Tips For Moving

Added May 9, 2000 by WGN-TV Show Notes -- May 9, 2000

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Summary: More than one in five Americans will move this year. Preparation and research will help your moving process go much smoother. Get a binding estimate from movers ahead of time and move during off-peak times to save money.

ANCHOR: More than one in five Americans will move this year. Money and Real Estate Expert Ilyce Glink is here with some tips on how to save money.

Good Morning.

ANCHOR: It seems like there are a million moving companies listed in the phone book. How do you pick the right one?

ILYCE: Choosing someone out of the phone book probably isn't the best idea. Ask around for referrals from friends who had good moving experiences. And, you want someone licensed, bonded and insured. Also, check out movers on the web.

ANCHOR: What's the first thing you do?

ILYCE: Get a binding estimate. That commits the moving company to a specific billing amount. There are five things that contribute to the cost: How much stuff you have, how far you're moving, if you have tricky stuff or a tricky location, and the physical work involved.

ANCHOR: How can you save money during your move?

ILYCE: Try moving when trucks are empty, like moving mid-week, mid-month, in winter, or away from places that are popular. You should also negotiate with the mover, and buy your own tape and boxes. You can buy six rolls of packing tape for $2, or pay the mover $2 per roll. The same is true for boxes.

ANCHOR: What about moving with children, pets or plants?

ILYCE: Pay attention to what your children are telling you. If they're old enough to talk, they're old enough to give you feedback. If you're moving from a house with a huge garden to a condo, and you have children who are used to playing in the backyard, you'll probably want to clue them into what you're thinking and see how they feel about it. Some states won't let you move plants and pets may need to be quarantined.

ANCHOR: Where can we go for help?

ILYCE: There's a great newly revised book out there, the STEINER'S COMPLETE HOW TO MOVE HANDBOOK. Also, check out moving.com and move.com.

Published: May 9, 2000

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