How to Save Money on Your Move
Moving comes with many expenses, and it’s most often the unexpected costs that add up and, in some cases, push people beyond their anticipated expenditures. If you want to keep within a specific budget for your upcoming household move, here are five great ways you can save money.
1. Downsize Before Moving Day
The best way to save money is to move fewer possessions. If you’ve got belongings no longer used, needed, or are broken, the weeks before moving day is the perfect time to downsize.
- Hold a moving sale
- List big-ticket items on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist
- Donate items to local thrift stores or shelters
- Give away belongings to family, friends, or neighbors
- Discard things that are broken or otherwise no longer useful
Once you’ve downsized all possessions that you don’t need to make the trek, go through them again and determine if you can easily replace any at your new home. For instance, an old, well-used reclining sofa and love seat might cost more to move than they’re worth. Instead, plan to start fresh and buy a new set.
2. Get Creative in the Kitchen
Most people don’t realize how much food and condiments they have stashed in various corners of their kitchens. So, about a month before the move, start getting creative in the kitchen. First, take inventory of everything in the refrigerator, freezer, and pantry. Then look up recipes that are custom made to the foods you have in stock. This way, you aren’t wasting food and will spend less money ordering from takeout menus in the timeframe before your move. Finally, if you have food left, donate the nonperishables to a local food pantry if it’s not expired.
3. Save Money on Packing Materials
Before buying packing supplies, determine what you already have in the home that can serve as packing materials. Ways to save money on packing materials include:
- Collecting boxes ahead of time from home deliveries or by asking local businesses
- Asking family, friends, and neighbors if they have any leftover packing materials
- Use dresser drawers, hampers, suitcases, duffel bags, and any other larger containers you can fill
Sheets, blankets, towels, and other linens are great options for wrapping and protecting some household items. Not only that, you'll have fewer boxes to move since you’ll essentially be doubling up.
4. Plan Off-Peak Move
It’s not always easy to be flexible on a move date, but try to choose an off-peak time to move if you have that option. For example, summer rates are generally higher, so avoid a move between May and Labor Day if you can. However, if you must move during this timeframe, aim to avoid weekends and national holidays because prices will be higher during those dates.
Pro Tip: Book a mover ASAP. This ensures you get the best rates.
5. Compare Moving Companies
A good rule of thumb is to get three estimates before making a final decision on a moving company. Keep in mind; the cheapest option may not be the best option. Always ask detailed questions, determine if extra fees might be involved, and get a thorough understanding of what services are included with the quote. Experienced, reliable, professional movers will do the most efficient job, get your belongings there safely, and will put everything in writing upfront.
Moving Made Easy
Have an upcoming move? Contact us today for a free quote. We’re also happy to answer questions you have about moving services.
