Moving can be an overwhelming chore for anyone. Regardless of whether you’re moving neighborhoods by yourself or across the country with your family, it’s a task that is often dreaded on many levels. And high on the list are the costs involved in the move itself.
As you’re preparing to make a move, the following 6 ways can help you save money — and reduce your stress — while moving.
Downsize significantly
Use a move to begin purging and downsizing. Start with your closets, which can weigh down boxes and add expenses to your move. Look for the old clothes you’re no longer wearing or that no longer fit to get rid of first. Consider donating or selling furniture that may not fit in your new home. And if you have items in your pantry, keep in mind that they can be donated to a food bank.
If you have time and want to consider hosting a garage sale, this may help you save up additional money for your move. Electronics, appliances, furniture, and even knickknacks might sell quickly if you list them online. And if you donate anything, make sure you ask for a receipt to ensure you can claim them on your taxes. Whether you choose to donate or sell your things, they can help you earn some cash back in the end.
Find affordable supplies
It’s not necessary to go out and buy boxes and packing materials, which can come with a hefty price tag. You can get creative with affordable — or even free — supplies if you have time to look. Start by being prepared for how much you’ll actually need to make your move. Then, you can start planning for what you need.
You can often find boxes for free by checking with liquor or grocery stores, which often have empty boxes that sit in the back of their stores, waiting to be broken down, compacted, and recycled. Likewise, look for free newspaper bins or ask your neighbors if they are willing to hold on to papers or packing supplies for your move. If you’re looking for tape, check at dollar and discount stores to find tape that’s more affordable than most box stores. These small recommendations can go a long way toward helping you save big bucks.
Move in the off-season
Data from MYMOVE shows that peak moving season runs from April to October. If you can avoid moving during those dates, you can save a significant amount of money on your move. It’s also helpful to be aware of the moving cycles in the location in which you’re moving. For example, if you’re moving to Chapel Hill or Durham, May and August will have increased costs and limited truck availability due to students moving in and out of town.
If you are moving during peak season, consider moving in the middle of the week when rates are slightly cheaper. MYMOVE shows that weekend rates are anywhere from 20 to 30 percent higher than during the week. Just being aware of these major factors can help you save big on your move.
Rent a container or storage unit
Companies like PODS have made it even easier to pack up your things at your convenience to get ready for your move. Ranging in price from $187 to approximately $300, you can either have a container dropped off at your home and delivered to your next location, or you can store your things at a storage center. Or, a simple storage unit can help you prep for the sale of your home and your move as well.
Rentals like these can help save tremendous costs as opposed to rushing a move in a day or weekend. It can also help you stay organized and less stressed while also saving money on movers. These rental solutions can be a game-changer for your move.
Rent your own U-Haul
Forbes states the national average for a 2-person moving team is about $1,400. But if you’re moving more than 100 miles from where you currently live, you can expect to more than double that price. If you’re trying to move on a budget, it may make more sense to rent your own U-Haul to make the move yourself.
Keep in mind that if you want to hire movers to help with the big stuff, you can still hire movers and choose to pack up your things on your own. But driving your own U-Haul and tackling the move on your own can potentially save you thousands of dollars.
Rely on friends
Rather than hiring movers, if you have friends who are willing to tackle moving a few things for you, it can save you major money. Make sure you ask early and are willing to work with their schedules to ensure it gets done at their convenience.
Don’t forget to offer a bit of an incentive for your friends, too. It may be as simple as free pizza or by offering to help them when they’re in a pinch in the future. Just don’t take advantage of anyone who is putting in the work to help you when you’re in need. Especially if it means they’re saving you major money.
Final notes
With a bit of planning and smart thinking, you can save money on your move to help get more established once you’re settled into your new location. Pinching pennies in the process can help set you up for success and start you off fresh in your new home.
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