Whether you’re buying your first home, have a new job in another city or want to be closer to loved ones and relatives—relocating is no small feat! When you decide to move, be prepared for a lot of work: deciding what items to take and where to store them during the moving process. It would be best if you also chose a reliable mover that can handle all your belongings properly during transportation. While it is exciting and stressful (not to mention expensive), moving can also be immensely fulfilling.
When planning your move, it’s necessary to be mindful of how much things cost and how those costs can add up. Spending money unnecessarily during your move will only add to the stress of the whole experience. So here are some tips that can help you save cash from start to finish, whether you’re getting ready or making the big trip.
Create a moving strategy
An easy way to reduce moving costs is by organizing your move in advance. Soon as you discover that you’re going to be relocating, make an inventory of everything that must get done so the process runs smoothly and cost-effectively.
To ensure that the move is within a reasonable amount of time, booking your movers as early as possible is advisable. It is also necessary to have a backup procedure in place when planning for your move because there is always the chance that something unexpected could happen that would delay or alter your original timeline.
Compare the prices of several moving companies.
If you postpone until the last minute to look for movers, you may be overwhelmed by accepting a price quote from any company willing to take your job. Do your research before making an appointment with each prospective moving company. Be wary of extremely low-moving quotes; they may indicate that the company is inexperienced or doesn’t take pride in its work. Estimate at least three companies before deciding on a mover. Make sure that the relocation specialist conducts on-site and in-person cost calculations to make them as accurate as possible. Also, don’t be scared to ask for assistance if you accidentally move an item into a box labeled “keep” instead of “throw away.” When comparing moving quotes, consider the price, services offered and the contract terms. Once you find a mover that meets your needs and budget, don’t hesitate to negotiate for a better deal!
Read all the fine print.
When you’ve decided which professional moving company to hire, wait to sign its contract until you’ve read it carefully. Some moving companies will add hidden fees and extra charges to your estimate, so be careful when you read the fine print. Before you embark on any project, consider all the possible legal ramifications and what kinds of insurance might protect you from errors or injuries.
Choose a less expensive date and time for your move.
When planning a move, try scheduling it during the off-season. Summer is one of the busiest moves when demand for movers is highest (especially in June, July and August). Moving companies often charge higher rates during weekends and the end of the month, when many people are moving due to being off work or having their lease or rent contracts expire. If you can schedule your move during the off-peak or midweek days when demand is typically the lowest, you will pay less than if your move occurred at a busy time. Also, movers will be able to give their undivided attention to giving their best effort on moving days without being rushed by other jobs.
Purge and declutter your belongings before packing.
If you want to avoid unnecessary costs when moving, follow this rule: the rarer things you have to bring along, the less money it will cost. If your home is already organized and decluttered before a move, packing boxes, supplies and storage fees can be avoided or minimized. To avoid last-minute stress on moving days, get rid of unwanted objects—unworn clothing, out-of-date electronics, furniture that won’t fit your new space—early. If you decide to sell your items, research the current market prices of similar products. For things that won’t sell, consider donating them instead.
Save money and pack your belongings yourself.
The costs of moving supplies, including boxes and tape, can add up quickly. To keep your costs down, consider reusing materials you already have at home: empty cardboard boxes from Amazon deliveries or that bookcase you just finished unpacking are great candidates! When packing fragile items, use soft furnishings, blankets and towels around them to create a protective buffer layer that will save money on bubble wrap. You can get free moving supplies from various sources, including stores and online marketplaces. Lastly, many people can pack most of their things by themselves. Hiring a professional moving company will be cheaper if you’re planning on relocating large, valuable items such as pianos and antique furniture.
Conclusion
Relocating can be a complex and costly process, but there are steps you can take to save money and make the move go smoothly. By creating a moving strategy, comparing prices from multiple moving companies, reading the fine print of contracts, scheduling your move during off-peak times, and decluttering your belongings before packing, you can save money and reduce stress during your relocation. It’s also important to choose a reliable moving company that you can trust with your belongings, and be prepared for unexpected delays or issues by having a backup plan in place. By following these tips, you can make your move more cost-effective and enjoyable.
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