Are you preparing for a move and dreading it? You're not alone. According to a survey of 1,000 Americans, 45% admitted that they believed moving was more stressful than divorce.
With the preparation and physical exertion required for a smooth move, this statistic isn't surprising. Taking into consideration a stretched bank account, it's no wonder that some people would rather stay put in a home they dislike rather than try to move.
However, it's more than possible to cut down on the cost to move while also reducing your stress at the same time.
Read on to learn the top five ways to save on moving costs!
1. Declutter Sooner Rather Than Later
If you're planning on moving in the near future, start decluttering today. We give this tip first because the less stuff you have come moving day, the easier it will be to move! You may also find that decluttering may mean that you don't need to rent as large a truck as you predicted or don't need to rely on expensive moving services if you can do it yourself.
We recommend starting on one room at a time while you're decluttering in order to make it easier. Gather items together that you want to donate, sell or throw away. There may also be items that you want to gift to friends or family.
If you're having trouble decluttering and every item seems to be precious, the Marie Kondo method of decluttering seems to works wonders for many people. We like the fact that her method includes visualizing the kind of lifestyle you'd like to have in the future and if those items would help or harm it.
2. Choose the Right Time
Many people don't have the luxury to choose the time when they'll move, but if you do, take advantage of it! You'll find that weekdays are usually the cheapest because everyone is vying for the weekends when they have to accommodate work and school schedules. Mid-September into April are usually the most affordable months, too.
If you're only able to choose the time of day to move, we recommend starting in the morning. Not only will you have more daylight to work with, but you'll also find that moving companies will charge less if you choose a morning slot. Regardless of the time you choose, make sure you start planning ahead as soon as possible in order to lock down the best rates.
3. Get Multiple Quotes
Planning a move as soon as possible is one of the most important factors to saving money. This is because not only will you be able to choose an opportune time, but you can also get a moving quote from multiple companies. Start by acquiring word-of-mouth referrals through colleagues, friends, and family.
You'll also want to check online and take a look at the reviews of local moving companies. Once you have a handful of promising companies, reach out to them and receive a quote from each one. Remember to read the fine print and make sure that they're not leaving any extra fees out.
If you do this ahead of time, you'll be able to work with a company that quotes you a fair price and that does outstanding work. It's important that you choose a company that treats your possessions as if they were their own.
4. Pack Yourself
You'll find that movers offer different levels of services depending on your needs. You can hire a mover that can not only move things for you but also pack items securely as well. However, you'll need to pay a premium for this service.
When it comes to moving on a budget, we recommend packing everything up yourself. This is far easier if you've taken the time to declutter so that you have fewer items to pack overall.
First, you'll want to set a bag or a few boxes aside that you'll need with you as soon as you get to your new home. This includes changes of clothes, toiletries, blankets, medications, and more.
Next, make sure you label all your boxes in a methodical way so you'll know where they go once you get to your new property. For instance, all of your kitchen items should be clearly labeled so that you don't need to carry a box multiple times across the house!
5. Feed Your Friends
If you find that even the cost of hiring a mover is too much, you can also opt to rent a truck and do the move yourself. However, we recommend ensiling the help of friends and family. Make sure everything is ready to go before your friends come over so that it can all be loaded into the truck efficiently.
You could potentially be saving yourself thousands of dollars by opting to do it yourself. However, remember to show your gratitude by offering pizza and drinks when it's time for a break!
Saving on Moving Costs the Smart Way
When it comes to saving on moving costs, you'll need to remember that the main takeaway is that it takes preparation. Make sure that you know the exact date you'll need to move out, and start preparing as soon as you can.
At least six months ahead of time, start decluttering as much as possible. Not only will having fewer items make it cheaper and easier to move later on but the money you acquire from selling furniture and more can also go towards funding your move.
Next, it's important to get multiple quotes from contractors if you still need to hire a moving company. If you wait till the last minute, you'll be paying a premium and may be saddled with a company that you don't feel comfortable with.
Ready for more tips on a smooth move? Keep reading our blog for more informative strategies!
