Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure, but it often comes with a price tag that can cause some stress. The expenses associated with moving can quickly add up, from hiring movers to securing packing supplies and transportation. Fortunately, there are smart strategies that can lead to significant savings on your moving costs.
In this guide, we’ll delve into expert tips and insights from professionals in the field, revealing proven methods for reducing your moving expenses. Whether planning a local move or a long-distance relocation, these pro tips will empower you to make cost-conscious decisions and keep your moving budget in check. Discover the keys to smart strategies that lead to big savings on your upcoming move.
8 Smart Ways to Save on Moving Costs
Moving can be costly. These strategies will help you save money and reduce stress.
Moving is an exciting adventure, whether you are moving across town or country. Moving is one of the most stressful experiences, both from a budgeting and logistical perspective. Zillow estimates that the average move costs between $80 and $100 per hour for moves within a state but $2,000 to $5,000 for interstate moves.
While some moving costs cannot be avoided, there are ways to cut back on them. We asked a few professionals to advise you on saving money for your next move.
1. Declutter Before You Pack
It may be another thing to do, but removing everything you don’t need to move with you will save you money, time, and space.
Take inventory of all your items, including clothing, cookware, and furniture. Sara Skirboll is the RetailMeNot shopping and trends expert. She says that if you do Marie Kondo first, you’ll be amazed at how much stuff you have. You could save hundreds if you downsize. The hourly cost of movers is one of the biggest costs in moving.
You can also make money by selling unwanted items and using the funds to pay for moving expenses. You can consign furniture and nice clothes to consignment stores, sell them on websites such as eBay and Poshmark, or hold garage sales if you feel ambitious. You can also schedule a donation drop-off or pickup if you’d rather not deal with the hassle of selling things.
2. Booking Your Movers at the Right Time is Important
You can save a lot of money by hiring movers during the week rather than on weekends, in the off-season as opposed to peak season, or at mid-month instead of end-of-month.
Weekdays are less expensive, as fewer people are moving on these days. Luke Marklin is the CEO of Bellhops, a digital-based moving company. He says that if you can take time off from work, then Mondays, Wednesdays, and Tuesdays will have the most availability and lowest costs. Avoid the last weekend of the month as it is usually the busiest and the most expensive.
Skirboll states that moving is most common between fall and spring. This may differ depending on where in the world you live. So, find out when moving is most popular. You can also save money by scheduling your move during the off-season.
Marklin says that you can save between 20 and 30 percent by moving on days when it is less busy.
3. Speak to Your Cable, Internet, and Utility Providers
Avoid double paying your rent, mortgage, utilities, Internet, and Cable at two locations. You can align your accounts’ start and end dates by calling your provider to discuss proration. Additionally, take advantage of new account specials offered by internet and cable companies in your area, and speak with utility companies about waiving installation/activation fees. You can get these fees waived if your payment history is good elsewhere or you are a loyal customer.
4. Find Moving Supplies in a Variety of Ways
Moving supplies, such as boxes, tapes, bubble wrap, and padding, can add up quickly. Think outside the box and save hundreds of dollars.
Before buying additional packing materials, use all your suitcases, baskets, and hampers. Skirboll suggests using socks and towels instead of bubble wrap to protect fragile items. Ask your friends, neighbors, or local businesses for their boxes if you need them.
Depending on your moving amount, you can save anywhere from $50 to $400. You’ll benefit the environment as well.
5. Pack it Yourself
You can save a lot of money by packing all your belongings (or the majority). It is the most time-consuming and expensive part of moving. Hire movers to collect your boxes or just your furniture.
6. Consider Shared-Load Moving
Moving long distances is another expensive aspect of moving. This method is time-consuming and expensive for the mover and you. Shared load moving companies can help you cut costs by transporting multiple households’ belongings using a trailer. This method may take a little longer but can reduce costs by half. ABF U Pack, PODS, and COWs are examples.
7. Ship Your Books
Shipping your books is a great way to move them.
Skirboll says that books are heavier than you think and don’t fold up to save space. The books are extremely heavy. Ask FedEx or the United States Postal Service about moving books to free up space in trucks and vehicles.
USPS offers a Media Mail service that allows you to ship books and other media at a lower rate than the standard cost.
8. Plan Your Meals Ahead
While eating pizza in an unloaded house is a tradition, eating out every meal for the next several weeks as you unpack and organize may be expensive (and occasionally bad for your waistline). To save money, make your meals ahead of time.
It can be as simple as cooking food in your previous home and freezing it for future use or as complex as using a meal-delivery service like Blue Apron, HelloFresh, etc. Having a list of ingredients for your new home can be helpful.
Conclusion
In the complex moving world, where expenses often seem to pile up endlessly, implementing smart strategies is key to a successful and cost-effective relocation. As we’ve explored in this guide, reducing the cost of hiring movers and minimizing your overall moving costs is not just a possibility; it’s a reality. By incorporating the expert tips provided by professionals in the field, you can confidently navigate your move, making sound financial decisions.
The cost of hiring movers, packing materials, and other associated expenses need not be a source of stress. From the initial step of decluttering and downsizing your belongings to the timing of your move and finding creative ways to save on supplies, these strategies empower you to take control of your moving budget. As you transition to a new home, consider the expert’s wisdom, allowing you to streamline your move and maximize your savings.
Now that you’re armed with these valuable insights and practical tips for reducing your moving costs, it’s time to implement them. As you prepare for your upcoming move, keep in mind the advice from the professionals in the field and explore how you can implement these strategies to save money and reduce the financial burden of your move. Whether moving locally or embarking on a long-distance journey, these smart strategies will help you achieve significant savings and a smoother relocation process.
For those in the Bradenton area, if you’re seeking professional movers to assist with your relocation, consider contacting Flat Fee Movers. Our team is experienced and dedicated to providing reliable, cost-effective moving services. Contact us to discuss your needs and use our expertise to ensure a seamless and affordable move to your new home. Visit our website or contact us today to start your journey towards a stress-free and budget-conscious relocation.
Abraham Berger is a distinguished writer specializing in moving articles, bringing his passion for relocation and expertise in the moving industry to help readers embark on seamless and stress-free moving journeys. With an innate ability to combine personal experiences with extensive research, Abraham's articles resonate with readers as he offers valuable insights, tips, and strategies for a successful move.