Moving expenses are never ending, and this makes relocation one of the most expensive things you spend money on.
If you can even be financially prepared for the transition only to incur more expenses than initially planned, it means shipping your belongings on a budget will be more challenging. The good news is that planning the move in advance will help you manage your funds well. But, that’s not the only way to save costs on relocation.
Here are 5 of our best tips for moving on a budget that you should consider.
1. Downsize Your Property
If you’re planning to hire shippers doe the transition, the first thing you need to know about relocating to a new place is that weight plays an integral role in the shipping cost. Movers will always cost the move based on how much weight your belongings hold since heavy items take twice the time to move and require more skills.
Downsizing your stuff means you cut down on your cost and still stay on budget. If you don’t know what to do with your stuff after decluttering them from the wardrobe, consider donating, tossing out, or holding a garage sale to score more money. Another advantage of downsizing is that it helps you transport only the essentials you need in your new home without overcrowding your new space.
To effectively rid your home of unnecessary items, answer these important questions:
- When was the last time you used that item?
- Does it still hold value to you?
- Will getting a new one when you need it to be expensive?
If you can objectively answer these questions before D-Day, you’re one step away from achieving a low-cost move. Also, one of the most important things when you need a new place to live is to have professional help. You can always contact websites like rent.com to help you.
2. Find Creative Ways to Source for Supplies
Next on our budget truck moving tips to keep in mind is finding supplies for cheap.
It can be tempting to invest in your wrapping, packaging, and boxing materials. Newsflash: it isn’t always the best way to save money when relocating.
Boxes, tapes, brown packaging paper, or any other moving supply is never sold for pennies. While getting them yourself may be convenient especially as you won’t ask anyone for help, finding ways to source cheap shipping supplies is essential.
Visit the grocery store, local hardware stores, or other convenience stores near you to ask for used boxes. The advantage this offers is that you get packaging supplies for free. Alternatively, ask family and friends if they have some used packing supplies in storage. At the same time, check around your home to see if you can find some spare tapes, blades, or even knives.
3. Choose Strategic Moving Time
Most people tend to schedule their move for days within the late spring, summer, and early fall months. The advantage of this season is you won’t need to endure the unforgiving windy situations during late fall, winter, or early spring. But, the downside of planning a move out at this time is that shipping companies often increase their cost since they are usually in high demand. You want to avoid these seasons as much as possible if you intend to cut down on costs.
Instead of scheduling your move for the peak season, take advantage of those months people tend to avoid due to the increasingly cold temperatures. While the cold climate may not seem favorable, it helps you hire shippers at low prices. Even a housing lease will prove favorable.
4. Get Estimates from Multiple Shipping Contractors
Relocation companies aren’t always what they seem. Some may promise low-cost moves only to offer guaranteed quotes that exploit you. Others may request large deposits or even hide extra fees only to notify you after completing their job. Quality movers are transparent and don’t fall prey to these acts. But to be on the safe side, you should get multiple estimates from different shippers to choose the most favorable one in terms of cost that doesn’t scream red flags.
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Contact Your Utility Providers
When it comes to your utilities, you never want to put things off till D-day or after moving into your new home. The simple reason is that reconnections might take days to complete. Your service providers may require essential documents like an identification card or proof of residence before activating internet, water, light, and other electrical connections in your new home. However, you need to ensure you only transfer utility that is leading to the move-out.
You don’t want to shift connections to your new home months before D-day to avoid paying bills you never use. Also, make sure to notify service and utility providers of your relocation plans so they can stop services to your current home. This way, you don’t incur unplanned charges.
Conclusion
There’s never a simple answer to questions like “how to cut moving costs.” But, these tricks in this guide on how to reduce moving costs will prove more helpful than you imagine. Remember, it’s not how well stable your finances are that makes moves stress-free or budget-friendly. It’s how well you plan the days leading to the D-day that makes moving on a budget attainable.
Infographic Provided By True Friends Moving Company