7 Ways To Save on Moving Costs
Congratulations – you’ve found new digs!
Now, you’ve got to get the moving process started. You might not realize it, but all the little costs associated with moving add up. If your budget is tight (and it might well be if you’re moving to a more expensive place), you’ll need to watch every penny you spend.
While the thought of paying attention to all of your costs might sound a bit overwhelming and stressful, it doesn’t have to be. We’ve come up with seven tips to help you save money when you move.
1. No matter what season it is, do a spring clean.
It makes sense: the more stuff you’ve got, the more expensive it will be to move it. How can you solve this problem? Go through your belongings and throw stuff out! Yeah, it’s not so fun. But who wants to spend a lot of money on moving, only to discover that you don’t need half of the junk you hauled in the first place? Besides, do you really need that wall-mounted talking bass? We didn’t think so. Remember, you don’t need to throw it all out. You can do the right thing for the environment and donate it to a worthy cause.
2. Size up bulky furniture or major appliances.
Are you madly in love with that beautiful old oversized sofa your Aunt Ida left you? You might want to rethink that relationship. Before you move, make sure that any large items of furniture or appliances can fit into your new place. Otherwise, you might be spending a lot of money to move something that can’t even fit through the door.
3. Don’t pay for cardboard boxes.
It might sound convenient to buy cardboard boxes from the moving company. However, don’t fall for that trap. You can easily find boxes for free from friends who have recently moved and need to get rid of the cardboard. If you can’t find enough boxes through your amigos, ask around at beer and liquor stores or your local supermarket. Shoe stores are another great place to find boxes.
4. Cushion the blow with alternatives to bubble wrap.
Bubble wrap and other packing materials can take a toll on your moving budget. Instead of buying them, look around the house and find things you already have to act as shock absorbers during the move. For example, towels, blankets and clothing can all serve wonderfully to protect your valuables. If you absolutely need bubble wrap or other packing materials, talk to friends who have recently moved. They might have used it and will no longer need it.
5. Pack things yourself.
When it comes to packing, it’s best to take the DIY approach. It costs extra to have movers pack your stuff. Just because you’re doing it yourself doesn’t mean you can afford to be careless, though. Be sure to wrap fragile items in blankets or thick towels to prevent them from breaking in transit. When you arrive at your destination, be just as careful during the unpacking process. Even though an item might have survived the move, it will probably not withstand you dropping it because you were in a rush to unpack.
6. Shop around for movers.
When selecting a moving company, ask several businesses for estimates. Going with the lowest bidder might not always be the safest bet, though. Sometimes, you get what you pay for. Ask your friends for recommendations, and check online to read reviews from prospective companies. It might save you more money in the long run to find a slightly more expensive company if its employees will not lose or damage your things.
7. Timing is everything.
Moving costs vary from season to season. It’s less expensive to move during the fall, winter and spring because many families plan their moves in the summer so their children can start at a new school to minimize disruptions. Even the day of the week has an impact on moving costs. Most people move on the weekend (again, for convenience). Buck the trend, and you’ll save yourself some money.
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