NorthStar Moving Corporation’s Frugal(ette) Moving Tips

When looking for a moving company always try to get your estimate in person and avoid getting the final estimate over the phone. NorthStar also adds that a solid moving company will be punctual and eager to work with you in determining an accurate estimate. Dishonest companies will estimate low over the phone then jack up the prices after the move. (scroll down for a freebie)

Once you have narrowed it down to a few companies, start asking questions. How long have they been in business? Who is the actual agent that will be conducting your move at loading and unloading? Then, follow up by checking them out with the BBB or PUC. What insurance do they offer? Find out if you are covered with your home owners or renters policy and if not, look into supplemental insurance. Can you get a better rate if you move on a Sunday as opposed to a Monday? Rates can vary based on season and day of the week. Will the moving crew wrap and protect your furniture? How many movers will they use for the job? How long will the job take and what will you be charged if there is overtime?

Some more helpful tips:

• Be Organized! Before you move into your new place, plan out the space, this saves your movers a lot of time and you a lot of money. The less time they spend moving, the more you save!
• Get out the tape measure and jot down sizes for current rooms versus the square footage of the new rooms.
• Take photos of your furniture and place them on your new floor plan or visit www.NorthStarMoving.com to plan your space virtually! (coming soon)
• Allow enough time to dispose of, sell or donate items should they not make the cut.
• If you had trouble getting that entertainment center into the family room because of tight corners, chances are you will have the same trouble getting it out. Work out a solution before moving day

Moving Companies offer professional packing services which usually end up costing a fortune. You can save money by packing yourself by:

• Recycling. Save boxes you’ve gotten in the mail or reuse the ones you’ve already got. Use rags or sweats to cushion pointy corners.
• Buy more boxes than you think you need. If you purchase boxes from NorthStar Moving and you bought too many they will give you credit for the extra boxes (okay, when does that happen?) and if you have unusually shaped items NorthStar will actually build boxes to your specifications. (now if only they took orders on husbands or in laws they would be too good to be true)
• Seal all boxes securely with packing tape
• Do not pack books or heavy magazines in more than 1.5 cubic feet box
• Fill up boxes all the way to the top. Half full boxes will sit on one another and flop over
• Use the carry-on rule. If you wouldn’t pack it in your suitcase, don’t leave it to the movers. Jewelry, flammables, and cash should not to be moved with movers. If it is a long distance move everything has to be boxed including lamps, mirrors, pictures, etc.

Use the code Frugalette for $25 off your move in the next 3 Months and $25 off your first month of storage within the next 3 months Offer is valid from April 1, 2009-June 30, 2009. (fine print below).
Call NorthStar at 1-800-ASK-PROS (800-275-7767) for more information.

Your fab & frugal friend,

Carly Frugalette xo (@carlinb)