It can be exciting and difficult to move homes. One major concern many individuals face is managing the cost of hiring professional help. Using local movers can make the transition smoother, but it could also strain your budget if not effectively planned.
This article explores effective strategies to help you save money when hiring a moving company. From comparing service quotes to understanding how to leverage the services of local movers best, we’ve got you covered.
So sit back, relax, and discover how to make your upcoming moving experience cost-effective.
10 Moving on a Budget Tips You Can’t Ignore
1. Sell the Excess and Declutter Your House
You can earn money by moving. Gather some unwanted items that you can sell. If you decide these items are not worth the hassle, time, and cost of moving, sell them. Sell them and use the money to pay for your moving costs.
Some decisions are simpler than others. For example, selling an old television that no one wants. There are also more difficult decisions to make. If you don’t play the piano, as you learned as a child, selling it to someone who can use it might make sense.
After making a mental list of the items you will not be packing, you need to decide how to get rid of them and earn the most money.
How to dispose of unwanted items:
- Host a garage sale or estate sale.
- Sell online with apps such as Wallapop and OfferUp.
- List your items in a Facebook group for the neighborhood or on Nextdoor.
- Barter with friends and family.
2. Donate Bulky Items That You Cannot Sell
Donate what you cannot sell. Thrift stores are perfect for easy and quick donations. Some thrift shops have drive-up access to their garages. You drive into the shop, unload all your goods, and then someone will wait to provide you with a receipt.
Request an itemized donation receipt to deduct the donation from your taxes.
3. Reuse Packing Materials That Are Cheap or Free
Packing materials are expensive. Use household items instead of an oversized bubble wrap roll.
Save money by using packing materials:
- You can use socks to wrap your glassware.
- To separate plates, kitchen towels work well.
- Use the original packaging for transferring what was originally in it, or use them to protect more expensive items.
- Buy moving boxes as little as possible. Search Craigslist or other sites to find people willing to give away moving boxes for free.
4. Before Moving, Measure the Access Points
We’ve heard many stories about the sectional sofa that couldn’t fit through the doorway. A king-sized mattress that couldn’t fit up the stairs of a Cape Cod home. Do not make the mistake of judging size by looking at it.
Measure your large fixtures, such as tables, sofas, and custom pieces. Measure your larger fixtures and determine how they will fit in the new footprint.
You can easily accomplish this task by measuring the size of each room and considering the width and height of the door frames, corridors, and stairwells. Do you live too far to make this trip? Ask your landlord or seller if they can provide you with this information.
It’s much easier to decide what needs to go and what can remain once you’ve determined what doesn’t fit.
5. Do Not Overspend on Your New Home
The trick to moving within a budget involves a mental approach. Even though it may be tempting to purchase items for your new house, remember that you aren’t there yet. You might be enticed to click “Add to Cart,” but suppress the desire. Commit to a temporary spending freeze while you are moving.
Remember:
- To save money when moving, try only to buy what you need.
- It would help if you only decorated your new home once you were there.
- You may be impulsive spending because you visualize what you want in each room.
- The less you purchase now, the greater the savings and the fewer things you will have to move when you move.
6. You Can Ask Your Employer for Reimbursement
You can deduct moving costs if your employer doesn’t reimburse you.
Ask your employer if it will reimburse moving costs or compensate you for relocation before accepting a job in another state. You would be surprised at how much some employers are willing to reimburse.
Your moving costs may be tax deductible if your employer does not compensate you. To determine your eligibility for a write-off, speak with your accountant or tax counselor.
7. Consider Whether You Need to Spend Money on Moving Services
Hiring friends or movers can be a wise decision when moving on a tight budget. You may want to bribe friends with pizza or beer, but it is sometimes better to hire professionals.
Before hiring movers, ask these questions:
- Can my friends safely move heavy furniture?
- How much stuff will I need to move?
- Do I move far away?
- Asking friends for advice, how much can I save?
- Do I need to move any valuable furniture?
- Do I need to move a pool table, piano, or other complicated item?
Moving companies are expensive, but their efficiency and speed can save you many more headaches.
8. Avoid Moving During Busy Seasons
You may not be able to control this but try to avoid moving in the high season (May-September). You will find that rates are cheaper, and scheduling the move during the off-season is easier.
9. Compare Prices to Get the Best Deals
Look for new satellite or cable providers who offer 12-month specials to movers.
If you can only do it temporarily, find as many ways to reduce your monthly expenses as possible.
If you’re moving to a different area, it is a great time to look for new cable and satellite providers who offer 12-month specials. You’ll want to compare the offers by knowing how much it will cost once the 12-month special expires and the contract terms.
Consider canceling your TV or Internet service early before you move; try to survive on your smartphone’s Wi-Fi before packing.
10. When You Are in a Hurry, Use Self-Storage
Renting a self-storage unit is a good option if you are moving temporarily or have a period between when you must leave your current home and when your new one is ready.
Conclusion
Having a clear plan and utilizing smart strategies can significantly reduce the cost of hiring a moving company. From decluttering your home and selling unwanted goods to judiciously using friends’ help and hiring a reliable moving company when necessary, you can make your move economical without compromising the quality of service.
If these tips feel overwhelming, remember you can navigate this process with help. There are reliable moving companies out there eager to assist you. One such company is Fast Movers of Sarasota. Known for their professional and efficient services, Fast Movers can relieve your moving stress and help you transition seamlessly and within budget.
If you are planning a move and require a reliable company, why not consider Fast Movers of Sarasota? Their vast experience and commitment to customer satisfaction make them a preferred choice for many. Book an appointment with them today and turn your next move into a memorable, hassle-free experience!
FAQ
What is the cheapest month to move?
The summer is the peak season for leasing and moving, which means that prices are also at their highest. According to moveBuddha, 45% of all U. S. moves occur between May and August. If you want to save money on your move, schedule it between September and April.
What is the minimum amount of money I should have to move?
You should be able to afford the moving costs (including the cost of movers, the rental of trucks, and the gas) and the items you will need to furnish your home when you arrive. This assumes you have signed a contract to rent or buy a home. Invest in these costs if you still need to secure your next house.
Can you move out for $5,000?
Speak to your accountant or tax advisor to learn if you qualify for a write-off. Assume you are only looking at the costs of moving, not the rent or cost of a house.
HomeAdvisor says that if you are moving within your state, then $5,000 is enough. The average cost for a local move is between $913 and $2531, so it’s not too much. If you are moving out of state, you need more than $5,000. HomeAdvisor reports that the average cost of a long-distance relocation is between $2,649 and $6,988.
What are the ways I can reduce my moving expenses?
- Remove as much as possible to reduce the amount of stuff that needs moving.
- Do it yourself. Rent a truck and pack your items to move to the new location.
- It would help if you moved during the offseason, between September and April.
- Negotiate with your employer to see if they will cover some of the costs associated with relocation.
- Drive your car to your new house instead of shipping it. You can save even more money if your vehicle is large enough to fit all your belongings.
