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Are you looking for some money-saving tips for your next move? You can rest for now and read this article. Most people experience moving at least once in their lives. This can be an exciting journey, but it can also be financially stressful when planning and preparations are amiss. Considering there are so many tasks to do, you need to stay ahead of your move.
Residents probably wish there was an easy way out or fast-forward everything and finally wake up in their new home with all their things perfectly unpacked and arranged. Thankfully, you can make the moving process more convenient and cost-effective.
If your biggest concern is to avoid overspending on your next move, apply the following tips to reduce expenses:
- Pack Right
Boxes and tape may seem like all you need for your move, but you need more than that. Of course, you’ll need packing and loading services, but before that, you have to ensure you have packed right. You can order packing supplies online or from your local hardware store. Set a budget and don’t overspend on these supplies.
You need cardboard boxes, mattress bags, bubble wrap, packing paper, some tapes, and a tape gun. These supplies can support your move and make it more convenient and safer.
Using wardrobe boxes is practical if you’re hiring a moving company. But ask them ahead of time what packing supplies they’ll provide. Wardrobe boxes can be costly if you buy them, so ask your mover to provide you with them or find an excellent alternative to these boxes.
Some movers use heavy-duty moving blankets and furniture covers to protect your valuable items. These are ideal for your heavy appliances and expensive furniture.
Should you be moving by yourself and driving or renting out a moving truck, another packing accessory that you shouldn’t forget is ratchet straps that keep your items stable and secure during transport. If you have heavy items, use carts and moving wheels so you don’t have to exert much physical effort that may cause muscle strains later.
- Plan Early
Nothing is more expensive than having a hurried or hasty move. If you’re planning a state-to-state move, it’s best to have a detailed checklist. Since you could not devote adequate time to planning, you don’t have a choice but to get the services and resources available now, and they can be pricier than if you had secured them earlier.
Haste is almost always a recipe for disaster or, in this case, additional expenses. Not to mention, you’ll feel stressed out with the moving bills. As a general rule, planning in advance will allow you to save more costs.
When you plan early, you can conduct thorough research to determine the best moving companies, use the cheapest services, rent more affordable vehicles, and so on. These are things you’ll completely miss out on when you don’t start your moving preparations at least a few months before.
Getting moving supplies for cheap or free will be easier if you get started early. There will also be more time to organize or get rid of things and possessions you have no use for instead of bringing them with you. No matter how busy you are with personal and professional obligations, take time to plan if you’re looking to move.
- Declutter Your Home
Getting rid of items you no longer need is an excellent way to reduce your moving expenses. At the same time, this prevents you from bringing unwanted items to your new home. You may think packing everything is the easiest option, but you’ll instantly feel overwhelmed by the clutter once you move all your things to your new home.
Whether long-distance or local, a move will cost more if you have more items. So, now’s the best time to declutter and donate, give them to friends or families, or sell them online if they’re still worth using. This will save you time from packing them and allow you to earn extra money for your moving expenses.
Decluttering will make you feel satisfied, knowing that you’re no longer bringing old and worn-out stuff to your new home. You’ll be much more comfortable in your new space if you do this weeks before moving.
Also, it’s best not to take your cheap, bulky furniture with you when you move long-distance. Moving heavy furniture would cost more than buying new furniture in a local store near your new home. Especially when it’s high time to replace your outdated furniture pieces, the best way is to sell them now and shop for a new one in your new city or town.
- Calculate The Cost
It’s easy to gauge how much moving will cost if you use an online moving calculator. When you do this early, you can anticipate your moving cost and be able to set a budget. This can make you save more since you can check which expenses can be eliminated.
This will provide you with a good starting point before contacting various moving companies for quotes. When you know the estimated cost of your move, you know whether your moving company is charging you right or is taking advantage of your needs.
- Compare Costs From Several Movers
It’s essential to start as early as possible, so you can vet all the service providers that’ll take care of transporting everything from one place to another. You shouldn’t settle with just one mover. It would be best to compare costs from three moving companies. Consider what services you need and inquire about their costs from different movers.
Moving companies also offer packaged moving deals, so ensure to check them out and compare if they can be more cost-effective. Finding a moving company within your budget is essential to save costs.
Different moving companies may offer varied quotes and inclusions. Getting your items moved by professionals will be more efficient, but they can be more expensive. Always check the reputation of movers online before you compare quotes. This will help you prepare for moving day.
- Stay Away From Lowest Bidders
You should ensure you choose the right moving company for the job since they’ll be responsible for transporting your belongings. When you find a deal that’s too good to be true, chances are there’s a catch. Hence, avoid the lowest bidders at all costs. Going for the cheapest bid usually comes with hidden charges.
Low bids might also indicate low-quality work, so you shell out more money to repair or replace your valuables if they get damaged during transport. By choosing a contractor whose bid is more in the middle of the pack, you can save money from the start. Be familiar with the standard price range and choose one within that range.
- Get A Fixed Rate From Your Moving Company
It’s pretty standard for movers to charge by the hour, so the duration or the time it takes to complete the move will determine the cost.
However, you can try to negotiate with the moving company to give you a fixed rate so you can save more. Using a mover with a good reputation and whose rates are within your budget is a good option. Make sure to come to terms with the fees and other inclusions to avoid misunderstandings later.
- Consider A DIY Move
It’s generally cheaper to pull off a do-it-yourself (DIY) move than hire a moving company. Nevertheless, calculate your expenses for each option.
Considering how much stuff you have will help you make an informed decision. For instance, if you reside in a small condo unit or apartment and don’t have many belongings, moving by yourself could be a cost-friendlier option. On the contrary, you might want to leave the moving to the professionals if you have many heavy items and your new home is situated in an inaccessible area.
You’ll also need to purchase the necessary supplies to protect your furniture when you move. Consider these costs when calculating your overall moving expenses. Also, factor in the moving boxes, blankets, and reusable furniture bags that movers can provide you for free but need to buy if you opt for a DIY move.
- Go For A Hybrid Move
Another way to maximize savings is to adopt the hybrid moving model. You can hit two birds with one stone by hiring a moving company and paying for the services that you only need from them. As for the rest of the moving tasks, you can perform them yourself or seek the help of your friends.
This model is steadily gaining popularity as many people realize that it’s more cost-saving. In this case, you may rent a moving truck or order mobile storage. You can then hire a moving company to help lift heavy items. But you take care of everything else. This is a wise decision for those who want to maximize savings.
- Consider Your Mover’s Credentials
Many new companies are sprouting here and there in the moving industry. Some companies start their operations when they have enough workforce. However, they may lack the expertise, experience, and skills necessary for moving. The worst case is that they might be professional scammers posing as legitimate moving companies with the intention of stealing valuable items. Therefore, you must do a background check on the moving company you’re looking to hire.
It’s imperative to choose a moving company that’s licensed, bonded, and insured. By doing so, you protect your cargo from damage, loss, or theft. Another thing to ensure is that the moving company you hire will carry out the moving process and not outsource the task to an unprofessional third party. Read reviews and listen to the advice of your friends and families who have tried the service of these movers.
- Move On A Weekday
If you want to save more on your move, consider doing it on a weekday rather than on the weekend. It’s during weekends, especially around the end of the month, when people are most in need of moving services. Prices are relatively higher when there’s a high demand for their services.
The best way is to ask your moving company which day is the slowest for them, and if they offer discounted rates on those days.
- Disassemble Bulky Furniture
It’s advisable to disassemble bulky furniture such as bed frames as they’re challenging to handle and can occupy a lot of space. When you disassemble this type of furniture, movers will find them easier to load and unload.
Get help from friends and family members to disassemble bed frames, secure the screws and bolts, and take photos or make notes so you can readily put them back again upon arriving at your new home.
- Handle The Valuables Yourself
Many people tend to forget they have to pack and move their valuables themselves. While hiring a mover and having them handle everything is cheaper, it’s risky to entrust your valuables to them as these could get damaged, lost, or stolen.
Monitor your valuables before you move and move them yourself. With this, you won’t lose priceless items, and if something goes missing, you can be sure it’s not the fault of the moving company.
- Have A Contingency Plan
Your best efforts notwithstanding, unanticipated troubles, hiccups, and delays are likely to happen. This is why you need to have a plan B. It’s actually cost-effective to have a backup plan in place.
Even if you’ve already picked a moving company, you should have your second choice on standby just in case the former won’t be able to pick up your stuff, and you badly need to move on that day.
Conclusion
It’s wise to do research on the moving companies you’re considering. Read customer reviews and make sure the moving company is legitimate and trustworthy before signing a contract. Apply the tips mentioned above, and you can cut considerable costs on your next move.
It’s always worth the effort to plan early. In addition, you can make your move smoother by packing systematically, choosing the appropriate moving company, and striking a good deal with them.