Moving is an exciting new chapter, but it’s also a significant expense. Between hiring movers, packing supplies, and travel costs, the numbers can add up quickly. What if you could get some of that money back? While tax laws have changed in recent years, there are still specific situations where your moving expenses can be claimed as a tax deduction , turning a costly process into a smart financial move. Understanding tax code can be complicated. At Prescott Moving Company, we believe in empowering our customers with the knowledge they need for a successful transition. While we are movers, not tax advisors, we can provide the essential documentation and guidance to help you explore this potential deduction. This guide will walk you through the basics of deducting moving expenses, the pros and cons, and how we support you in the process. When is a Move Tax-Deductible? The Job-Related Move The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 significantly changed the rules for moving expense deductions. For most civilians, moving for a new job is no longer a deductible expense. However, there is a major exception that still applies to a specific group: active-duty members of the Armed Forces. If you are a member of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty and you move because of a permanent change of station (PCS), you may be able to deduct your unreimbursed moving expenses. This is the IRS's way of recognizing the unique demands placed on military families. To qualify, your move must be due to a military order and result in a permanent change of station. This includes: A move from your home to your first post of active duty. A move from one permanent post of duty to another. A move from your last post of duty back to your home or to a nearer point in the United States. If you meet these criteria, you can deduct the reasonable, unreimbursed costs of moving yourself and your family. The Pros: Why Pursuing the Deduction is a Smart Move For those who qualify, claiming this deduction offers clear financial benefits. It’s an opportunity to reduce your taxable income, which can lead to a lower tax bill or a larger refund. Pro 1: Direct Reduction of Taxable Income A tax deduction is not the same as a tax credit. Instead of reducing your tax bill dollar-for-dollar, a deduction lowers your total taxable income. For example, if you are in the 22% tax bracket and you deduct $5,000 in moving expenses, you could save $1,100 on your taxes ($5,000 x 0.22). This is a substantial saving that directly offsets the cost of your relocation. Pro 2: Covering a Wide Range of Expenses The IRS allows you to deduct the reasonable costs of moving your household goods and personal effects, as well as travel expenses to your new home. This can include: The cost of hiring a professional moving company like Prescott Moving Company. Packing and crating services. Transportation costs (such as plane tickets or the cost of driving your own vehicle). Lodging expenses during your travel to the new home. The cost of connecting or disconnecting utilities. Shipping a car or even your household pets. By keeping meticulous records of these expenses, you can maximize your deduction and your savings. Pro 3: A Financial Cushion for Your New Start A permanent change of station comes with many hidden costs. This tax deduction provides a valuable financial cushion, helping your family absorb the costs of setting up a new household and easing the transition into a new community. The Cons: What to Consider Before Filing While the benefits are significant, there are some potential drawbacks and complexities to be aware of. The process requires careful planning and attention to detail. Con 1: The Burden of Record-Keeping This is the biggest hurdle for most people. To claim the deduction, you must have pristine records. You need to keep every single receipt, invoice, and statement related to your move. This includes the final bill from your moving company, gas receipts from your road trip, hotel bills, and more. Without proper documentation, your deduction could be disallowed if you are ever audited. This is where a professional partner can make a huge difference. Con 2: You Can Only Deduct Unreimbursed Expenses The military often provides allowances and reimbursements for PCS moves. You can only deduct the expenses that were not covered by the government. If the military reimbursed you for the full cost of your move, you cannot claim a deduction. You must calculate the difference between your total moving costs and the total reimbursement you received. Only the out-of-pocket amount is deductible. Con 3: The Rules Can Be Complex Tax law is not always straightforward. Determining what counts as a "reasonable" expense or navigating the specifics of IRS Form 3903 (Moving Expenses) can be confusing. Making a mistake could lead to an incorrect tax filing, which might attract unwanted attention from the IRS. How Prescott Moving Company Helps You Succeed At Prescott Moving Company, we understand the unique challenges faced by military families during a PCS move. We see our role as more than just movers; we are your logistical partners, and that includes helping you prepare for the financial side of things. Detailed and Transparent Invoicing The most important document you will need is the final invoice, or Bill of Lading, from your moving company. We provide a clear, itemized invoice that details every service provided and its associated cost. This includes the cost of labor, transportation, packing materials, and any additional services. This clean documentation makes it easy for you or your tax professional to identify deductible expenses. Weight Tickets and Certified Records The weight of your shipment is a critical factor in determining the cost of your move. We provide certified weight tickets that document the exact weight of your household goods. This is an essential piece of evidence for substantiating your moving costs with the IRS. Guidance on Record-Keeping From our first conversation, we advise our military clients on the importance of keeping good records. We encourage you to create a dedicated "moving expenses" file and keep every receipt. While we cannot offer tax advice, we can share best practices we’ve learned from helping hundreds of service members successfully navigate their moves. Your Next Steps: A Two-Part Strategy Making your move a tax deduction is a powerful way to save money, but it requires a solid strategy. First, partner with a moving company that understands the process and is committed to providing the professional documentation you need. Second, and most importantly, always consult with a qualified tax professional who specializes in military tax situations. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific circumstances, ensure you are in full compliance with IRS regulations, and help you maximize your rightful deduction. Ready to plan a move that’s both smooth and smart? Contact Prescott Moving Company today for a professional moving consultation, and be sure to speak with a tax advisor to explore your deduction options. Meta Information Meta Title: Make Your Move a Tax Deduction | Prescott Moving Company Meta Description: Can you deduct moving expenses? Learn if your job-related move qualifies for a tax deduction and how Prescott Moving Company can help you prepare.

Moving is often ranked as one of life’s most stressful events, right up there with starting a new job or getting married. It is a time of transition, excitement, and, inevitably, a mountain of questions. When you look around your home and see years of memories packed into every corner, the logistics of getting it all from Point A to Point B can feel overwhelming. At Prescott Moving Company, we believe that the antidote to moving stress is information. The "unknowns" are what keep homeowners awake at night. Will my grandma’s china survive the trip? How do I pack this oddly shaped lamp? What happens if it rains? We don't just move boxes; we guide people through major life changes. Part of our commitment to customer satisfaction is providing detailed, transparent answers to every concern you might have. We want you to feel like a moving expert by the time our truck pulls into your driveway. Here, we dive deep into the most frequently asked questions we receive, demonstrating the level of care and expertise you can expect when you choose Prescott Moving Company. Preparation: The Foundation of a Successful Move The most common questions we hear usually revolve around the timeline. "When do I start?" is the big one. Proper preparation is the difference between a chaotic day and a smooth operation. How far in advance should I book my move? This is a critical question. While we always try to accommodate last-minute requests, the moving industry is highly seasonal. The General Rule: Ideally, you should contact us 4 to 6 weeks before your desired move date. Peak Season: If you are planning to move during the summer (May through September), booking 6 to 8 weeks out is safer. This is when families with children typically move, and schedules fill up fast. End of Month: The last week of any month is always the busiest because it aligns with lease turnovers and closing dates. If you must move on the 30th or 31st, book as early as possible. What should I do before the movers arrive? Preparation goes beyond just putting things in boxes. To help us work efficiently, we guide our customers through a "pre-move checklist." Declutter First: There is no sense in paying to move items you no longer want. We recommend sorting through every room and creating piles for donation, sale, or trash. The "Open First" Box: Pack a dedicated box with essentials you will need immediately upon arrival at your new home. Think toilet paper, hand soap, phone chargers, coffee maker, a few mugs, and basic tools. This box should travel with you in your personal vehicle, not on the truck. Secure Pets and Kids: Moving day involves heavy lifting and open doors. For everyone's safety, it is best to have young children and pets stay with a friend or family member, or at least be secured in a quiet room away from the action. Do I need to empty my dresser drawers? This is one of the most debated questions in moving! The detailed answer depends on the furniture. Solid Wood Furniture: For sturdy, solid wood dressers, you can usually leave light items like socks, t-shirts, and linens in the drawers. Particle Board or Antique Items: If the furniture is made of pressboard (like many flat-pack furniture items) or is a delicate antique, the drawers must be emptied. The extra weight can cause the joints to fail when the piece is tilted or lifted. Heavy Items: Never leave books, files, or heavy breakables in drawers. These must always be packed in boxes to prevent damage to the drawer mechanisms. Understanding Our Services Many people assume movers just "lift heavy things," but Prescott Moving Company offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to match your specific needs. Do you offer packing services, or do I have to pack everything myself? We offer flexible solutions because we know every budget and schedule is different. Full-Service Packing: This is the ultimate stress-reliever. Our team arrives a day or two before the move with all the necessary supplies—boxes, paper, tape, bubble wrap—and packs your entire home. We label everything clearly by room and content. Partial Packing: Maybe you are comfortable packing your clothes and books, but the thought of packing the kitchen dishes terrifies you. We can come in and pack just the breakables or specific difficult rooms. Self-Pack: If you prefer to pack yourself, we can simply provide high-quality professional packing materials. We will guide you on which boxes are best for which items (e.g., dish barrels for china, book boxes for heavy items). Can you handle large or awkward items like pianos? Absolutely. This is where professional expertise truly shines. Moving a piano, a gun safe, or a large piece of artwork isn't just about muscle; it's about physics and leverage. Specialized Equipment: We utilize piano boards, heavy-duty dollies, and custom strapping techniques to move heavy items safely. Protection: We wrap these items extensively to prevent scratches to the item itself and damage to your floors and doorframes. If you have a specialty item, simply let us know during the estimation process so we can bring the right crew and equipment. Protecting What Matters Most The safety of your belongings is our top priority. We know that every box contains something valuable to you, whether it has monetary value or sentimental worth. How do you handle fragile items? When you hire Prescott Moving Company, you are hiring trained professionals who know the art of protection. Dishware and Glass: We don't just stack plates; we use a technique called "vertical stacking" within dish barrel boxes, with ample cushioning paper on the bottom, top, and between every single item. Plates are safest when standing on their edge, not laid flat. Furniture Protection: Every piece of furniture is wrapped in heavy-duty moving pads (quilts). We secure these pads with tape or shrink wrap before the item leaves your house. This ensures that corners are protected from nicks and scrapes while navigating hallways and doorframes. Upholstery: Sofas and chairs are often shrink-wrapped to protect the fabric from dust, dirt, and moisture during the move. What happens if something gets damaged? We pride ourselves on a low claims rate, but we also believe in being realistic and prepared. Before the move begins, we will discuss Valuation Coverage . Released Value Protection: This is the basic coverage included in every move at no extra cost, usually covering items at 60 cents per pound. Full Value Protection: For comprehensive peace of mind, we offer upgraded protection plans. If an item is lost or damaged while in our care, we will either repair it, replace it with a like item, or make a cash settlement for the current market value. We will explain these options in detail so you can choose the level of risk you are comfortable with. Moving Day: What to Expect The big day has arrived. Knowing exactly how the day will unfold helps lower your blood pressure. What happens when the crew arrives? We don't just barge in and start grabbing boxes. We start with a plan. Introduction: Our crew leader will introduce the team and review the paperwork with you. The Walkthrough: You will lead the crew leader through the house, pointing out everything that needs to go and, crucially, anything that is staying. This is the time to point out special concerns, like a scratch on the floor you are worried about or a particularly loose leg on a table. Home Protection: Before a single box is lifted, we protect your home. We lay down floor runners to protect carpets and hardwood from dirt and traffic. We may pad banisters or door jambs if necessary. Loading: We load the truck logically, building "walls" of boxes and furniture to ensure the load is tight and won't shift during transit. Do I need to be present for the entire move? Yes, we strongly recommend that you or a trusted representative (a "proxy") be present for the duration of the move. Questions Arise: The crew might need to ask, "Does this lamp go?" or "Is this rug staying?" Having someone there to answer immediately keeps the momentum going. The Inventory: If you are moving long-distance, there will be an inventory sheet to sign. You need to verify that the condition of your items is accurately recorded. The Final Sweep: Before the truck doors close, we will do a final walkthrough with you to check closets, attics, and cabinets to ensure nothing was left behind. Once the truck drives away, turning back is difficult and costly. Our Commitment to Clear Communication At Prescott Moving Company, we know that silence causes anxiety. From your first phone call requesting a quote to the moment we wave goodbye at your new home, we prioritize clear, honest communication. We don't believe in hidden fees or vague answers. If a move is going to take longer than expected because of a long carry distance or bad weather, we tell you immediately. If we think a piece of IKEA furniture isn't stable enough to be moved without disassembly, we will discuss the options with you beforehand. Your questions are the roadmap to a successful move. They tell us what you are worried about so we can address those fears with action and expertise. Ready to Make Your Move? Moving doesn't have to be a mystery. With the right team by your side, it can be an organized, efficient, and even positive experience. Whether you are moving across the street in Prescott or across the state, we have the answers—and the muscle—you need. Don't let the stress of the unknown weigh you down. Contact Prescott Moving Company today for a free estimate. Let us answer your questions and carry the load for you. Meta Information Meta Title: Your Moving Questions Answered | Prescott Moving Company FAQ Meta Description: Confused about packing, timing, or insurance? Prescott Moving Company provides detailed answers to the most common moving FAQs in this comprehensive guide.