Everyone knows that moving is costly, but even with a budget in place, you want to make sure you’re spending the funds on the right things. Better yet, you may be able to save if you know a few helpful tips and tricks.
Pick the Right Time to Move
When it comes to moving, some time periods are more costly than others. The most expensive season for moving is the summer as children will be out of school, and people don’t have to deal with the adverse weather conditions of the colder months. Since most people opt to move on a weekend, this is usually more expensive as well. You can save money by moving in the early morning or late at night as your mover will be able to avoid traffic. It’s good to have some flexibility with your timeline so you can take advantage of the cheaper time periods. If you absolutely must move during a peak period, make sure you compare quotes and reviews so you’ll get the best rate, without sacrificing quality service.
Investigate Additional Sources of Funding
If you’re moving because of a job opportunity, then a relocation package is one of the perks that could help you save. According to The Balance, this package can include partial or complete coverage of moving expenses, the use of a storage container, as well as transportation to get to the new home. Some packages may even take care of arranging the packing and unpacking of your items. Just because a potential employer offers a particular package, it doesn’t mean there isn’t room for negotiation. You should focus on options that would be mutually beneficial to yourself and your employer.
Source Packing Materials
Some moving companies include the cost of moving materials into their quotes. That means you may be able to get the price down if you find your own packaging materials. You can buy boxes, but bear in mind that they can cost as much as $130 if you’re moving from a two-bedroom home. This would cover about 54 boxes, but that can change depending on how and what you’re packing. You can find free boxes if you know where to look. Some of the places you can check out are libraries, book stores, and liquor stores. To make sure you’re getting the right boxes, though, be sure to check how thick or sturdy they are before you take them. Bear in mind that fragile items may need special packing materials that you might be better off buying.
Declutter and Pack on Your Own
Decluttering can help you save because the number of items you’re moving with will have a significant impact on moving costs. Decluttering before a move is not just a good time to get rid of junk, it’s also an opportunity to donate things that are in good condition. Whether it’s clothing, appliances, or books, you can research a few charities that would appreciate what you have to give. Another way you can save some money is by packing your things on your own, or better yet, with the help of a few friends. While you’re packing, make sure to secure valuable items as well as those that are fragile. Of course, if you’re concerned about breakable items, then it would be best to let professionals pack those items. To make unpacking easier, it’s great to color code your boxes and mark them in order of priority.
Moving can be an expensive venture, so it’s crucial that you set a budget. To keep this budget intact, you can cut costs by reducing the number of things you’re moving and finding your own packing boxes. If you have any doubts about doing your own packing, then make sure to factor in the cost of hiring a professional.
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