Moving ranks as one of the most stressful events in a person’s life, right up there with a death in the family and divorce.

Compounding the stress is the high cost. If there’s a constant when it comes to moving, it’s that it’s always pricier than you think.

Regardless of whether you or your employer is paying the movers’ fees, consider these other costs before you undertake a move. That at least will let you try to minimize them.

Moving always costs more than you think, and not just because of the unanticipated costs.

“One of the single largest expenses that most of us don’t anticipate is the physical cost of moving our belongings,” said Ron Phipps, a real estate broker at Phipps Realty in Warwick, R.I., and a liaison for the president of the National Association of Realtors.

Even if your employer is helping, you still may have to shoulder some expenses.

“Many moves, even if paid for by an employer, are being capped in expenses or may incur some expenses not covered,” Clintsman said.

Here are some tips for cutting your moving costs.

Get estimates from at least three moving companies well in advance.

Ask your friends to recommend moving companies they have been happy with and check out the companies’ records with the Better Business Bureau.

“When moving locally, it’s done on an hourly basis,” said Richard Eschbacher, president of Suddath Relocation Systems in Dallas, an agent of United Van Lines. “When moving interstate, the cost is based on weight.”

Know your rights.

Movers must give you an estimate in writing. Insist on a binding estimate.

“The single most important thing is to make sure that they get a guaranteed, written, not-to-exceed estimate,” Eschbacher said.

Be sure that the estimate has all relevant shipping information, except the actual shipment weight, and any other information necessary to determine the final charges for all services performed.

If you agree to a nonbinding estimate, at least confirm in writing the method of payment.

Nail down when the movers will pick up and deliver your goods:

“You want the moving company to guarantee a date – what day they will load you and what date they will deliver you,” Eschbacher said. “You want a choice of a couple of days based on your schedule, not the movers’.”

Insist ahead of time that the mover reimburse you if your belongings aren’t picked up or delivered on the promised date.

“Consider a mover with a large fleet,” Eschbacher said. “Companies with larger fleets can guarantee delivery dates. Otherwise, you may need to stay a few nights in a hotel, which is a hidden cost that adds to the move’s overall cost.”

Understand movers’ responsibility for loss or damage.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a mover is legally liable for loss or damage that occurs during the transportation of goods and the delivery of services listed on the shipping and transport document.

However, hazardous, perishable or dangerous materials – or shipping goods that exceed the per-pound dollar amount – can limit or reduce the mover’s liability.

Pack the nonbreakable stuff yourself, if you want. But let the movers pack the fragile things.

“If the mover doesn’t pack it, the mover is not liable for damage, unless it’s due to negligence,” said Kelly O’Connor, vice president of sales and marketing at Daryl Flood Warehouse & Movers in Dallas, an agent of Allied Van Lines

Consider purchasing some type of “valuation” insurance coverage from the moving company, in case your goods are damaged or lost.

Moving companies are required to assume liability for the value of the goods they transport, but there are different levels of liability.

Valuation coverage ranges from $100 to $500, depending on how much value you put on your goods, Eschbacher said.

Hold a garage sale or donate to charity.

“The best way to save money is to reduce the volume of the weight you’re shipping,” O’Connor said. “Get rid of the stuff you haven’t used for years.”

If you’re paying for your move, take advantage of tax breaks associated with moving expenses.

“If you moved because of a change in your job location or because you started a new job, you may be able to deduct your moving expenses if your move is closely related to the start of work,” said Phil Beasley, spokesman for the Internal Revenue Service in Dallas.

But you must meet IRS requirements for distance and time. You new job location must be at least 50 miles farther from your former home than your old job location was. See a tax adviser for details.

If you meet the IRS requirements, you may deduct the “reasonable” expenses of moving your stuff. You may also deduct the expenses of traveling, including lodging. However, you can’t deduct meals.

When it comes to buying your new home, make sure to account for extra expenditures other than the actual cost of the house.

“If you’re buying a $250,000 house and you put down $50,000 and you think, “All I need is $50,000,’ you need more than $50,000 for all of your ancillary expenses like closing costs,” said Phipps, the real estate broker.

Finally, take the process one step at a time and realize that there’s also an emotional component to moving.

“Transitions by definition are very hard,” Phipps said. “The process is daunting. It takes longer… to move stuff than you anticipate.”