Relocating to a new home or office space can be an exciting prospect, but the thought of skyrocketing moving costs often douses that excitement with a sobering dose of reality. Whether you’re downsizing, upsizing, or simply changing locations, the expenses associated with moving can quickly add up, leaving you with a hefty bill to settle.
However, fear not! In this guide, we’re here to help you navigate the complex world of moving costs and present 8 pro tips to ease the financial burden and make your relocation a smooth and cost-effective endeavor.
Get ready to discover how to move on a budget while ensuring a stress-free transition to your new space.
8 Practical Ways to Reduce Moving Costs
Moving can be expensive. These strategies can help you reduce stress and save money.
Moving across town or the country is a thrilling adventure. Moving can be a stressful experience, both in terms of budgeting and logistics. Zillow estimates the average move cost is between $80 to $100 per hour within a single state and $2000 to $5,000 when moving interstate.
There are ways to reduce moving costs, even though some cannot be avoided. We asked professionals for their tips on how to save money when moving.
1. Before You Pack, Declutter
You can save money, space, and time by removing all the items you do not need to take with you.
List everything you own, including clothes, furniture, and cookware. Sara Skirboll, RetailMeNot’s shopping and trends expert, is a RetailMeNot. She says you will be surprised at the amount of stuff you own if you start with Marie Kondo. Downsizing could save you hundreds. The hourly rate of movers largely determines moving costs.
Selling unwanted items can be a great way to make money and use the proceeds to pay moving costs. Consigning furniture and clothes can be done at consignment shops, on websites like eBay or Poshmark, or even through garage sales if that’s what you want. You can schedule a donation pickup or drop-off if you want to avoid dealing with selling items.
2. It Is Important to Book Your Movers at the Right Time
Hire movers in the middle of the month instead of the end of the month.
The weekdays are cheaper because fewer people move on these days. Luke Marklin, CEO of Bellhops – a digitally-based moving firm – is a former entrepreneur. He says Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays have the best availability and prices if you can take some time off work. Avoid the last weekend of the month, as it’s usually the busiest.
Skirboll says that most people move between the fall and spring. It may vary depending on where you live. Find out when people are most likely to move. You can save money if you move in the off-season.
Marklin claims you can save up to 30 percent by moving when the traffic is lower.
3. Talk to Your Cable, Internet, and Utility Providers
You can avoid paying twice for your utilities, Internet, and Cable and rent at two locations. Call your provider and ask about proration to align your accounts’ start and end dates. Additionally, they benefit from local internet and cable providers’ new account discounts and ask utility providers to waive installation and activation fees. These costs may be avoided if you have a solid payment history elsewhere or are a devoted customer.
4. You Can Find Moving Supplies in Many Different Ways
The cost of moving supplies such as bubble wrap, boxes, tape, and padding can quickly add up. Save hundreds by thinking outside the box.
Use all your bags, baskets, and hampers before buying more packing material. Skirboll recommends using towels and socks instead of bubble wrap for fragile items. If you need boxes, ask your friends, neighbors, or local businesses if they have any.
You can save between $50 and $400 depending on the amount of your move. The environment will also benefit.
5. Pack It Yourself
Packing your possessions (or at least the majority) can help you save money. This is the most expensive and time-consuming part of moving. You can hire movers to pick up your furniture or boxes.
6. Consider Shared-Load Moving
Moving long distances can be expensive. It is time-consuming, expensive, and difficult for you and the mover. By using trailers to transport multiple households’ possessions, shared-load moving companies help you save money. It may take longer, but it can cut costs in half. For example, ABF U Packs, PODS, and COWs are all examples.
7. Ship Your Books
Shipping your books can be a good way to get them out there.
Skirboll says books are heavier than people think and don’t fold to save space. The books are very heavy. You can ask FedEx or USPS to move books to accommodate trucks and vehicles.
USPS Media Mail allows you to send books and other media for a cheaper rate than standard.
8. Plan Your Meals in Advance
Eating pizza is a common tradition when you first unload your house. However, eating out for every meal during the next few weeks while you organize and unpack can be costly (and sometimes bad for your waistline). Make your meals in advance to save money.
You can do it as simply as freezing food you cooked in your old home for later use or as complicated as using a service that delivers meals like Blue Apron, HelloFresh, etc. A list of the ingredients you need for your new house can be useful.
Conclusion
Implementing smart strategies to achieve a cost-effective and successful relocation is essential in the moving world. In this guide, we have shown that reducing your moving costs and hiring movers is possible and a fact. You can confidently navigate your move and make sound financial decisions by incorporating the tips of professionals.
Hiring movers, purchasing packing materials, and paying other expenses associated with moving should be fine without stress. These strategies will help you control your budget, from the first step of decluttering your home and downsizing to the timing of the move and creative ways to cut costs on moving supplies. Consider the advice of experts as you move to your new home. This will help you streamline your move and maximize your savings.
It’s now time to put these tips into action. When preparing for your move, remember the advice of professionals and look at how you can use these strategies to reduce your financial burden and save money. These smart strategies can help you save money and make your relocation easier, locally or long distance.
If you live in Sarasota and are looking for professional movers who can help with your move, Fast Movers of Sarasota is the company to contact. Our team has years of experience and is dedicated to providing cost-effective, reliable moving services. We can discuss your requirements and ensure your move is seamless and affordable. Contact us or visit our website to begin your journey toward a stress-free, budget-conscious move.
