Everyone wants to find the cheapest movers around but the go about finding one the wrong way. Usually people go by the lowest price quote they get and think they found the cheapest price in town. In order to find the true cheap movers you need to inquire about their rates not their estimate for the entire move.

For example:

Company No. 1 gave you an estimate for 7 hours at $100 an hour totaling at $700.00

Company No. 2 gave you an estimate for 10 hours at $90 an hour totaling at  $900.00

Does this example mean Company No. 1 is cheaper? No, since the variables in this equation is not the price per hour, the company will have to stick to it. The variables is the actual number of hours it will take to move you. Therefor you should select the company with the lowest hourly rate if you want the cheapest mover.

Before you choose a moving company ask for their:

• Hourly rate
• Per Cu FT rate
• Per Pound rate
• Packing materials prices
• Do they have extra charges for Stairs, Long Carry or anything else.

This is the only way to find the true cheap movers.

Most movers will provide a non-biding estimate, people who wish to move will usually choose the lowest price quote. The thing about the non binding estimate is that the movers are NOT responsible for price changes and price could eventually be even 5 times higher then the price quoted. Either ask for a binding estimate from  you mover or choose your mover by how you feel with that company but in no way choose a mover by a non binding estimate because it means nothing.

Moving to, and living in a small space has its own challenges. How do you fit everything in? How do you choose what to take and what to leave? How do you get rid of the stuff you can’t take, without wasting it?

I just heard about a great little book that will help solve problems of “downsizing”.

It’s called Moving to A Smaller Home: 50 Tips for Living Clutter-Free in Less Space.

This handy-sized booklet, written by a professional organizing coach, has practical tips arranged by topics such as:

• Retain receipts and important papers in a large plastic envelope.

• Label storage boxes carefully. Mark what is in the containers. Number each box and keep a list of the storage boxes and contents in your files.

•Allow yourself one or two plastic bins for “mementos”. Take photos of other items you can’t keep if you want to remember them.

• To prepare for a move, do a little each day. Break down your master list into smaller tasks. Schedule time in your calendar to keep doing something as far in advance as you can.

• Pass things on to family and friends (but ask their permission first). It will remind the recipient of you. If family or friends can’t use it, sell it or donate it.

For moving companies this little book is a useful and inexpensive gift for customers.

Or it’s full of ideas for individuals who are moving or just living in a small space.

To order a single copy ($5.00), or a large quantity (wholesale), contact Patsy Murray at SimpleLifeCoaching 617-923-1158

Here’s are some little tips that could help you be more prepared to move and make things run smoothly.

Label Boxes - Labeling the boxes you and your mover packed would make it a lot easier to to unload everything into its final place. The most efficient way of labeling your goods is using colors stickers. Get colored stickers in any office supply store next to you and decide on a unique color for every section of the house. For example Blue for Master Bedroom, Green For Living Room and Red for Garage. Put the stickers on the corresponding sections of the destination home in a place where they’ll be seen easily. Doing so will prevent waste of time and confusion.

Get everything out of the movers way - Pack all small items or at least get them out of the way. Disconnect cables. Close pets in a room and leave that room for last. Find baby sitters for kids. Doing so will allow the movers do what they do best without having to worry about unrelated issues.

Avoid Delays and Damages - Make elevator reservations if needed, Try and park your car(s) in a a way that will guarantee a parking space for the movers truck. Clear the driveway of cars, remove flowerpots from the stairs, remove pictures from walls in tight places like corridors. Doing so will prevent damages and unwanted delays.
For more tips stay in tune with Froggy Moving’s Blog.