Moving is the perfect mixture of exciting and stressful. It’s the start of a new beginning, and that’s always a good feeling. After all, starting fresh implies that you have endless possibilities. However, it’s not an easy process. So much more goes into the entire ordeal than packing and unpacking. And it can all get very expensive very quickly. Here are 10 tips for saving money on moving expenses so that you don’t need to stress over the price tag.
Predict the Cost
Getting the exact estimate of how much it will cost to move won’t be possible. Even perfect planning down to the last detail won’t produce the exact numbers. Costs that people forget to include will always pop up, and anything can change at a moment’s notice.
Sometimes, emergencies occur, and prices change. However, it’s possible to predict the price. Find a wide enough range where you think the numbers will fall, then set your budget between that price range. Knowing how much it should cost can help you arrange extra money for an emergency fund.
Minimize Spending
Create a list of everything you think you’ll need to spend money on, and write the corresponding price next to the item. Run through that list and see if there are areas where you can cut back on spending. Not every item needs to be new or will require you to spend money.
There are a lot of supplies that you don’t need to purchase. Items like bubble wrap, boxes, and paper are free; you just need to know the places to look. Retail and grocery stores always have these supplies in excess, so stop by these stores and see what supplies they plan to discard. You may be lucky, and they may give them to you for free!
Sell the Excess
Now’s the time to declutter and downsize. It’s never a good idea to bring all your old items into your new home. Remember that it’s a fresh start, so some things will need to go. Sort through your belongings and decide what’s a keeper and what’s not.
Not every item will be valuable, but some may be. Sell those valuable items to get some additional pocket change. Holding a yard sale is a great idea. If you sell a few unnecessary items, you don’t need to worry about packing or making room for them in your new home.
Plan Ahead
Expect surprises to come up and plan solutions for them. Establish a plan B for when things go awry at the last minute; it will save you money in the long run.
Some of the backup plans can be as simple as finding an alternative route or selecting a different date and time to move because all of these elements can affect the cost of a move. Look for moving companies that are flexible and can accommodate most changes.
Pack Smart
Pack in a way that saves space and time. Both aspects have a direct effect on how much your move will cost. One of the best ways to do this is to use fewer boxes.
But this doesn’t mean you should toss anything inside the box or mix extremely opposite items with each other. Find the things you can condense easily and move forward from there. If you have fewer boxes, you can rent a smaller moving truck.
Buy With Purpose
Don’t overbuy items for your new home. After selling a few things, you don’t need to replace them right away.
New furniture is expensive, so space out buying the things that you need. Get the essentials only and avoid mentally decorating the space until you actually get inside. See the space, create a vision, and add things to the cart after you move in.
Pick the Right Season
The time you choose to move makes a difference. Some seasons are less expensive than others. Many businesses offer lower rates during the offseason, so it’s best to try to move then. However, sometimes the seasons in which people choose to move are out of their control.
Summer and spring are the most popular seasons for moving and can be the most expensive. If you can, try to move during fall or winter. If you can’t, shop around a few different locations and compare quotes. The cost doesn’t need to be completely out of your price range.
Cut Your Utilities
What bills can you cut off and still live a comfortable life? When you move out of your old home, you’ll need to cancel your utilities. However, you may not time it right to cancel your utilities, and you’ll end up paying for them even after you move out.
Cancel your current services early if you can. Even if you only cancel it a couple of days in advance, it could save you some money.
Don’t Cut Corners
Don’t cut corners where it matters. It’s OK not to pay for boxes or bubble wrap. However, it’s not OK to go with the lowest bidding movers. People make the mistake of thinking that they’re saving money when they could be doing the exact opposite.
A low-bid company indicates low quality, and that will cost extra money in the long run. They could damage your property by being reckless and not caring for your items. Choose a local relocation service with a great reputation and the credentials to back it up. You’ll be happy you did.
Check on Deals
Choosing a good quality moving company doesn’t mean you can’t ask for deals. Some companies will cut a deal if the price and conditions are fair. They will need to consider all the factors, and so will you. See what deals they already offer and determine if you qualify for them.
Aside from the moving company, there are other areas in the move where a deal is possible. Some internet and cable companies offer better deals than others, too. You should also pursue any shopping you need to do for the move with a deal in mind.
At Capitol North American, we are experts in helping families and companies relocate in the cheapest and most dependable way possible. Offering up tips for saving money on moving expenses and excellent services is what we’re all about. For more information, visit our website.
