There are several factors that can increase your actual bill. They include:

• Intrastate moves (moving within the same state) versus interstate moves (moving from one state to another). Intrastate moves are typically priced at an hourly rate, and you will get anywhere from two to four movers, the truck you desire and sometimes packing services and supplies. Interstate moves are priced based on weight and distance and there are minimums for each.
• Severe weather.
• Faulty packing (boxes are not taped or items are left unpacked).
• Unreserved parking at the origin or at the destination.
• Exceeding the estimate’s number of boxes on the inventory sheet (which lists each article and its condition that you are transporting).
• Timing of the move (demand is greatest at the end of the month during the months May through September).
• Traffic and delay surcharges.

TIP: If the total weight of your move is lower than the actual weight on the day of your move, request in writing that the mover prorate your cost to reflect your "lighter load."

Once you have an idea of your moving costs, it becomes a simple matter to decide whether you want to take along an old washing machine, or give it away and replace it at the other end. If there are items that you don’t need, don’t bring them. Be sure to make your mover aware that these items are not to be moved.

TIP: If you do use a professional mover, you can save money by doing some or all of the packing on your own. Or if you’re short on time, you can always pay a little more and have the movers do all the packing and unpacking for you.

If you decide to move yourself, truck rental agencies can help you estimate the size of the vehicle you'll need. They usually have hand trucks and moving pads for rent. Find out what insurance they carry, and consult your own insurance agent about whether your present policy covers the move.

ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and/or their suppliers, 1995-99.  All rights reserved.