When moving to a new destination with BestGuy Moving, we encourage you to get the best value from your moving budget. Here are 9 tips for lowering your moving costs.

1.      Utilize your utilities: If your gas, electric or water utility has not yet returned the deposit you made for your current address, ask for the money now. If you have paid your bills on time, request a good customer letter. This might save you a utility deposit in your new town.

2.     Are you vacating an apartment? Ask for a refund of your security deposit. Keep the name, telephone, and address of the apartment owner or management company. Follow up if you have not received your money within 15 days after you vacate. Many communities require the landlord to return deposits with interest. (Owner-occupied buildings of three units or fewer are usually exempt.) If you paid a pet deposit, get that back as well.

3.     Get coupons: Moving is the time to look for coupons even if you usually do not use them so much. Coupons can save you money on dining, groceries, services for your home, and home decoration and renovation. You can get coupons online at Groupon.com and LivingSocial.com. For even more options, go to your favorite search engine and enter the word coupons with your favorite stores.

4.     Get rid of what is unnecessary: Sell or give away things you are sure you won’t need. However, don’t be too hasty to get rid of furniture when you are planning to move overseas. Replacing your household goods may cost you a lot more in the new country. Keep any big pieces you might use. It’s almost always cheaper to ship them overseas than to buy new ones. Read more: http://www.bestguymoving.com/6-tips-for-having-a-stress-free-move/

5.     Donate and get tax deduction: When you donate items to charity, ask for receipts. You can use these to claim tax deductions and save money on your federal income tax.

6.      Have a moving sale: Decide on a date for the sale after sorting out your things, buy at any pharmacy near you signs of a sale, and place a classified ad in your local newspaper. You can also use the Internet to sell your items. Craigslist.org connects you to free online classified lists. Online auction sites, such as eBay.com, let you sell to the highest bidder.

7.     Get an appraisal for unique items: Before you sell or give away that unusual item, do you know how much it is worth? If you are in doubt, have it appraised. Many jewelry stores offer free appraisals. For antiques, rugs and other furnishings, search online for appraisers. Some of them may offer free services as well. You might be the lucky one who finds something buried in the attic worth big bucks! This is especially true of inherited items.

8.     Newcomer kits: Request them from your bank, local Bed, Bath & Beyond, and also ask your town chamber of commerce if they have such kit. It will likely offer free products, services, or coupons and discounts to welcome you.

9.     Check out Yelp.com or angieslist.com for honest consumer reviews about local services from doctors to contractors to plumbers, and more.