There comes a time when you must pack your belongings and change your place of residence-whether it’s due to personal life or career changes. However, moving is costly. In fact, numerous people aren’t prepared for the associated costs, including truck rentals and packing supplies.
Nevertheless, recognizing what you will need to spend and budgeting appropriately can help you save. Here’s a list of ways to save on moving costs.
1. Eliminate Junk
Moving companies usually base their charges on factors such as the number of cars provided and cargo weight. Therefore, an upcoming move is an excellent opportunity to eliminate unused items.
Bear in mind that you’re likely to save by lightening the load. Eliminating rarely used stuff is advisable whether you’re moving yourself or using a full-service mover.
There’s no better time to go through your stuff than the months before the move. Take this time to establish what you don’t use and sell them.
You must assess every item and establish whether the item is worth keeping. When selling stuff, various strategies make sense.
For instance, Craigslist is an excellent resource for larger items while eBay is a powerful tool for selling smaller items. On the other hand, yard sales are an excellent way of eliminating bigger bulk items such as clothing.
2. Moving Supplies
There’s no point paying for something, which you can obtain free. If you plan to move in the future, begin saving huge boxes from daily purchases now. You can obtain boxes from local businesses, particularly grocery stores, drugstores, and offices. You simply need to ask.
Alternatively, you can get affordable supplies from a friend who has moved recently or order them online. Instead of purchasing a tape dispenser, you can borrow one and you could use crumpled newspaper instead of bubble wrap.
You simply need to crumple up newspapers or use tissue paper for padding breakables. Make sure you shop for the cheapest deal on the necessary supplies.
Another means of saving includes using your linens, blankets, and area rugs for padding instead of renting from the rental company. Bear in mind that you’ll probably have to dry-clean or launder them once you arrive.
3. Labor
Moving services are very costly, so avoid movers if possible. Instead of spending considerable money on a professional service, consider alternative ways of trimming costs.
However, if you insist on professional services, consider an arrangement in which the company moves, loads, unloads your stuff and you pack the boxes.
If you can survive without all your belongings for a short period at your old or new location, movers at times give considerable cost deductions if they can short-term-store and consolidate your stuff with other clients’ belongings. If you opt for a self-move, gather volunteers on the moving day.
4. Service and Utility Shutoffs
Numerous utilities need you to pay a full month’s service at a time. Therefore, if a service isn’t absolutely necessary, cut it off before you depart. If you do so after, you’re likely to pay for it when you’re not residing there.
That implies contacting service companies, for instance your cable or internet service provider before the move-out date.
5. Group Discounts
If you’re renting a truck, inquire whether the rental company offers any kind of group discount. Your membership to a local group, your employer, or another affiliation could qualify you for a unique rate.
For instance, if you’re an AAA member, you might obtain an AAA discount through major moving companies.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a move, these strategies will help you cut costs while ensuring a stress-free move. Remember, there’s no need to considerable money on your move.
For more information on how to save when moving, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave other suggestions.