Are you looking for a cheap way to move across the country, across town or even just down the street? Some moving costs are unavoidable, but why shell out hundreds – even thousands – of dollars if you don’t have to?.
Whether you find cheap moving companies or prefer to haul it yourself, there are plenty of ways to save money during your move. All it takes is some time, effort and a bit of creativity. Here are 7 helpful tips you can use to cut down on moving expenses and experience a smooth moving process.
Whether you hire professional movers or choose to do the heavy lifting yourself, you’ll find it far less expensive (and much easier) to declutter your home before you move. The more stuff you have, the more supplies, time and manpower it will take to get everything done.
You can reduce your moving costs by thousands of dollars just by hosting a yard sale. Not only will you cut down on the amount of things you have to transport, but you could make a pretty penny by selling some of your items.
Consider the size and layout of your next home; is it big enough to fit your bulky items, such as your couch, dresser or dining room set?
If you are downsizing, you could benefit greatly by selling some of your items that you no longer plan to use in your new place. Be mindful, however, that if you sell an item you will need in the future, you may end up paying more to re-purchase it.
If you decide to use moving services to help you with your move, don’t get caught off guard by expensive fees and unexpected charges.
Depending on where you live, there could be dozens of moving companies ready to bid for your business. Don’t settle on the first one you find – take some time to get quotes and compare prices between a handful of companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
When you research professional movers, it’s important to find out how they charge for their services. Most companies assess fees based on the quantity of items you have as well as the distance of your move. Cross-country moves cost far more than local or statewide moves.
Moving house items like bed frames, couches, tables, wardrobes, mattresses or other large items may come with their own fees as well.
However, when you receive a quote from the company, you should be able to view these charges to make an informed decision.
Even the cheapest moving services are still dollars spent. Instead of hiring professional movers to help you, consider asking your friends, neighbors, family members or colleagues to help.
You may even find that someone has a truck you can borrow to help transport your items. Instead of paying them for their help, you could offer to buy lunch or reward them with dinner afterwards!
However, relocating always presents risk of damage to your property and belongings. Make sure that you trust the people who offer to help you move and understand that accidents can sometimes happen.
If you have expensive or fragile items, it may be wise to use a moving company with liability insurance. That way, you are protected in the event of any damages.
Most moving companies offer packing and organizational services alongside their standard moving services. If you can, pack your items yourself. You could save hundreds of dollars by spending some more time going room by room and packing your items into boxes. Plus, if you pack your boxes yourself, you may be able to find your items more easily when you arrive to your place.
When it comes to hidden moving costs, none present a greater shock factor than the cost of moving and packing supplies. Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, dollies – all of these items can add up to hundreds of dollars out of your wallet.
Did you know you can find a cheap way to move and still protect your items, just by accumulating free supplies in the months leading up to your move? Most of your supplies can be found pretty easily, just by asking around town.
Rather than buying boxes and tape that will go into the garbage can after your move, ask your friends and family if they might have any extras lying around their homes. Package stores, grocery stores and gas stations are other great sources for free boxes, as most of these places discard boxes after they get unpacked.
Believe it or not, relocating has a peak season. Moving costs tend to skyrocket during the summer months as most people prefer to move during milder weather. You could save thousands of dollars by scheduling your move during an off-peak month. Not to mention, the highways are far less busy in the fall and winter months than in the summer, which could save you hours of driving time if you are planning a long-distance move.
Similarly, most moving services charge extra for moves that take place during the weekends or on holidays. If you can, consider starting your move on a weekday rather than a weekend.
Picture this – you hire professional movers to transport your beloved couch (for a pretty hefty price tag) just to find out it doesn’t fit through the door. You can avoid this headache – and the money you would have spent on the moving company – by measuring your items beforehand. If you have access to your new home, measure the exterior doorways to determine how your items will fit.
Even cheap moving companies have terms and conditions about items that do not fit. You could face additional fees for labor if the movers have to take your items away. Be sure to take any stairs or elevators into consideration, as these, too, could result in extra charges at the end of your move.