Moving is one of the most stressful things a person can experience. In order for the logistics to work, many details must fall into place in a timely manner. This factor is just one cause of the tremendous amount of stress.
Another big factor in moving is finances. Moving is expensive, from renting moving trucks to the down payments associated with your new home. Luckily, there are some valuable tips that anyone moving should consider to cut the expense that comes with making a fresh start.
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Look at Your TimeTable
The first major decision that people face is whether or not to hire professional movers. The expense is considerable, but the thought of packing, unpacking, and moving all the boxes on your own is likely to cause your back to ache. In making this decision, it is important to consider many factors related to costs versus benefits. If time is of the essence, then the added expense can certainly be justified.
To DIY or Not to DIY?
The professionals will cut the large majority of time that you must invest in the moving process in half. Another important factor to consider is the weight of your possessions and your physical ability to actually get the job done. If the task ahead is too monumental, then allowing for this service in the budget is worth doing.
While hiring the movers will save you effort and time, a do-it-yourself approach can significantly save you money. Get friends and family to help with loading and unloading, then look into renting a moving truck instead of paying for the full-service moving company. Just budget for gas and any tolls if you are doing a long-distance move.
Play the Field
One of the most important considerations is the actual method you use to transport your possessions. U-Hauls and various other types of truck rental companies can be extremely convenient. However, these services can cost an arm and a leg when you consider the bottom-line price. Consider finding a service that allows you to pack your items, which they will then drive to your destination.
These types of services are often dramatically less expensive than any conventional moving company. Suppose your items arrive at the destination before you are actually ready to move into the home. In that case, you can further defer costs and avoid extra fees by taking advantage of a self-storage center until your move-in date arrives.
Prepare in Advance
The first step towards saving money on moving is preparation. Plan your move 6-8 weeks before the actual day. This way, you have enough time to compare the various moving services, find the best deals, and avoid those decisions that can cost you much when left to the last minute. A detailed checklist comes in handy for everything from buying packing material to hiring a truck.
Clear Before Moving
The fewer items you possess, the cheaper and simpler it is to move. Take this opportunity to lighten up all that stuff you own. Go through each room and decide what is really necessary. You can donate, sell, or give out those that have no more use for you. Sell old furniture pieces or any lying idly items, for example, on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, to earn some money offsetting the costs of your move.
Pack Light Where Possible
There is plenty of money to be saved when it comes to packing materials as well. Every moving company and local hardware store has fresh, crisp boxes for sale. However, free boxes can be obtained from any liquor store. If you need extremely large boxes, then visit furniture stores. These places have more than enough extra cardboard to allow you to construct boxes of any size. You should also take this opportunity to go through your stuff in order to clear some things out.
Recycle what is no longer useful, hold a garage sale to make a little extra money, and donate unwanted items to Goodwill or second-hand stores. The less you have to move, the less expensive the move will be. A good rule of thumb is to toss anything that you have not used in over three years.
Get Free Packing Supplies
Buying boxes, tape, and packing paper can add up fast. But then there are places where you can source free or cheap packing material. You just need to ask the stores if they have some extra boxes they can give you, look online at marketplaces where people hand out stuff for free or use old boxes from deliveries.
You can also use household stuff such as towels, linens, or newspaper as a free padding material.
You should be ready for the fact that moving companies vary greatly in terms of price. Spend some time shopping around. Make comparisons of various services with several quotes to choose from before you make that final decision.
For local moves, you might consider renting a truck and doing it yourself. It is one of the cheaper alternatives if you need to move long distances via a portable storage container rather than hiring traditional movers.
Move During Off-Peak Times
Peak season is when you should not move, especially during summer and weekends. The high demand may mean an inflated price at this time due to high demand. Try to schedule it during a weekday or off-peak since this costs less.
Pack Yourself
Packing can be convenient, but it is expensive. You can hire packers to come to your aid, or you can save money and pack your belongings yourself. Pack smart—label the boxes by room and put the essentials you would need in the first few days in a handy place when you arrive at your new place. Other ways you can save space and money involve using suitcases, laundry baskets, and tote bags as additional storage containers.
Save on Utility Transfers and Fees
Also, do not forget the hook-up fees for utilities. Make sure to call your service providers-electricity, internet, water-to ask about discounts for moving or installation. Many service providers will waive some fees if you ask. Also, get your new utilities up and running ahead of time so that you do not do last-minute installs, which usually incur more.
Use Your Credit Card Benefits
If you have a rewards credit card, start using it now. Most credit cards will offer cash back or travel points on purchases or discounts on moving trucks or storage units. Just make sure to pay the balance before the interest starts accumulating.
Determine Your Moving Budget
The solution to avoid overspending is to make a clear budget for the move. The amount accounted for should include all the supplies needed for packing, hired movers, truck rentals, utility fees, and any other unexpected charges. Budgeting will help you track your spending and make necessary adjustments if things get out of track.
Conclusion
Moving does not have to be expensive. Being prepared ahead of time, decluttering, and finding tactics to save on those costs can help make your transition to a new house affordable and stress-free. Free supplies, DIY moves, and off-peak discounts all contribute to keeping you within your budget.
