When offering our move management services, occasionally, a client asks whether they should move an item or buy it new at the destination. In the end, it is a personal choice based on many different factors. Below are some things to consider that can help you make a good decision for a cost-effective move.
Long-distance vs Local Moves
Local moves are less expensive than long-distance moves, so generally speaking, it is more practical to move the items rather than purchase new ones. However, there may be other reasons you wish to replace your furniture and appliances.
Monetary Value
Some people choose to keep items on monetary value alone. These items are expensive to purchase or hard to replace. They could be antiques or custom-made furniture constructed by a famous artisan.
Practical Value
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Is it still functional and comfortable?
- Is it good quality and durable?
- Will it fit your new home?
If you answered yes to any of these, it is worth shipping. Negative answers mean you can probably replace it with a newer item at your destination.
Sentimental Value
If you truly love the item – perhaps it is a family heirloom or unique in some way, that alone may be why you keep it.
Will it Survive the Move?
Older pieces of “build-it-yourself” furniture (IKEA-type) weaken every time they are disassembled and reassembled. They also tend to break when carted up and down flights of stairs or on and off moving vans. If you are reasonably sure you would have to replace it anyway, save yourself the trouble (and money) of shipping it in the first place. This theory also applies to appliances, electronics, and other household gadgets.
Cost of Moving
Appliances, light fixtures, and some furniture (grandfather clocks, pianos, etc.) often need professional servicing to be removed from the old house and installed in the new one. The larger and heavier an item is, the more it will cost to ship. Oversized, oddly-shaped pieces may require special packing or shipping containers. You may have to remove the windows or doors of the homes to extract the items from the old house or fit them into the new one. This is often true of appliances such as refrigerators that are built-in to kitchen cabinetry and washers and dryers crammed into tight spaces.
Value of Replacements
It is important to factor in the cost of replacements when deciding whether to move an item or buy it new. Search online to find the replacement cost of these items. Look in shops in your new town as well. The prices may be different from your old location, especially if it is on the other side of the country – or in a different country. Remember to factor in taxes and delivery charges in your calculations.
Let Out of Chaos manage your move to minimize stress and disruption in your life. Find out more about Move Management Services from Out of Chaos by contacting us through our website.
