When it comes to moving, there can be quite a few expenses. That’s why it’s important to know what to budget for and how to budget for it. Check out these tips to save money when moving below.
Toss, donate or sell items you no longer want.
The first thing you should do when moving is get rid of all the things you no longer want or need. No matter how far you are moving, the more items you have, the more the move will cost.
Consider tossing items that are no good and selling or donating items that are in good condition.
Know where to get packing supplies.
Packing supplies can become quite pricey depending on where you buy them.
Try buying packing supplies such as tape, tape guns, mattress bags and packing paper on Amazon. You can usually find these items in bulk at a cheaper price than in-store.
For things like moving boxes, check Home Depot or Lowe’s. If you are using a moving company, you can also ask them if they let you use wardrobe boxes. These boxes are expensive bought new, and some movers may provide some for free use.
You can also try posting on community groups on social media asking if neighbors have extra boxes they no longer need.
Pack yourself.
Packing yourself is the most cost-efficient way to move. You can even utilize things such as suitcases to pack in. This saves you money and allows you to use the boxes you originally bought for other items.
Be sure you properly pack and protect all your items.
Use linens, sheets and towels to pack items.
If you do choose to pack up and move yourself, use your linens and towels to protect your furniture. This can help save on moving supplies and keep your furniture safe.
Get help from family and friends.
Ask your friends and family to help you out! This can help save money so you don’t have to hire professionals for the small tasks.
Friends and family can help you pack, sell your unwanted items, clean, paint and even watch your kids or animals while you are doing these tasks.
Consider selling heavy items.
If you are using a moving company, it is important to know many movers charge by weight and not the hour. Consider selling your heavy items that you no longer want or need before moving.
Consider moving yourself, and compare costs.
Moving yourself is typically a cheaper option than hiring a moving company. Before making your decision on how you will move, consider everything you have.
If you are not moving a lot and have easy moving access, moving yourself may be the best option. But if you are moving a lot of heavy items and do not have easy moving access, you may need to hire a moving company.
Make sure you compare costs before hiring a company.
Ask moving companies for a fixed rate
Decided to use a moving company? One of our tips to save money when moving is to ask for a fixed rate. Some movers charge by the hour, so however long it takes determines how much it will cost.
Asking for a fixed rate means that whatever price you are given based on time is the price you will pay. But, remember, if you get a fixed rate, you must keep to the agreed inventory list, or the fixed cost can be changed.
Summary
We hope these tips to save money when moving come in handy for you when making your next move. Speaking of, are you considering buying or selling your home? Then contact Ryan Roberts!
Need local help with moving-related tasks? Check out Ryan’s Helpful Contacts list.
For more real estate tips and news, continue reading our blogs.
