How to avoid sticker-shock when relocating

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- If you are moving out of the state or even around the corner before summer’s end, it’s never too early to plan for your move. Advanced planning can have many payoffs and help you avoid costly estimates.

Joe Beverly, owner of Blue Ox Moving & Storage in The Woodlands, can provide movers with a solid strategy for financing their move without being taken for a ride.

Beverly said, “Once you know you are moving, set a budget and work with your moving consultant on a plan to meet that budget. It is very important to decide up-front the scope of work that you would like completed from your mover.” For example, will your mover pack up your belongings or do you plan on packing yourself? What items will you take with you and what items will be placed on the moving truck?

After your initial onsite appointment, you will be presented with an estimate of the cost to move and/or store your goods. It is very important to note, said Beverly, that depending on the type of estimate you are provided, the actual charges may be more than those with which you were told. Be sure to ask your moving consultant to explain the estimate in detail to avoid any financial surprises later. According to Beverly, charges are based on weight and distance or quantity of movers and how many hours the moving takes. Storage fees are based on amount and duration.

Beverly explained that there are two main types of moving services: intrastate or local and interstate or between states. Typically, intrastate moves are based on a per-hour cost for the number of personnel and vehicles required. The cost of an interstate move is usually based on the weight of your belongings and the distance they are shipped, plus the amount of packing and other services that you require.

If you are packing yourself, start as soon as you can to get items out of the way said Beverly. While packing yourself can save you money, movers will not usually accept liability for any damage incurred to items packed by owners, he added. Of course, the more packing you do yourself, the more money you will save upfront. Instead, suggests Beverly, try to move smaller items on your own. “These take time for movers to pack and load and will save time and money in the long run,” he said.

Also, be sure to show your moving consultant every single item to be moved. Don’t forget to go into the garage, storage shed, closets, attic and under beds. What about the patio table and chairs or the grill? Any items omitted from the estimate but included in the shipment will add to your final cost.

According to Beverly, “The number one mistake people make when they move is thinking that it will be cheaper and easier to do it themselves. But sometimes, being frugal sometimes just doesn’t pay off.” Moving your home with your car and a friend’s borrowed truck takes multiple trips, costs more in gas and leaves you tired with an aching back.

Enlisting the services of a reputable mover such as Blue Ox Moving & Storage can eliminate stress and ensure that your items arrive to their final destination in one piece.

Since 2012, Blue Ox Moving & Storage has serviced Texas and the Gulf Coast region, providing personalized moving needs including packing, storage and local and long distance relocation services. They are a member of the Southwest Movers Association.

For more information on Blue Ox Moving & Storage, call 832-934-2583 or visit blueoxmoving.com.