Moving is expensive, regardless of scale. Most people know the cost of their new home and of the moving company, but minor expenses can slip through the cracks. People don’t typically consider the cost of stocking kitchen cabinets or changing internet providers. A little goes a long way, and there are plenty of tiny ways to keep moving costs down — even if it’s just a little bit. Here are some simple tips for making small changes to your move and saving big bucks.
Declutter Before You Pack
If you’re downsizing your home with your big move, then decluttering is a necessity. But even if your new home is just as big as (or even bigger than) your old one, it makes sense to chuck some junk before you start packing it all up.
In a sense, the money you’re paying to movers is an upkeep tax on all of your belongings. Are there things in your home that you wouldn’t want to pay that “tax” on? If so, get rid of them instead of paying movers to move them!
Have a Garage Sale
The best and most profitable way to get rid of unwanted items? Sell them! Holding a garage or yard sale is a great way to clear out unwanted clutter. Advertise around town with homemade signs or put a listing in the newspaper or on Craigslist. Be open to negotiation with potential buyers. You’ll need to be careful that nothing you want to keep is on the sale floor, so review the items thoroughly.
Downsizing like this — or donating unwanted items — can help lower the cost of moving since there will be less to pack and travel with. It’ll also put some cash directly in your pocket. Alternatively, you can sell your belongings directly through sites like eBay or Craigslist.
Pack Items Yourself (and Save the Spending for the Move)
Many moving companies offer packing services, but it’s an unnecessary additional cost in many scenarios. This doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing proposition: In most cases, you can do the packing yourself and then pay the movers only for the, you know … actual moving.
The average person can do a perfectly adequate job packing their belongings — even fragile heirlooms. If you need guidance, seek out moving tutorials or videos online.
If packing all your belongings by yourself with no assistance seems like too tough of a task for you, consider asking friends and family for help packing before hiring a professional.
Gather and Use Free Packing Materials
One of the easiest ways to cut costs during a move is by gathering free packing materials. Start by asking local stores, especially grocery and liquor stores, for any sturdy boxes they can spare — these establishments often have an abundance of boxes that are discarded after shipments. Additionally, you can ask friends or family members who’ve recently moved if they have any packing supplies they no longer need. Utilizing old newspapers, magazines, and household textiles like towels and blankets for padding and wrapping can also eliminate the need to purchase expensive bubble wrap and packing peanuts.
Get Help From Family and Friends
We briefly touched on enlisting the aid of loved ones while packing, but there’s a lot more support they can offer. Say, for example, your college roommate lives between your current home and your new one. Maybe they can let you stay at their place overnight, which would save you money on a hotel. A relative can watch your children or pets while you focus on unpacking. They may even be able to help transport your belongings, removing the need to hire a moving company. Just be willing to return the favor when they move.
Compare Movers and Get Quotes
You may think this one is a bit obvious, but the reality is that some people will hire a moving company based on a flashy ad or word-of-mouth. It’s important to compare the rates among companies to find the one that fits your budget. You should also take into account the ways prices can fluctuate throughout the year.
Some movers may have higher rates during peak season since they can afford to charge more, but they may have special promotions during the offseason to attract customers. It may be prudent to get estimates from multiple companies, then pick the most affordable rate. Just be wary of going too cheap. Replacing your furniture because of the moving company renders the entire point moot.
Get quotes from several movers before you make your final decision, and you’ll be more likely to pay a fair price.
Consider Moving in the Middle of the Week or the Middle of the Month
Opting to move midweek and mid-month can lead to substantial savings. Most people tend to schedule their moves at the beginning or end of the month and on weekends due to lease expirations and work schedules. As a result, moving companies are busier and may charge higher rates during these peak times.
By planning your move for a time when there’s less demand, you can often negotiate a better rate and may also find that movers can offer you more flexible, attentive service. Get some quotes for these off-peak days and see if it’s worth scheduling your move around the savings.
Prepare a Moving-Day Box
A moving-day box is a box filled with the essentials you’ll need on your first day. Items such as plates, paper towels, and soap should be in it. It’s more of a timesaver than a money-saver, but it still prevents unnecessary costs — if you don’t pack this box, you may find yourself buying essential supplies all over again out of desperation!
Consider Your Cable
Before you move, inform your cable company. Depending on the company, you may need to take additional actions. You’ll likely have to schedule an installation at your new home. In a worst-case scenario, they won’t offer cable service in that area and you’ll need to find a new provider.
This is the perfect excuse to re-evaluate your need for cable. Are there channels in your current package you never watch? Have you dropped traditional television entirely? If so, you can switch to a more affordable plan. It’s also a good time to cancel any unused subscription services. If you never watch Disney Plus or Netflix, drop them. Not only will you save money, it’s also one less thing you’ll have to set up at the new place.