Moving is time consuming, stressful and of course, expensive. In fact, hiring professional movers to relocate to a new state is almost sure to cost you several thousand dollars. If handing over one’s hard-earned money on things like cardboard boxes and professional movers makes you queasy, you’re in luck! Whether you’re moving across the country or locally, there are quite ways to save money while moving to your new home.
Find As Many Free Boxes As Possible Before Moving
Moving boxes can be expensive! Before you start packing, look for free moving supplies from various stores, online marketplaces, community groups and friends. If you’re looking to take the search out of the digital realm, check out local liquor stores, big box chains, offices, grocery stores, recycling drop-off points, and schools. Most of these businesses and organizations throw their boxes away anyways and would be more than happy for you to take them off their hands. Of course, you can always ask friends, family and neighbors for any extra moving boxes they may have lying around.
Timing Is Everything
An easy and often overlooked way to save money on your move is to choose the right time for your move. Try to avoid April- August, as this is the time when 80% of all moves take place and rates for things like movers and trucks will certainly be higher. Also, you can find savings by doing a move in the middle of the week. Considering most people move during the weekend, finding time mid-week can maximize your savings.
Hiring Movers? Get Options
Before officially hiring a moving company, make sure you’ve received quotes from at least three movers. Each estimator should conduct either an in-person inspection or a video survey of your belongings before giving you a quote. Remember: if you’re moving out-of-state or long distance, the move’s cost will be determined by the weight of your things. So be sure to tell the estimator which items you will and won’t be moving to ensure the most accurate quote possible.
Purge Before Packing
Whether you’re downsizing or simply looking to declutter, purging your unused items is one of the easiest ways to cut costs during a move. By eliminating unworn clothing, out-of-date electronics and unnecessary furniture, your move will weigh less – making the relocation less expensive when hiring a moving company. Not only will this save you money, but also time during your moving process.
Enlist Friends And Family
While not exactly ideal, moving yourself is the still the best way to save a the most amount of your cash during the relocation process. After all, hiring movers is the most expensive part of any move. In fact, according to the American Moving and Storage Association, the average cost of a local household is $2,300 for 4 movers at $200 per hour. If you’re on a tight budget, then packing and moving your valuables yourself is your best option. I suggest enlisting friends and family to help with the move, so that you don’t have to do all the heavy lifting yourself. If you are moving locally, consider finding a friend with a truck. Although this will take more time, you will save on moving costs.