Save On Back To College Moving
Sunday, July 26th, 2009By Lauren Shepherd
Associated Press
Posted: Sunday, Jul. 26, 2009
Moving back to school can be an expensive proposition, but there are ways to cut your costs.
Roll up your sleeves. Moving yourself is likely the cheapest option, even in a longer move. Moving contents of a New York studio apartment to Chicago would cost about $690 for a 12-foot rental truck with unlimited mileage from Penske, the best deal among three major truck rental companies. Not included: gas or “incentives” for helpers. Pros would run $1,000 or more, according to an online quote aggregator.
Other tips for saving on your move:
Be flexible . “For folks that are looking at truck rentals, I think flexibility is key,” said Tim Johnson, managing editor of Relocation.com.
U-Haul spokeswoman Joanne Fried says nearly half of moves occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day at either end of the month and on weekends. Pick other times, and you might save and have a better chance at the truck you want.
Lose weight . Full-service movers that carry your stuff and then drive the truck will likely charge by weight. So the more you have, the more expensive the move.
Johnson recommends getting an in-home estimate to ensure accuracy and finding out whether there’s a minimum – usually around 2,000 pounds, the weight of the contents of a typical studio apartment. If your stuff is lighter, you may still have to pay for the minimum.
Shop . Many companies offer discounts and student rates. Some alumni groups also arrange deals for students. Locally based truck rental companies often offer the best prices.
Use message boards . A number of companies run online boards where customers can find used boxes or others moving to the same destination. U-Haul’s “College Connection and Military Connection” board lets students and military personnel can find someone to share the cost of a rental truck or a storage room.
Reuse . Instead of buying boxes, call grocery and liquor stores to learn when they restock shelves. Most will give you used boxes – just visit before the boxes are broken down for recycling.