Updated May 18, 2023
The cost of moving to a new home can add up fast. Securing a new place to live can involve a down payment, closing costs, utility deposits, first and last month's rent deposit, and other unforeseen expenses. So the last thing you want to add to the list is an expensive move. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your moving costs. Putting forth extra effort in the planning phases of your move can save you a ton of money in the long run. Take a look at our favorite strategies for saving money and being cost-efficient for your next move.
Research Moving Companies and Options
Receiving moving quotes is a good first step, but you may find that some of them leave out fees and surcharges that are buried in the fine print. Did you know that moving companies can charge for mileage, fuel, tolls, stairs, narrow streets, and even windshield wipers? Small fees can add up to a massive difference in your bottom-line budget. Read your contract and get everything in writing. Verify all costs in writing upfront with any company you decide to partner with during your move. Hiring the wrong company can lead to a more expensive move than anticipated. Below are some questions to ask any company you choose to partner with for your move:
● Are you properly licensed?
● Do you have experience with my specific type of move?
● What is included in my quote?
● Are there any extra charges?
● Do you have a cancellation policy?
● What restrictions are there on items that can be packed and moved?
● Are there extra charges for a long-distance move vs a local move?
Look for Moving Discounts and Incentives
While researching your moving options, make sure to check out any discounts and incentives offered. 1-800-PACK-RAT offers our customers a variety of promos throughout the year to make your local or long-distance move as budget-friendly as possible. We currently offer up to 10% off for all military, first responders, teachers, doctors, nurses, and seniors looking for moving and storage services, as well as other promos for our customers. Call us today at 1-800-722-5728 to ask about these specials and discounts or check out what current promotions we have going on and see how we can reduce costs for you today.
Make Your Move In the Off Season
If you have any flexibility in the timing of your move, try to move in the off-season. For the best prices, plan your move for off-peak times. The typical peak season for moving is May through September because children are out of school, and parents desire to get into their new place before the new academic year starts. You may find different moving services to be less available or cost more during that time. The first and last days of the month are also peak moving periods because this is when leases expire, and renters prepare to move in and out of apartments. You will often get a better price by scheduling your move on a weekday.
Sell Your Belongings Before Moving
Downsizing your belongings is always a good idea when preparing for a move. You certainly don't want to make an effort to move items you no longer want or need at your new home. Plus, the more belongings you move, the more money you will spend on the move. Selling your belongings can save money on your move, and you can put the money earned towards the cost of the move! You first need to decide how you want to sell your items.
A yard or garage sale is a popular choice, especially in the spring or fall when the weather is nice. Advertising your sale online often helps to let people know it is a moving sale. Fridays and Saturdays are the best days to hold your sale. Buy some inexpensive stickers, and as you gather items, price them as you go. Waiting until the night or day before a garage sale to do pricing will mean added stress. Selling drinks and individually packed treats at checkout is another way to pad your moving fund!
Suppose the thought of a physical yard sale makes your head spin. In that case, there are many free websites and apps for selling items individually online, including Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, VarageSale, and OfferUp. If you are selling more valuable, specialty items that would pull a smaller interest group, you might want to consider eBay.
When selling on a digital platform, images of the items you try to sell matter. It is important when taking pictures to make sure the lighting is right, the shots are taken from decent angles, and everything that needs to be seen is clearly shown in the image. It is also essential to include measurements to reduce the number of questions you receive about the item. Do some research before pricing your items. Search other online selling platforms to see how much others are pricing similar items and go with the average. You might be pleasantly surprised by the going rate!
Save on Packing and Moving Supplies
Save money on your move by using packing supplies you already have around the house. Thick household blankets can take the place of moving blankets. Wrap fragile items in towels and sheets before packing, and fill extra space in boxes with newspaper instead of purchasing packing peanuts. The most popular places to look for free boxes are grocery stores, office supply stores, bookstores, package stores, bars, and restaurants. Neighbors often post moving boxes that can be picked up for free in the local online neighborhood, trade, or garage sale-type groups.
If you find that you need to purchase some moving and packing supplies, 1-800-PACK-RAT can help you!
Enlist Moving Help From Friends and Family
Your friends and family can lend a hand in many different ways to help you save money on your move. So often, people want to help, but they don't know how. While not everyone has the physical ability to help you move a couch up a flight of stairs, you can ask for assistance in selling items, organizing, packing, providing meals, watching children or pets, or being on the hunt for those free boxes. Having friends and family around during a transition is a great distraction and, more importantly, makes the work go faster.
Make sure to thank them for sacrificing their time and muscles by providing food and drinks. Of course, offering to help your family and friends with something in return is one of the simplest but best ways to show gratitude.
If you have an upcoming move, give 1-800-PACK-RAT a call at 1-800-722-5728 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation quote. We offer various budget-friendly moving and storage solutions and over 65 locations across the continental United States that will make your next move a breeze. Whether you are making a local move across town or a long-distance, cross-country move to another state, or just need storage for a short- or long-term project, 1-800-PACK-RAT has the solutions and services you need! We look forward to hearing from you and making moving and storage simple!