With the combination of security deposits, hiring movers, and the many days dedicated to packing, moving can be costly and stressful. The worst part is that the costs can quickly add up if you don’t plan. Generally, a renter can spend around $1000-3000 on a move while homeowners spend much higher. However, you can save the most money by being proactive, paying attention to detail, and creating a feasible moving budget. Here are some tips for you.
Take an inventory of your items.
First and foremost, determine what you need to move to your new home and take an inventory. Go from room to room to ensure you don’t miss anything. Ensure everyday items, including furniture, clothes, and kitchenware, are on the top of your list. Preparing an inventory when moving helps you make the right budget accommodations to suit your needs. This is also an essential part of planning for your move.
Declutter your house
Moving time presents the best time to ditch all those unwanted stuff you keep in your storeroom and closets. Think about it as a way to clean your house and also save money on the move since you will reduce the stuff you need to move. It is also a time to switch to new things, upgrade and throw away items that no longer serve a purpose in your life.
Research extensively
With your inventory, start researching different moving companies in your location. Do not assume every moving company charges the same moving costs. Take advantage of free quotes, read reviews, and schedule consultations with reliable moving companies as you shop around. Here are some of the fees you can expect to pay:
- The base moving fee, which every client pays regardless of the number of items they need to move.
- Specialty items fee for valuables such as a piano, pool table, artwork, and safes. Many moving companies charge an extra fee to move these items because they are expensive and fragile.
- Moving insurance which serves as insurance for your valuables. That means the moving company can compensate you for any damages during the move.
Even if you choose to move on your own, you still have costs to consider, including:
- Truck rental costs.
- Moving equipment rental.
Other costs to consider include storage units and transportation. Most importantly, shop around while making comparisons to find a reliable and affordable moving company.
Avoid spending money on boxes.
Buying moving boxes can quickly increase your moving costs. Boxes are everywhere, and you only need to look for them. You can ask your friends for some, get some from your workplace and ask shop owners to lend you some. There are plenty of free boxes, including recyclable bins, everywhere to use for your move only if you ask.
Skip the moving season
The ultimate way to save the most money on your move is to avoid the high moving season. Winter may be the ideal time to move cost-effectively because you can source the best moving deals. Although the weather is not perfect, time and money are.
The bottom line
There are many hacks to save the most money on your move, from sourcing free moving boxes to moving during the low season.
