More Than Fifty Percent of Renters Are Spending More on Moves This Year;
Professional Movers and Truck Rentals Listed as Top Expenses
CHICAGO, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- As soaring energy and food costs continue
to drive up consumer expenditures around the country, increased moving
expenses are no exception for renters looking for a new place to call home
this year. In fact, more than 50 percent of renters said they have either
already spent, or anticipate spending more on their move this year compared to
years past, according to a national survey by Apartments.com.
Fifty-four percent of renters cited professional movers and truck rentals
as their two biggest expenses. Furniture followed with 17 percent and bedding,
bath and home goods account for 9 percent. According to the American Moving
and Storage Association (ASMA), distance and weight are the two primary
factors that determine the cost of a professional move. However, other price
drivers impacting overall costs include rising fuel prices, higher equipment
costs and a shortage of qualified truck drivers, further increasing labor
costs.
In light of the current U.S. economic conditions, more and more Americans
are open to relocating for employment opportunities and moving closer to urban
centers and public transportation to reduce commuting time and costs. And with
90 percent of Apartments.com survey respondents packing up to move this year,
renters across the country are sure to feel the premium price tag associated
with their recent or upcoming move. The majority of survey respondents (39%)
said they will spend between $501 and $1,500 on moving expenses while 16
percent top $2,500. However, budget-savvy renters can save on their
professional moving costs with these tips from Moving.com:
1. Shop around -- This is a great time for renters to negotiate with
professional movers. If costs are too high, shop around for four to six moving
quotes. Given the competitive climate, don't shy away from asking for
complimentary extras such as boxes and moving supplies.
2. Get more for your money -- This is your whole life that you are
packing up so don't sacrifice quality for the cheapest moving option.
Determine everything that is included in your moving quote, push for
additional perks and vet out quality issues beforehand. Understand all costs
and confirm the prices several times with your mover so there are no surprises
on moving day.
3. Avoid peak rental season -- Avoid moving during peak rental season,
which begins in May and carries on throughout August. By creating some
flexibility in your calendar -- moving in September versus August and moving
during the week rather than a weekend -- you will experience a substantial
cost savings.
Despite increased moving costs, 69 percent of renters are still shelling
out cash on home decor, electronics, furniture and bedding/bath/home goods to
make their apartment feel like home. Renters are encouraged to visit both the
"Apartment Living" and "Moving Center" on Apartments.com
(http://living.apartments.com) for thrifty apartment decorating tips and a
one-stop-shop for moving resources including quotes for renting a truck and
hiring professional movers.
As part of its monthly "What Renters Want" research series, Apartments.com
surveys renters on various topics. For more information on these surveys or to
receive a copy of additional survey results, please contact Tammy Kotula at
tkotula@apartments.com.
About Apartments.com
Apartments.com is the most visited national apartment Internet listing
subscription service with more than 50,000 unique addresses representing more
than three million rental units from managed properties, newspaper classifieds
and for-rent-by-owner properties. With personalized searches, highly visual
ads featuring Walk Through Video, Apartments.com Anywhere mobile solutions,
360-degree virtual tours, professional photography, and comprehensive
community listings, Apartments.com makes it possible for renters to access
apartment rental inventory from across town or across the country. Leads from
highly qualified ready-to-rent prospects are delivered to Apartments.com
customers, increasing closure rates and decreasing the average cost of leasing
an apartment. The Web site's foundation of solid partnerships with the local
newspaper and television station Web sites of more than 10,000 newspaper
affiliate and strategic partners across the country include Yahoo! Real
Estate, AOL Real Estate, Univision (http://www.univision.com), the Chicago
Tribune (http://www.chicagotribune.com), The Washington Post
(http://www.washingtonpost.com) and the Los Angeles Times
(http://www.latimes.com). Apartments.com is a division of
Chicago-based Classified Ventures, LLC.
SOURCE Apartments.com
Tammy Kotula, Public Relations & Promotions Manager of Apartments.com,
+1-312-601-5249, tkotula@apartments.com
