Relocating is hard. Saving money is easy.
Wheaton makes it easy to move your life.

It doesn't matter whether you're moving into a five-story mansion or an apartment on the fifth floor, relocation comes with its share of expense. Extra costs are the last thing you need. Wheaton wants to help ease the burden a bit by offering you money saving secrets for minimizing your moving costs.

1. The better the packing, the better the move. Professional packing is an added expense, but it often pays for itself in convenience and safety. Your Wheaton World Wide Moving agent has the expertise and materials to protect your possessions. Even if you have the time and energy to pack, consider leaving your delicate or fragile items (china, glassware, silver, clocks, etc.) for the professionals. If you’re a determined do-it-yourselfer, do it right. Ask your Wheaton agent about specially designed containers and materials. You can buy them at minimum cost to assure maximum protection of your belongings.

2. Don’t be fuelish. Do not – under any conditions – move flammable items; it’s illegal. Empty fuel from the lawnmower, power tools or kerosene lamps. You can’t take paints, bleach, cleaning fluids, lighter fluids, ammunition, nail polish, aerosols or any other type of combustible. Check the kids’ chemistry set. Propane tanks cannot be loaded into a moving van. If you have doubts, don’t take it. Better safe than sorry. For a complete list of moving “violations,” take a look at What Not To Pack.

3. Notify telephone, electric, gas and water companies. Set a specific date for service discontinuation. Request a final meter reading. Don’t forget to connect utilities in your destination city prior to your arrival. Otherwise, you might have to stay at a hotel until they are connected. Use Wheaton World Wide Moving’s helpful Utility Connection Center to disconnect and reconnect many of your utilities.

4. Save on taxes. There are many small things that could save you big money on your taxes at the end of the year. Be sure to keep track of each of these items.

• When you donate items to charity, request and keep an itemized receipt. It might help you qualify for a tax deduction.
• Keep a detailed record and receipts of your moving expenses. Include transportation, lodging, meals, etc. If you are moving because of a change in your principal place of employment, such reasonable expenses are deductible. Check with the Internal Revenue Service or your accountant for specifics.
• Keep a record of home improvement costs. That includes improvements made to your home through the years and any expenses associated with the sale of your home, including realtor fees or classified costs.

5. Inventory. Your possessions are worth as much in transit as they are in your home. Make sure you know what you are moving. Your Wheaton World Wide Moving agent will be glad to give you a complete inventory form. It can save you money moving – and afterward. The ideal time to prepare your inventory list is while you organize for your move. List your possessions and their approximate value. Photograph or videotape your items room by room.

6. Look high and low. Help your Wheaton World Wide Moving agent calculate the cost of your move accurately by showing them every single item to be moved. Don't forget to go into the attic, basement, garage, shed, closets and under beds. Reach a clear understanding about the amount of packing and other services needed. Anything omitted from the estimate but added later may add to the cost of your move.

7. If something looks too good to be true, it probably is. Get more than one estimate and watch out for low-ball movers. If a mover you are considering tells you that he can move you for an unrealistically low price – be careful. It could mean he will suddenly remember some extra charges once your shipment has been loaded on the truck, the doors have been padlocked, and he is ready to drive off into the sunset with all of your worldly possessions.

8. Pick your mover like you picked your possessions – very carefully. Because it’s not just anybody’s trinkets, treasures, furniture or heirlooms – they’re yours. Your possessions are part of your personality and lifestyle. They’re what will make your new home uniquely you. A proven, professional mover like Wheaton World Wide Moving is your best assurance of a good move.

9. The kid’s toys. Now’s the time to clean out the toy box. If the kids are old enough, give them incentive. Let them stage their own garage sale and keep the profits to buy something special – after you’ve moved.

10. Add value, cut costs. Before you put your residence up for sale, carefully consider extras that can be included to increase the appeal and the value of your home – and cut moving costs in the process. Discriminating buyers will probably want everything but your family portrait. Many extras add more value to the house than actually cost in the first place. This is even true for apartment dwellers, who may find the future tenant a ready and willing buyer.