Moving usually costs anywhere from $1,000, to $10,000, depending on how far you have to go, the size of your home, and the professional moving company you choose. While moving costs are generally high, there are ways to keep your expenses down. Moving is a lot of work, and you don’t want to spend your money unnecessarily. So, if you’re planning to move, follow these five discount moving tips to save money before settling in your new home.
1) Move Fewer Items
The best way to reduce moving costs is simply moving fewer items. Thoroughly decluttering before a move means you won’t be moving things you don’t use. It will also save space in both your new home and the moving truck that you’re paying for. You can even make money by proactively selling your items at yardsales or on online marketplaces such as ebay, facebook, and craigslist.
Since interstate moves are most often charged by weight, it may be cheaper selling large items like furniture and appliances beforehand, then simply buying new ones when you arrive at your new locale. Another benefit of listing online, either for sale or marked free, is that others are likely willing to move them out with no physical effort on your part.
Simply put, the less you have, the less you’ll pay. This is most effective of course when you start as early as you can and have time to inventory your items and gauge how often you use them.
2) Don’t Buy Boxes
Cardboard boxes are used by almost everyone to transport goods, and the best way to discount moving costs is to spend nothing in the first place. From grocery stores to bookstores, nearly all shipments come in boxes, and when they’re unpacked, they’re already headed to be recycled in one way or another.
Really, the only reason to purchase pristine new boxes is for the sake of convenience if you simply don’t have the time to procure them beforehand. If you do have time, ask your friends and local businesses owners, check craigslist, and save the boxes from your Amazon shipments. Liquor stores are another great place to ask because their boxes are designed to carry heavy loads. Certain UHaul locations also have a recycled box exchange.
3) Choose the Right Professional Moving Company
When choosing the right professional moving company, always receive a free quote, but don’t immediately go with the first one you receive. It’s a good idea to get multiple ones for a ballpark estimate and then use them to your advantage when receiving new ones.
Some quotes automatically assume you’ll need every service the company offers, so be sure you know exactly what you need going into it. If you have time and are willing to pack your own items, don’t pay for a packing service for instance.
Be aware of red flags as well – If a quote is significantly lower than the others you receive, it might be a scam. Always ask for a company’s DOT identification number, and be sure to cross reference it with the FMCSA. Check online reviews, awards, and its rating with the Better Business Bureau before deciding on the professional moving company that will handle your precious items.
4) Choose a Less Popular Time to Move
Moves booked during peak season (June through August), are generally more expensive than the rest of the year, but a professional moving company still needs to stay in business year-round. Peak months are usually during the summer, so for the best discount moving, try and choose a cooler time of the year. The same concept applies to days of the week, and Tuesday through Thursday are often cheaper than days closer to the weekend when everyone is busy, out and about.
5) Wait to Furnish your New Home
It can be tempting to begin planning, purchasing, and furnishing your home before you’re moved it; it’s an exciting new space full of possibility! But purchasing new items, particularly furniture and appliances, before you’re fully settled and acquainted with your new space may lead to some frustration, dissatisfaction and ultimately lost money.
Imagine you’re moved in, and after two weeks realize the new couch you purchased is just a tad too big to comfortably fit the environment most efficiently. That a microwave or stove won’t fit between the cabinets how you expected. Or even something as small as a wall mount for your tv being unable to be installed the way you originally anticipated.
We recommend waiting about a month before making any large purchases. In the same vein as the first rule of thumb, you will of course save money by moving less things, but this also ensures you will have the time and space to optimize your layout in the most efficient way possible, without having to resell at a loss or wasting time on returns.
