Are you in the process of moving to a new house? If so, you’re likely looking for ways to save money. There are many expenses associated with moving, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re moving long-distance or just across the street, there are many ways you can make moving more affordable. By planning ahead, doing your research, and partnering with the right moving company, you can reduce stress and save money.
Make a Budget & Plan Ahead
The first step to saving money when you move is to make a budget. Determine how much you can realistically afford to spend on your move by making a list of everything you’ll need. Account for all of the supplies, equipment, and transportation you’ll need to establish the maximum amount you’re able so to spend. From there, you can evaluate ways to reduce costs. Using a moving cost calculator will also provide you with a reliable quote.
Creating room in your moving budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the quality of your experience. If you’re relocating for a new job, you might be able to negotiate compensation for moving expenses as a way to counteract an increased cost of living. Imagine you’re moving to Manhattan for work. Your employer may be willing to provide a relocation package that covers your entire move as a way to compensate for the city’s elevated living expenses. Even partial reimbursement can take a significant chunk out of your overall expenses.
Find the Most Affordable Movers
Unless you have many friends or family willing to help, you’ll likely need to hire professional movers. The cost of hiring movers varies depending on the services you require and the distance being traveled.
Hiring a moving company can often be cheaper than doing a DIY move. Moving by yourself is full of unexpected expenses. You might have to rent a moving truck, which can quickly add up. Not to mention the cost of purchasing all of the necessary equipment and supplies, such as boxes, furniture pads, and dollies. And if you’re traveling a long distance, you’ll need to factor in the increasing cost of gas and rental trucks.
If you’re planning a move, compare quotes from multiple moving companies and ask the right questions before hiring. When you get an estimate, be sure to ask if the price is a flat rate.
Flat-rate moving fees help you save money for both local and long-distance moves. A reputable moving company will visit your home to survey your belongings and give you a flat rate based on the time it will take to move everything, plus the price of any additional services, such as packing and unpacking. Making a budget and sticking to it is a lot easier when you know the cost of your move from the start.
Declutter Your Old Home
The less stuff you have to move, the cheaper your move will be. Moving is a great opportunity to get rid of things you no longer want or need. The fewer items you have to pack and transport, the lower your moving costs will be.
You can get rid of unwanted items by holding a garage sale, donating to charity, or recycling. If you have valuable items that you don’t want to sell or donate, you can always ask a friend or family member if they want them. Remember, the goal is to lighten your load so you can save money on your move.
Not sure where to start on decluttering before a move? Start by making piles of items you want to keep, items you want to sell, items you want to donate, and items you want to recycle. Once you’ve sorted everything out, you can start packing the items you’re taking with you and making arrangements for the rest.
Avoid Moving During Peak Seasons
The cost of moving also varies depending on the time of year. Summer is typically the busiest—and most expensive—time to move. If you have the flexibility, schedule your move for the fall or winter when demand is lower and rates are cheaper.
Keep in mind that if you’re moving during the winter, you’ll need to take extra precautions to protect your belongings from the cold weather. Be sure to wrap all of your items—especially delicate items—in sturdy boxes or plastic bags to prevent them from getting damaged in transit.
Buying a home can also be potentially cheaper during the winter. Real estate follows similar trends as moving, and the housing market swells during warm months and slows down during colder months. Taking advantage of buying real estate when demand is at its lowest ensures you get the best price possible. Those savings can then be put towards reducing the costs of moving.
An Easy Move Doesn’t Have to Be Overpriced
Moving to a new house can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. If you make a budget and plan ahead, you can avoid overspending. Finding the most affordable movers is also key to keeping costs down. Finally, decluttering your old home and avoiding peak moving seasons can help you save money on your next move. By following these tips, you can make your next move more affordable.
We hope you found this blog post on How to Save Money When Moving useful. Be sure to check out our post on How to Save Money on Your Move for more great tips!
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