As exciting as it is to move into a new home, the costs associated with moving can add up quickly! Whether you’re on a tight budget, or simply want to maximize your savings, consider these 6 practical strategies to help ease the financial burden.
- Declutter your home before moving by selling or donating unwanted or unused items. Depending on the distance of your move, moving companies may base their pricing on weight, volume, and/or time. The more stuff you have, and the longer it takes to move, the more you’ll have to pay.
- Get packing supplies for free! Utilize platforms like Facebook or Nextdoor to see who in your neighborhood has boxes they need to get rid of. Many people are more than happy to give away boxes they have lying around. Instead of buying bubble wrap, use towels, clothing, or linens to wrap your glassware and protect your fragile belongings.
- Schedule your move for mid-week rather than on the weekend. Because demand is generally higher on the weekends, moving companies usually charge more than they do mid-week. To get the lowest rates, schedule your move for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
- Pack strategically, and think about how you can utilize the available space in each box. Save space by packing smaller items inside larger ones. Use vacuum-sealed bags for clothing and bedding to minimize the space. By carefully organizing the contents of each box, you’ll be able to pack more into them, and complete your move with fewer boxes.
- Speak to several moving companies to compare pricing and services. Check online for coupon codes, and ask about ongoing promotions, special rates, and price matching before deciding which moving company to hire. Keep in mind that if one company’s quote is significantly lower than what their competition is charging, it may be a moving scam.
- If you don’t mind loading and unloading, but would rather not handle the transportation aspect of moving, consider renting a portable storage container or moving trailer from PODS, U-Pack, or 1-800-PACK-RAT. These companies will drop off a container for you to fill at your own pace, then pick it up, and deliver it to your new home.
If you’re up for the challenge of handling the transportation too, consider renting a U-Haul or Penske truck.
Sources:
https://www.northamerican.com/moving-resources/tips/how-to-save-money-when-moving
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/moving/save-money-moving
For more tips on how to make your move more cost effective, contact an agent on The Aimee Neiman Team.
