Four Simple Ways to Reduce Moving Costs
Moving can be difficult, time-consuming, and costly. It requires proper planning and implementation, plus lots of dedication and hard work. Everything must be done according to the budget to ensure the entire move goes as smoothly as possible. Here are some tips on how to make your relocation affordable.
Get a breakdown of the moving charges beforehand
Ask for free quotes from different moving companies and compare them before making a decision. Get a flat rate instead of an hourly rate, and make sure it’s all you need. If you have some huge items like boats, motorbikes, or a piano, get to know how the extra costs to move these items will add up. Also, identify areas where you can cut costs. Some of the tasks that you can do yourself can save you quite a bit of money, such as
- Buying packing materials
- Packing and unpacking
- Loading and unloading the truck
- Driving the truck, yourself
Get rid of things you no longer need
Whether you are moving yourself or hiring a moving company, don’t underestimate the load size needed to move to your new home. The bigger the load size, the more expensive the move will be. Only take the items with you that you will need and use. You can sell the extra belongings in a second-hand store and use the proceeds to cover some of the moving costs. The more items you can get rid of, the lighter your load will be, and the more money you will save.
Be organized
Start disassembling large items of furniture early and pack things well in advance; this will save you a lot of time and money. Avoid the last-minute rush as these are the moments when things get broken, torn, or scratched. Get the packing supplies in advance, such as moving boxes, bubble wrap, cello tape, marker pens, and glue. This will also give you enough time to do the labelling, boxing, and protecting sharp edges on things that could easily scratch or tear something else as you move things to the moving van.
Choose the right moving time
Check with moving companies if there is a cheaper period to make your move—relocating during off-peak seasons will lessen your moving expenses. You should avoid relocating during summer days, holidays, last week and last day of each month, the first five days of each month, and weekends. These are busy days, and you are expected to pay higher than the regular charge during non-busy days. If you have the flexibility on the move dates, opt for off peak days/seasons, it could help you get a better deal.
Save yourself stress and money
The main point to save money when moving is to plan and have a budget. You need to review several moving companies, check the moving services available to you, and then opt for the lowest rate possible. Ensure that the service you choose has the right equipment and materials to ensure that your move is seamless and stress-free.