Local moves don't have to cost a lot, but there are some expenses involved. Should you be relocating within town and hiring a local moving company, these tips will help you save on costs.

Compare Quotes From Several Companies

The rates that moving companies charge can vary significantly, but so too can their services. How much a mover charges is partially determined by the mover's:

• Proximity to your residence
• Truck size
• Number of employees
• Materials used

While the amount charged is certainly important to know, you shouldn't focus solely on this number. Also, take into account how large a truck is, and whether a mover has moving blankets.

A local moving company's truck should be able to fit all of your belongings in a single trip, and without much extra room. If a moving company has to make two trips between locations, that will increase the time and fuel costs of the move. At the same time, a company that has a truck much larger than you need will have to charge for extra fuel because of the truck's size.

Many local moving companies have furniture blankets that are placed on top of valuable pieces, in order to protect them. Budget-focused companies might not use these, so they have lower costs.

If you have lots of expensive furniture, you should specifically look for an affordable moving company that uses furniture blankets. If you don't have high-end furniture, you can save by using a budget-focused company that skips these for costs savings. 

Pack Everything Yourself

If you have a moving company pack up your belongings, they'll have to charge for the labor that's spent filling boxes and taping dresser drawers shut. Do this work yourself, and you can significantly save on the labor costs of your move.

Packing is an especially easy way to save, because you can pack as you have time leading up to the move. Start packing items that aren't used very often several weeks before your move, and work your way to the items used more frequently as your move date approaches.

Move Boxes Yourself

If you're moving to a residence that's along your commute, move boxes as you drive to work/school. Fill up your car before you drive to work, stop to drop off the boxes at your new residence, and continue on. You can fit quite a few boxes in a car if there's nothing else in it, and every box is a little less work that a moving company won't have to charge for.

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