How can I save on moving expenses?

[Squishypig]

I moved a few years ago (Louisiana to S Carolina) and used AFB U-Pack to move everything. Very inexpensive and I had a wonderful experience with them. I moved alone and I didn't want to drive all my possessions along with towing my car. I don't know if I would have used them for a 400 mile move with another person but it's an alternative.

Other wise my tips are (and I fully admit that I am anal when I move):
- Start gathering boxes from places. Depending on where you work, that can be a good source. I work in a boring office and I managed to get most of my boxes here when we bought our new house. I've also called grocery stores and they've set aside boxes for me as well.

- Assign a color to each room. When you pack a box, use a marker the assigned color and label ALL sides with that color. I usually take it a step futher and put the room in the upper right hand corner (LR=Living, MBR=master bedroom, etc). It makes it really easy if you are having a lot of peope help you move in. They know if the box is red to bring it to the kitchen, blue to the living room without having to ask you.

- When you pack a box, number them starting from 1. When you go to unpack, you'll know that the highest number boxes were the last packed and those are usually the ones that need to be unpacked first.

- I actually keep a running list of what is in what box so it's easy to account for then once I get to my new home and if I need to put my hands on something specific, I can go right to that box.

- The last box you pack onto the truck should contain:
- tools that you need, extension cords, tape, paper, pens, etc
- paper plates, cups, forks, knives, etc
- toliet paper, paper towels, soap
- bath towels (so that you don't have to unpack anything to take a shower)
- sheets, blankets, pillows

- When I get to my new place, the first thing I do is get the bed set up and made up and declare the bedroom my calm in the middle of the storm. For me, it's very important that if I get overwhelmed that I have a place to go and rest without a lot of distraction. And there's nothing worse after a day full of moving and unpacking than being ready to collapse into a bed... only to have to make the bed.

I've used this system for my last four moves and it really makes a difference. Good luck with the new move!

[whitestripe]

those are some great tips squishypig. i'm about to move myself, but luckily i am only moving about 25 minutes away, and we have three weeks to do it in. i agree with the bed thing - our first move we did that, but our second move we didn't. it sure makes a difference. i remember having to start work at 5.30am in the morning, it being about 11pm and having to make the bed. talk about frustrated to tears!!!!

[B.J. Johns]

as scfr mentioned, get "29 days to a smooth move"...very good info.