Expenses are likely to vary by locality, but it would be helpful to obtain some tips regarding a planned move. The move will be to another city located 200 miles from our current location. Our home is large, and I suspect that items would completely fill one of the largest moving vans. Questions involve experiences with cost for moving when smaller items other than furniture are already packed, expected charges for an "all-inclusive" move, tips regarding the move, and any suggestions of whether to use one of the large, national firms or a more local one. We have not obtained quotes at this point. All comments related to the topic will be greatly appreciated. This will be a personal move that is not job related. I have seen threads regarding employer allocations for moves and deductible expenses when moving for employment but little on a personal move.
Tim
Moving Expenses:
Re: Moving Expenses:
Used United Van Lines in 2016 for a 400mi move. All inclusive move (pack, load, unload). We only filled maybe 3/4 of a 18wheeler trailer and it ran about $4000-4500. This was an employer sponsored move so no help on the deductions.
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- Posts: 772
- Joined: Wed Jun 30, 2010 4:05 pm
Re: Moving Expenses:
Having moved many times I can tell you it is usually quite expensive especially if the movers pack everything for you.
Do you have outside lawn equipment such as snowblower, lawnmower? Must be drained. No propane tanks will be allowed or any fuel of any type.
Will you need special crating for mirrors, glass tops for tables, delicate statues? All extra. Make sure that the people sent to do special crating are bonded and insured. I asked this question during one move and they were not! I insisted that they find another company to crate items.
Any special cartons cost more such as wardrobe for clothing or unusual sizes that they build from multiple boxes put together. Mattress boxes are extra.
Usually the movers send an advance team with packaging materials to pack up the house before the actual move. Then the moving team arrives to fill up the truck and then decide which day to make the drive to your new home. This may be days from taking your possessions so make sure you know where they will be storing the truck.
This will get you started thinking about things, but there are many other items that others may mention as the dialog continues.
Do you have outside lawn equipment such as snowblower, lawnmower? Must be drained. No propane tanks will be allowed or any fuel of any type.
Will you need special crating for mirrors, glass tops for tables, delicate statues? All extra. Make sure that the people sent to do special crating are bonded and insured. I asked this question during one move and they were not! I insisted that they find another company to crate items.
Any special cartons cost more such as wardrobe for clothing or unusual sizes that they build from multiple boxes put together. Mattress boxes are extra.
Usually the movers send an advance team with packaging materials to pack up the house before the actual move. Then the moving team arrives to fill up the truck and then decide which day to make the drive to your new home. This may be days from taking your possessions so make sure you know where they will be storing the truck.
This will get you started thinking about things, but there are many other items that others may mention as the dialog continues.
- lthenderson
- Posts: 8499
- Joined: Tue Feb 21, 2012 11:43 am
- Location: Iowa
Re: Moving Expenses:
I've used a moving company that packed up everything, moved it, and unloaded it in the proper rooms on the other end. They even set up the beds. I highly recommend going this route. I pretty much told them to take the lazy boy last and sat on it drinking a couple beers while they did the work. On the other end, it was first out and I did pretty much the same thing while they unloaded.
I have hired a local company before that didn't offer packing so I had to box up everything myself. It was quite a bit cheaper but a lot of work and things in the boxes weren't insured by the movers if damaged. They did a really great job and everything arrived safely. When negotiating with this company, I simply asked about tipping. The owner told me that he didn't want a tip but if I offered one to his crew who were for the most part teenagers, it would be greatly appreciated. They worked extremely hard and were very careful so I gave them I think $50 each/$200 total tip.
I have hired a local company before that didn't offer packing so I had to box up everything myself. It was quite a bit cheaper but a lot of work and things in the boxes weren't insured by the movers if damaged. They did a really great job and everything arrived safely. When negotiating with this company, I simply asked about tipping. The owner told me that he didn't want a tip but if I offered one to his crew who were for the most part teenagers, it would be greatly appreciated. They worked extremely hard and were very careful so I gave them I think $50 each/$200 total tip.