Seven Ways to Save Money While Moving
Moving to a new home can be exciting, but it can also cause stress from the timing of the move to packing everything up to all the expenses that go along with it. It’s safe to say that moving isn’t exactly budget-friendly. Fortunately, there are quite a few ways to cut costs and stay organized during the process. If you’re one of our clients, this is your chance to pull out your Smooth Move checklist to keep track of your progress and streamline the process.
To help you move affordably, here are seven practical tips to consider:
Declutter Your Belongings Ahead of Time
Take some time to declutter your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer need or want. You can sell, donate, or give away things that you no longer need. Doing this ahead of your move will help you earn a little money from what you sell and also save on valuable packing supplies and transport costs for the belongings you didn’t really want to keep anyway.
Not sure where to start with the declutter? Try these top areas that collect junk:
Kitchen Drawers
Bathrooms Cabinets
Closets
Entryway Storage
Garages / sheds
Choose the Right Moving Date
Did you know that the time of year you choose to move can have a significant impact on your moving costs? Moving during the peak season, which is usually in the summer months, can be more expensive than moving during the off-season. Try to plan your move for the Fall or Winter months when moving companies are less busy and more likely to offer discounts. If you’re not sure if a company is offering discounts, it never hurts to ask.
Compare Quotes From Multiple Moving Companies
Don't settle for the first moving company you come across. Get quotes from multiple moving companies to find the best deal. Compare apples to apples when reviewing quotes, and make sure you understand any additional fees or charges. When you’re moving within the same state, try looking for a locally-owned or family-operated company that has great reviews. When you’re moving between states, make sure you confirm the delivery period.
Use Recycled Materials For Packing
Packing materials can be expensive, but they don't have to be. Consider using recycled materials for packing, such as old newspapers, towels, and blankets. Use suitcases to pack items, and try the hefty bag trick for your hangers. Not only will this save you money, but it's also better for the environment. If you don’t have anything on hand to use for packing materials, check your local Facebook Marketplace for leftover boxes and packing paper. You’ll be surprised how many folks have extra that you can buy for cents on the dollar!
Ask Friends and Family For Help
Moving doesn't have to be a solo endeavor. If you have friends or family members who are willing to help you move, take advantage of their generosity. It can be a lot more fun to do together to celebrate your big move. Pro tip: Offer to provide food and drinks as a thank you.
Pack and Transport Your Own Belongings
The best way to save money is to pack your own belongings. While this saves on the expense, it doesn’t save on time and energy, so you’ll want to start this early if you go this route. You’ll avoid packing supplies upcharges and labor costs, and you’ll know exactly how everything got packed up. Transporting them to your new home yourself through a rented uHaul for the day can also save thousands of dollars.
Don't Rush to Buy New Furniture
It's exciting to move into a new home, but resist the urge to buy new furniture right away. Take the time to get settled in and figure out what you truly need before making any big purchases. This will help you save money on filling the space since you won’t be replacing an impulse buy six months later.
By following these tips, you can save money and reduce stress during your next move.
Remember to plan ahead, stay organized, and take advantage of any help you can get. Best of luck with your move!
If you ever need help finding resources to help with your move, we have a whole list of home vendors and professional services with a proven track record from people we know and trust, just reach out to our team or visit our Vendor List.
