The costs involved with moving add up fast! Not only do you have moving expenses, you likely will be spending money to get your new home set up and ready for your family to settle in. Fortunately, there are ways to cut some of those costs. Take a look at five of our favorite tips for saving money on your move.
Collect boxes from local stores
If you don’t mind using different sized boxes, give your local grocery and package stores a call. These locations are a treasure trove for free boxes. Just be sure to call a couple weeks in advance and reserve some. If no one claims them, they get recycled. Just remember that any boxes you do get might be dirty or in slightly to moderately used shape. If you need new moving supplies at a cost-effective option, then check out what 1-800-PACK-RAT has to offer!
Move in the offseason if possible
If you have any flexibility in the timing of your move, try to move in the off-season. Yes, even moving has a peak and off-season! May through September is the typical peak season for moving. You may find different moving services to be less available during that time. You may also find prices are higher during the high demand months. Schedule your move in the off-season for the best prices.
Check for moving specials
Before you commit to any moving services, check around for moving specials. You will likely fine more ways to save money with these specials and coupons during the off-season months. But be careful if you see an offer that seems far too good to be true—these often turn out to be scams. Once again, 1-800-PACK-RAT is here to help. Be sure to check out our current offers page to see what discounts we are currently offering to help stay within your moving budget.
Don’t forget to turn off old utilities
In the chaos of moving, it is common for people to forget to shut off the utilities or transfer them out of their name. You really do not want to have two utilities bills simultaneously. Also, be sure to schedule the utilities turn-on date for your new home in advance. If you arrive and have forgotten to do that, you will either wait a day or two with no utilities, or you will have to pay extra for same-day service. Save that money and schedule them before you move in!
Don’t rent a traditional moving truck
Rental truck costs add up very quickly. Not only are you charged by the time you have it rented out, you are charged for mileage. Even the gas costs for a big truck is costly. We recommend using a portable storage unit. You will have a secure unit delivered to your location and it will stay there as long as you need. When you are ready, it will be picked up and either stored at a secure location or transported to your new home. Skip the rental truck costs and save money with an easier way to move!
We hope these tips help as you get ready to plan your move. 1-800-PACK-RAT is ready to partner with you on your move. We are here for any local or long-distance moves you might be looking to make, or if you need temporary or long-term storage. With more than 60 locations across the continental United States, we are ready to assist with whatever you need and make moving and storage simple for you! Give us a call today or go online for a free quote.