Cost Saving Moving Tips

Moving expenses are obviously a part of buying or selling a home and moving to a new one. Moving inspires both excitement and anxiety than anything else. It also can be a significant financial load to face if you are unprepared. To make it all easier to handle, here are some ways to avoid breaking the bank with your move.

Plan Early

Starting early allows you more time to think through your options, some of which may save you money. You’ll also have more time to get rid of things you don’t need to move. Many expenses during the moving process come from last-minute purchases due to unpreparedness.
You should plan everything you need to do in the months, weeks and days building up to the move, making sure you focus on the most important deadlines as priorities.

Toss, Donate or Sell

You should consider getting rid of things you no longer need if you want to move on a budget. Your move will cost more the more belongings you have. If you want to save money on your move make sure to get rid of, sell, or donate as much as possible.
t's time to decide how to get rid of these items and sell them for as much money as you can after you've identified all the things you won't be bringing.

• Garage Sale
• Sell Online
• Estate Sale

Pack Yourself

Packing yourself is the best way to save money on moving costs. The more you’re packed up and ready to go, the less time it will take movers to move your things. Just be sure you pack the right way to avoid your items being broken.

Supplies

There’s no sense in buying packing materials if you already have some. Consider using your old amazon boxes or collecting packing materials like markers, tape before you go out and purchase anything.
Use linens, sheets, and towels to pack Items, socks can be used to wrap glassware. Kitchen towels are a great way to separate plates.
Suitcases are great for packing items like books and other bulky items. Since suitcases have wheels and are quite small, putting heavier items inside is a great idea.
If you are moving yourself, use your blankets to protect your furniture. If you are hiring a moving company, you won’t have to worry about the supplies needed to protect your furniture.
Find Free Boxes, plenty of other retailers recycle cardboard boxes and they likely wouldn’t mind you asking for some boxes. Liquor boxes are perfect for packing glasses and dishes. Even go online to search for people who are willing to give boxes away.
If you need to buy supplies like tape, mattress bags, tape guns, and packing paper check on Amazon, or your local hardware or department stores.
Ask your moving company if they let you use wardrobe boxes on moving day. Wardrobe boxes are very expensive in the department stores and some movers offer free use of wardrobe boxes on moving day.

Movers vs Move Yourself

Sometimes moving yourself is cheaper than hiring a moving company, and sometimes hiring a moving company is cheaper than moving yourself.
Decide if you should spend money on movers. Rates vary widely by company and can be affected by seasonality and location. Movers usually increase their rates between the months of May through August. This is the busiest time of year for moving companies. If you’re looking to save money on your move, consider moving outside of these dates.
Weekends are the busiest times when people need moving services, especially towards the end of the month. Many movers charge more during these peak times, so consider moving during the week or ask your moving company if they can discount your rate if you choose a day during the week.

Be Prepared for The Movers
Some moving companies may charge by the hour, to save on the cost of a moving company make sure everything is ready for them.
 Read Reviews & Hire the Right Moving Company
If you read over some of the reviews for a moving company, you can get an idea of how quickly they work. Understand that it can take longer and cost you more money if customers complain that the movers move slowly. Look for movers whose reviews note that they move things fast and effectively.
Some movers will tack on additional costs, such as stairs, fuel, long hauls, and the usage of packing supplies. Always enquire about the hourly cost and any potential extra fees with the moving company.
 
Get Help from Friends & Family
Moving involves a lot of work, both in terms of packing and actual moving, so invite your friends and family to lend a hand so you don't have to hire professionals to complete jobs that anybody can complete.

Self-storage

Renting a self-storage unit can be an option if your move is temporary or if there is a time gap between when you have to leave your current residence and when your new home is ready.
Portable Storage Units
A portable storage container might be a better option, depending on the size of the items you have to transport and the distance you're moving them. They could be a bit more expensive in some circumstances, but they give the mover more options. You can keep onto a portable storage container for a longer period of time and empty it at your own pace rather than being bound to the truck rental business and having to return the vehicle the following day.

Meal Planning

When you’re shutting off your electricity at your old place and starting up at the new, chances are you won’t have access to refrigerated food for a few days. As well your plates and cutlery are packed away. It can be super easy to go over budget on eating out during moving time, so take some time to plan. Stock up on non-refrigerated foods and keep them in a separate accessible bag for ease. 
 

Moving Day

On moving day, you don’t want to have kids and pets running around getting in the way of the movers. You also don’t want to have to spend a bunch of money on hiring babysitters or taking your animals to pet hotels. To save money on move day ask your friends and family to watch your children and pets.

Moving can be a stressful time, so it depends on your own specific situation how much you want to focus on saving money vs. saving your time.