Whether it’s across town or across the state, moving is one of the most exciting, yet stressful adventures you’ll experience. Not only is it time-consuming to plan and execute, but it can also be expensive.
While some costs are unavoidable, there are some ways you can save on the total bill. To help you do that, we’ve complied XX ways you can save on your next move.
Research the costs of DIY moves vs hiring professionals
Don’t assume hiring movers will be more expensive than managing the move yourself. Most people believe the cost of a DIY move is just the truck and lunch for the folks helping you move but there’s more to it than that!
Figure out how much a DIY move will cost. Aside from the rental truck price, be sure to account for your time physically moving your belongings (you may need to make multiple trips), and your ability and willingness to carry heavy or specialty items.
When it comes to hiring movers, get quotes from at least three movers. When requesting quotes, make sure a company representative conducts a visual inspection, whether in-person or virtually, to view your belongings to ensure you get an accurate quote. Local moves are typically calculated at an hourly rate while long-distance moves will depend on total weight and additional services. The final costs of your move may depend on a few other conditions like when it happens (more on this later).
The rental truck price may look great, but at the end of the day, you may have spent more than if you hired professionals. Make sure you compare costs so you can make the right decision.
Choose an off-peak moving date
Ever heard of moving season? Peak moving season usually lands between April and September so professional movers have limited availability and higher prices, especially if you want to move on a weekend. You’ll find better rates if you move during an off-peak time, like on a weekday.
Don’t pay for moving boxes
Moving supplies can get expensive. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on supplies, get creative. Hit up grocery stores, local businesses, or big-box retailers for cardboard boxes. Bring empty boxes from work – printer paper boxes or banker boxes are good options, check online listing sites like Freecycle, Craigslist’s Free section, or Facebook Marketplace to look for boxes. And you can always ask family, friends, and neighbors for extra moving boxes.
Declutter before packing
Decluttering and purging items before a move is the easiest way to cut costs. Not only will you have less to pack and move, making your move faster and cheaper, you will also have less to unpack in your new home. Who here doesn’t have that mystery bottle of spices that has followed you from several homes? Another bonus: if your items are in good condition, you can potentially make money by selling them.
Pack yourself
Packing takes the longest amount of time. That’s why it’s the most expensive part of your move if you’re hiring professional packers or having your movers pack for you. While it’ll save you time, it can add a few hundred dollars to your final bill. Instead, opt to pack yourself and have everything ready for the movers to pick up on moving day. This will make your move shorter and more affordable.
Are you in the market for a new home? Visit us at SummerHillHomes.com to learn more about our communities, view homes, and even schedule an appointment. We’re proud of our reputation for building communities of distinction and look forward to helping you find your new home.