubble Wrap, and packing materials, you're needlessly throwing cash away. You can find packing materials, including large boxes and mattress protectors, for free on sites like Craigslist or the Facebook Marketplace. People often leave the items out at the curb, so you can just drive by and pick them up.

2. Consider container-based shipping for long-distance moves

If you're moving far away, hiring movers to drive your stuff to the new location can cost thousands. A cost-effective alternative is using a shipping-container moving service like PODS or U-Pack. They cost a fraction of what a traditional mover would charge.

For example, when I moved from Pennsylvania to Florida, a moving company quoted me $6,000 to deliver my things. I did my research and decided to go with PODS. Their price was just $1,000, freeing up more money for my other expenses.

With these shipping services, the company drops off a shipping container at your home. You can load it up on your own schedule. Of course, you're doing all the heavy lifting yourself, packing and unpacking the containers, but the massive savings is hard to resist. Once you're finished — whether it's the same day or the next week — you call the company to request a pickup. They pick up the container and ship it to your new home when you're ready.

3. Seek out budget-friendly mover alternatives

Sometimes, offering friends pizza or beer just won't cut it; you might have to rely on movers, instead. However, that doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune.

Rather than hiring an expensive moving company, you can rent a moving truck from U-Haul or Penske for as little as $20. If you need help with the heavy lifting, you can hire help through sites like TaskRabbit or Handy. They often charge much less than the moving companies will quote you.

4. Move midweek

If you go with a moving company, you can reduce your bill by moving midweek rather than the weekend. Most people move on the weekends, so that's when companies charge premiums. There's less demand during the workweek, so you'll pay less for your move.

5. Purchase discounted gift cards

Unexpected purchases pop up during a move. From spackling to patch up walls or needing a tool kit, those little extras can add up. You can stretch your budget by purchasing discounted gift cards ahead of your move. You can get cards to stores like Walmart, Lowe's, and Home Depot for up to 25 percent off, making your purchases more affordable. To find discounted gift cards, check out Gift Card Granny or Raise. (See also: How to Rack Up Extra Rewards Points by Buying Gift Cards)

6. Sell as much as you can

Selling your stuff helps you out during a big move in two ways:

You'll have more cash in your pocket

You could make hundreds or even thousands of dollars selling unused stuff in your home. By selling things you no longer need, you can make money to help finance your move.

You'll have fewer things to move

With fewer things, you'll save money on your move. Most moving companies base your moving costs on the amount of stuff you have and the total weight of your belongings. By cutting back, you could reduce your moving expenses.

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This article is from Kat Tretina of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

4 Countries Where You Can Live on $1,000 a Month

Nick Wharton — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 09:30:09 +0000

There are many reasons why you might be thinking about taking the plunge, uprooting your life, and moving abroad. Perhaps you're looking to find an exotic retirement paradise where you can make the most of no longer having to spend so much of your time going to work. It could be that you're moving for work or education reasons. Or maybe you're just looking for a new and exciting experience in an unfamiliar country. (See also: 9 Ways Expats Can Maintain Their Credit Scores)

Regardless of your reasons, cost will probably be a central factor in where you decide to end up. Your choice of destination could mean the difference between living in luxury and scraping pennies together to make ends meet. If you're on the lookout for somewhere cheap to call home, here are four countries where you can live for $1,000 per month.

All costs are based on information gathered from Numbeo, the world's largest database of user contributed data about cities and countries worldwide.

Mexico

There are many reasons that Mexico is one of the most popular destinations for Americans to move to. It's nearby and convenient to travel to, the weather in much of the country is temperate year-round, and the cuisine is so delicious it's been exported all over the globe. Mexico is also extremely diverse, with its mixture of vast cities, popular beach resorts, and rural villages catering to all tastes. On top of this, it's far cheaper to live in than the U.S. (See also: 5 Countries That Welcome American Retirees)

Rent prices are a major reason for the difference in the cost of living. They are on average a quarter of the cost of rents in the U.S., with the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically coming in at around $272. You can expect basic utilities and internet services to cost under $60 per month combined.

Food costs are also low, with fresh produce prices from local markets being far lower than in the U.S. You'll even be able to afford to eat out regularly, as a meal at an inexpensive restaurant will total less than $5.

Transportation costs are low no matter where you are in the country, with one-way tickets on local transportation averaging 42 cents. Taxi flag fare is about $1.60, plus you'll pay around 77 cents per mile after that. Also, health care is generally half or less than what you'd expect to pay in the United States. (See also: How Almost Anyone Can Afford to Retire in Mexico)

Thailand

Southeast Asia is a well sought after destination for those on the lookout for something exotic, and Thailand is probably the most favored country in the region. Expats tend to head to either the large cities with great infrastructure like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, or the tropical islands with their white sand beaches and laid-back lifestyle.

One of the most attractive things about living in Thailand is just how affordable it is, regardless of where in the country you choose to settle. Rent is significantly cheaper, costing about 40 percent of the average rent in the U.S. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages around $494 per month. Utilities and internet for your apartment will total around $96 a month.

Thai food is some of the most celebrated in the world, and you'll be happy to hear that it's also extremely inexpensive. Street food is a huge part of the culture, so much so that many Thai homes don't have a kitchen. You can eat out for just a couple of dollars per meal, and even midrange restaurants are unlikely to cost you more than $10 per head.

Transportation is cheap, too. A one-way journey on local transportation will set you back around 83 cents, and tuk tuks or taxis are also an affordable option, costing $1.09 to get started and around 60 cents per mile thereafter. (See also: How I Saved Enough for a Down Payment While Working in China)

India

India isn't necessarily the first place that would spring to many people's minds when it comes to expat destinations. However, it's got a booming economy and a large number of English speakers, which helps to break down any potential language barriers. If the subcontinent immediately conjures up images of the chaotic streets of New Delhi, it's worth noting that the country also has stunning mountain scenery, laid-back beach towns, and tranquil hill stations.

Rent prices are some of the cheapest in the world, coming in at only 15 percent of the average U.S. rent, with a one-bedroom city center apartment averaging $174. Because prices are so low, it's easy to upgrade to more luxurious lodgings if you choose without breaking the bank. Either way, around $50 will be enough to cover your monthly utilities and internet bills.

The food in India is some of the most flavorful in the world, and it's also unbelievably cheap. Inexpensive meals will cost you little more than $2, and a meal at a midrange restaurant will be under $5, so you'll be able to eat out a lot if you choose to.

Getting around is affordable, too. A one-way fare on local transportation will cost around 30 cents, and taxi flag fare is 78 cents, with each additional mile costing about 33 cents. (See also: 13 Financial Steps to Take Before Retiring Abroad)

Colombia

Colombia's reputation has been improving for the past few years, and it's now regularly touted as one of the "it" destinations for travelers to visit. From its super modern cities to it's chilled out Caribbean coast and lush countryside, the country's varied environments make it a wonderful place to live.

Colombia's popularity among expats is growing considerably. As the country sheds its tumultuous past, more and more retirees and expats are finding that the country is safe and offers great value for the cost.

Rental costs in Colombia, even in the bigger cities, are far lower than in the U.S. It costs around $277 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, about a quarter of the average rent price in the U.S. Utilities and internet services average less than $100 per month, leaving you with plenty to spend on other things such as sampling the delicious cuisine.

Fresh food is very affordable throughout Colombia, and eating out is also a popular pastime thanks to the affordability of restaurants. For a few dollars, you can get an inexpensive meal, and for less than $10, you can eat at a midrange restaurant.

Transportation in Colombia is quite advanced, particularly in the big cities, which have good metro and bus networks. A one-way journey on local transportation will cost around 70 cents, and you may want to stick to it because taxis are considerably more expensive at about $2.53 per mile on top of a $1.57 flag fare. (See also: 5 Countries Where You Can Retire for $1,000 a Month)

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This article is from Nick Wharton of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The ABC’s of DIY Moving

Kentin Waits — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 13:00:07 +0000

The thought of moving is enough to strike fear in the hearts of the bravest souls. Relocating on-the-cheap (without the benefit of a team of professional movers, a sea of boxes and bubble-wrap, and a small fleet of vans), well, that’s just plain hard. For most of us, high-end moving services aren’t part of our reality and moving still involves straining the bonds of friendship, frustrated all-night packing marathons, and eating croutons and bacon bits for lunch because we’ve packed the rest of the food.

With some simple preparation, a laser-like focus, and lots of patience, moving on a budget can be less of a hassle. Here are eight tips for successful DIY moving.

Purge

Over the years, we become unconsciously married to our household items. Either through sentimentality or just plain habit, we tend to hold onto everything without a critical look at what needs replacing, no longer fits our lifestyle, or doesn't suit our taste. Moving is a perfect time for a serious review of the "stuff" in our lives. Take a look at everything big and small. What can be purged through charitable donation? What can be sold on eBay or Craigslist? What should just be tossed in the recycling bin? The more you reduce your load before the move, the less organization, packing, and unloading required later. Making a few bucks on unwanted items before moving can also help ease the budget burden during the move.

Prepare and Organize

Once you’ve pared down, it’s time to get organized. During a big move, I keep a calendar of what needs to be done day-by-day in order to be out of the old place and into the new place on-time and with my sanity relatively intact. Weekdays are for logistics — calling the new utility companies, handling address changes, getting quotes on van rentals or storage facilities, etc. Evenings and weekends are reserved for collecting boxes, cleaning, and packing. Two or three tasks accomplished each day helps keep a move manageable without putting the rest of your life on hold.

Box It Up

Never underestimate the number of boxes you’ll need for a move, and (trust me on this) it’s always better to have too many that too few. I’ve never embraced the idea of paying for cardboard boxes, so I hit the grocery stores, dollar stores, and warehouse clubs continuously in the weeks preceding a move. Most places will happily give you as many as you can carry; it saves them the expense of crushing and disposal. Keep in mind, larger grocery stores restock their shelves during off-hours, so late evenings are your best bet for finding fields of boxes just waiting to be recycled. While you’re at it, keep an eye out for newspaper and bubble wrap that may also be headed to the recycling bin.

Label

Consistent, easy-to-read, and accurate labeling of boxes can make all the difference if you need to unpack over time or divide your move between a storage space and new home. I use bright paper and bold black markers to clearly label (in two or three words) what’s in each box. Remember, labels always go on the sides of the boxes — top labels just get covered up when boxes are stacked.

Put the Word Out

Labor is always at a premium during a move. Putting the word out to good-hearted friends and family weeks in advance can help get more "yeses" and keep things congenial and on-track during the move. Scheduling and rotating your team of helpers can help avoid frustration, exhaustion, and taxed friendships. Strong coffee (or the adult beverage of your choice), snacks, and frequent breaks keep everyone motivated and help show consideration.

Rent wisely

For a move of any significant size, a moving van or truck rental is probably required. Local and national options are usually available, but keep in mind that additional charges might be lurking in those advertised low prices. Daily moving rates seldom include mileage or extras like moving pads. Watch out for the nickel-and-dime fees and remember to refuel before your return or get stuck with an astronomical price-per-gallon charge.

Store It

The past few years have seen a boom in the storage industry. Our society is in transition, financially struggling, and on-the-move. Before you rent a storage space, be sure to shop around, get a few different quotes, and check each place out with a critical eye. First, look for water damage; it might suggest the building isn’t weather tight or well-insulated. Keep an eye out for rodent droppings, gnawed wood, or other signs of an infestation problem. Look for ways to breach security within your space — are the units divided by solid walls, or just chain link fence? Though you’ll probably supply your own padlock, is the locking mechanism and latch in good shape and solid? Is the facility remote and poorly lit, or bright and well-monitored?

Pack a Bag

The chaos that moving creates affects all aspects of our lives. One small way to battle the disruption is to pre-pack the essentials. Approach this day-to-day bag as you would if you were traveling — what will you need every day during your move that might otherwise inadvertently get packed away? Medication, extra clothes, toiletries, computer essentials, unpaid bills, checkbooks, and work supplies should all be considered. The last thing you want to do is survey a wall of boxes at 6:00 a.m. while trying to figure out where your employee security badge is.

Even the best moving plan can’t account for every contingency. Moving is disruptive, chaotic, and stressful. These tips can only help prevent some of the more common logistical and financial pitfalls from the getting the best of us. Worst case scenario: Two stacked computer paper boxes make a great coffee table, and croutons and bacon bits eventually start to taste like a ham sandwich. Happy moving!

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This article is from Kentin Waits of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Pack Up Your House: Tips for Saving Money (and Sanity) on a Move

Tisha Tolar — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:00:45 +0000

The idea of moving to a new home or even a whole new location can be one of the more exciting times of your life — that is until you look behind you and see all of the furniture, clothing, plates, glasses, and appliances that have to be relocated along with you. Moving is not only a time-intensive process, it can also be an expensive one if you don’t plan ahead. Unpreparedness can lead to rash decisions and impulse buys, making the move cost you way more than you bargained for during the process.

When you are ready to get the job done, consider this a packing guide to keep things sane and less expensive.

Prep Early

Generally most people don’t make a move with just a few days notice. So start planning as soon as you know the move is going to happen. Every time you go to the grocery store, ask the store manager for spare boxes. Take them apart and store them flat to save room while you pack. (Tip: the best boxes for packing silverware, glasses, and other small items come from the liquor store because they have segregated bottle boxes that are extra sturdy.) Also, start picking up other supplies like tape, markers, trash bags, and cleaning supplies in the weeks before the move so you don’t wind up with one big expense closer to moving day.

Reserve Truck ASAP

Chances are you’ll need a large truck to move your belongings. As soon as you have nailed down a date, make a reservation for the truck. Compare prices for national rental companies online but don’t forget to check out local businesses that might be cheaper. If you live in an area with college kids or a larger city, check local advertisements for moving services. Many times a laborer or two (i.e. college students) are looking for some extra cash and they can help you during a do-it-yourself move. If you don’t make a reservation as soon as possible, you risk not finding a truck available on your moving date, resulting in having to pay out extra cash to rent anything you can find. Reserve a truck that will be suitable for your move by estimating how much stuff you’ll have to take in one trip. Most rental places will estimate by the amount of rooms you have. If you go too small, you’ll have to make additional trips that can cost your mileage and gas.

Start Packing Early

Make a plan to start packing items you do not often use. Schedule to hit one room at a time to keep from feeling overwhelmed with the task at hand. Pack items to go with you in a box and label with a different colored maker for different rooms. Since you are not in a rush, you might also want to write the box contents on the outside so you’ll know what is in the box at first glance. Mark the most important boxes with a star. Continue with a new room each day until you pack up what is not necessary.

Toss the Junk

As you pack, toss the stuff you don’t need. You certainly do not want to move junk you don’t need to your new place. It wastes time and effort, not to mention space in the truck. If you have the means and space, contact the local waste management service in your area to inquire about a dumpster. Prices are usually reasonable and you might be more motivated to toss the garbage if there is a nearby receptacle. You might also look in your local paper for small businesses that haul junk. Ask for a quote from 2-3 places before making a decision on a junk hauler. Also make sure the person doing the hauling will take anything you have.

Final Packing

When you are ready to move to your new place, pack the rest of your house in boxes that are marked by room in a different colored marker and mark these boxes with a star so you’ll know exactly which boxes you’ll need to find when you reach your new place. You can place all of the starred boxes on one location for easier access. Otherwise, you are likely to run out to the store and get your essentials rather than sort through tons of boxes, money you don’t need to spend.

Avoid the Newness Overload

When you reach your new place and you begin to unpack, resist the temptation to start wanting new everything. It may not be much fun to unpack a bunch of used things in a new location but just remember that impulsive buys will cost you money and likely not work in your favor. You need time to sort, place, and unpack all of your belongings before rushing out to get new throw rugs and other decorations. Give yourself time to understand what items you really need. During that time, you also have a chance to recover your savings, allowing you to purchase quality items that will last instead of a bunch of cheap things to satisfy your excitement.

Rental Return

Don't forget to gas the truck back up to the same amount that was in it when you rented the vehicle or you'll end up paying way more in fees. Return the truck on time and follow the instructions. Be sure to report any damage you may have caused immediately to avoid further charges.

Revisit Unopened Boxes

After six months time passes, any box you have yet to open in the new house should be quickly sorted and tossed. This will help keep old clutter at bay. Anything that is still worthy, you may consider selling it online or through a yard sale. Proceeds from these sales can be put toward the purchase of new items for the house. Continue this cycle every 6-12 months and keep your house organized while making a little money on the side.

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This article is from Tisha Tolar of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Minimize the Cost of Living When Moving: The Cost of Living Myth

Craig Ford — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:00:12 +0000

“You’re crazy. I can’t afford to move there — the cost of living is way too high.”

When looking for jobs in new markets people correctly investigate the cost of living. Cost of living is an important consideration when moving to a new location. Nevertheless, there are many false assumptions regarding the cost of living differences.

People falsely assume the cost of living calculator is infallible. While there are many sites that can give you some of those numbers, you should realize those numbers only represents a static mathematical equation. Your purchases, habits, and product usage will not be static. Therefore, you can reduce the cost of living expenses incurred by moving to a new city

The cost of living myth is that you cannot afford to move to certain cities unless you make “x” number of dollars. This simply is not true.

I have experienced a lot of moves in my adult life. This post did not evolve out of some theoretical concepts. They are practical experiences. I have lived in three countries internationally and four different states. My conclusion is this: cost of living differences can be dealt with by lifestyle adjustments not just income adjustments.

The Ice Cream Factor: Buy Less of What Costs More

Two liters of ice cream in my hometown (Alotau, Papua New Guinea) starts at $7.00 and goes as high as $11.00. While living in the States, we could buy the same amount of ice cream for $3. The static mathematical reality is that ice cream costs two to three times more. However, the practical reality is that we have adjusted how often we buy ice cream — less. Therefore, we now spend $7.00 per month instead of $9.00, for three containers of ice cream. Total difference = spend $2.00 less per month on ice cream.

You can minimize the impact of a cost of living change by buying more expensive items less frequently.

The Fruit Factor: Buy Local Alternatives

There are certain North American fruits we cannot find. There are, however, things like apples that are available in our stores. Those items are shipped in from either Australia or New Zealand. Because they come in from overseas we pay around .50-.75 cents per apple. However, we have found fruits like Pomello (similar to grapefruit) that only cost .30 cents during harvesting season. So instead of spending .50 cents on apples, we buy pomellos for .30 cents.

You can minimize the impact of a cost of living change by buying local alternatives or items in season.

The House Factor: Downsize

Housing is probably one of the most discussed parts of the cost of living. A four bedroom house is $150,000 here and $200,000 there. Yet, there are still ways to make the move if you wish. Perhaps instead of buying a four bedroom house you purchase a two bedroom house. Yes, you are not getting the same amount of house, but you are still only paying $150,000 for a house. You might even consider buying a house that has an unfinished basement or something that allows you to improve in the future.

You can minimize the impact of a cost of living change by downsizing and reducing your expectations.

The Transportation Factor: Minimize

Trucks (necessary due to the number of pot holes) cost a lot to maintain where I live overseas. Unleaded gasoline costs around $7 per gallon. Still, you can get around this buy buying cars that are older than you might typically buy. Furthermore, as you explore transportation alternatives you might find that your new location has a very good public transportation system. We pay .36 cents to ride the bus anywhere in town. I know many people who live in Asia who don’t buy a car or truck, but who purchase a scooter instead.

You can minimize the impact of a cost of living change by minimizing your vehicle usage or exploring cheaper local transportation alternatives.

The Vacation Factor: Enjoy New Sites and Sounds

If you have just moved to a new city for at least that year (and probably more), you can enjoy the destinations within driving distance of your new home. Perhaps you are moving from Utah to Florida. Take a vacation to the beach and you will save on airfare and other travel expenses. Perhaps you moved from Florida to Utah. Take advantage of some great camping destinations or skiing in the winter. When looking for something fun, look locally before thinking about heading out of town.

You can minimize the impact of a cost of living change by vacationing in and around your new home.

Can you afford to move to a city with a higher cost of living?

I hope when thinking about a future move, you won’t just accept the cost of living myth. Ask yourself, “will it really cost that much more?” “Is there anything I can do to reduce the cost of living impact?” For example, when living overseas you will need to explore the cheapest ways to exchange foreign currency. When it comes to making your moving decision don’t just get online and let a website tell you if you can afford to move. The calculator is static, but you must be willing to adapt, to be flexible, and to be financially resourceful. Ultimately, you can make up for a lot of cost of living changes simply by life style changes.

What are your experiences with moving? What was the cost of living impact?

Guest Post Blurb:

This is a guest post by Craig Ford, author of Money Wisdom From Proverbs. Read more from Craig on his blog, Money Help For Christians.

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This article is from Craig Ford of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

9 Ways to Save on a Move

Coupon Sherpa — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:00:05 +0000

For those of us who have been somewhat transient in the past, moving invokes nausea. The fierce rip of packing tape and musty odor of boxes can make anyone's head spin — and then you fork over big bucks for movers, a truck, and storage. Relocation is beyond the definition of hassle.

There's no way to eliminate all stress associated with moving. But with some extra planning you can at least save money on the essentials. Starting early is key to keeping your financial options wide open.

1. Get moving company recommendations from friends and family.

The cheapest price may get you boxes of broken dishes and torn upholstery. On one occasion, the bottom dollar company we hired never showed up on the day of our move. Paying an extra $100 for a better reputation is well worth it. And regardless of who you use, always confirm several days out as well as just before your move.

2. Negotiate rates and/or services.

Make sure you ask several vital questions before getting a quote:

Does the rate include a two- or three-man crew?
How much is the trip fee?
Do you charge extra for moving up and down flights of stairs?
Is there an extra charge for moving large objects like pianos?
Are dolly and moving blanket rentals included?

After you have a solid quote including all charges, call around to get comparables. Although many large, centrally run companies can't negotiate prices, they can throw in extras for free.

3. Snag boxes from grocery and department stores.

While you don't want soggy old boxes carting the family heirlooms from one abode to another, you can still find solid boxes in good shape from local merchants. Ask a manager when they receive shipment and offer to take some boxes off their hands. I picked up some wine boxes from Walmart during our last move and had built in padding for moving dishes.

4. Ask about two-way and one-way rates on trucks.

Prices vary wildly for truck rentals depending upon your destination. If you happen to relocate to a college town around the semester break, you'll probably get a stellar rate since most moving companies there need a surplus of trucks for students moving away after graduating. Sometimes it's cheaper (even accounting gas costs) to drive the truck back to its original pick up location.

5. Know when to pay by the hour or pay a flat rate.

If you are moving from a two or three bedroom apartment, you'll probably get a better rate paying hourly — especially if you have everything stacked neatly and ready to load. Moving from larger house, you'll want to get flat rate quotes since hourly will run you a higher price tag.

6. Avoid storage delivery/pickup services.

They sound too good to be true...because they are. The new thing is a mobile storage facility that's delivered to your site. You pack it and they move it to storage until you need it. Every quote I've received for these companies is at least 300% higher than the same service with a crew that helps you move boxes. You'll have to pack it yourself and even pay more than if you had professional help! Unless you're rolling in money, this will kill your moving budget.

7. Move on a weekday — preferably Tuesday.

Statistically, gas prices are cheaper on Tuesday. And most movers charge less for weekday moves. But this can change based on demand so get a quote for several dates.

8. Dump some junk.

Do you drag the same junk from house to house? If you're not going to use that weight bench anymore, why waste money moving it? Salvation Army and thrift stores will often pick up quality furniture or appliances. You can also try selling your stuff on Craigslist or eBay.

9. Inquire about truck rental and storage packages.

Some movers, like Uhaul, offer packages for folks who need truck rentals and storage facilities. Sometimes the deals can get you a month of free storage with a certain size truck rental. Make sure you check out how what type of storage is being offered — climate controlled will be more expensive than an outdoor garage.

Guest Post Blurb:

This is a guest post by the Coupon Sherpa, a source of reliable online, printable and grocery coupons. You can download the free Coupon Sherpa iphone app with in-store mobile coupons, or check out more great tips from the Ask Coupon Sherpa blog:

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This article is from Coupon Sherpa of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: