Are you planning a residential move and worried about the potential costs involved? Look no further! We have compiled a list of money-saving hacks from moving professionals, providing the perfect guide to reduce residential moving costs.
This article will share eight invaluable tips to help you save money throughout your move. From packing strategies to budget-friendly moving services, these expert-approved techniques will ensure you don’t break the bank while transitioning to your new home.
So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets to a cost-effective and stress-free move using these residential moving cost-saving hacks.
8 Smart Ways to Save on Moving Costs
Moving is an exciting adventure, whether you are moving across town or the country. Moving is one of the most stressful experiences, both from a budgeting and logistical perspective. Zillow estimates that the average move costs between $80 and $100 per hour for moves within a state but $2,000 to $5,000 for interstate moves.
While some moving costs cannot be avoided, there are ways to cut back on them. We asked a few professionals to advise you on saving money for your next move.
1. Before You Pack, Declutter
It may be another thing to do, but removing everything you don’t need to move with you will save you money, time, and space.
Take inventory of all your items, including clothing, cookware, and furniture. Sara Skirboll is the RetailMeNot shopping and trends expert. She says that if you do Marie Kondo first, you’ll be amazed at how much stuff you have. You could save hundreds if you downsize. The hourly cost of the movers is one of the highest moving costs.
You can also make money by selling unwanted items and using the funds to pay for moving expenses. You can consign furniture and nice clothes to consignment stores, sell them on websites such as eBay and Poshmark, or hold garage sales if you feel ambitious. You can also schedule a donation drop-off or pickup if you’d rather not deal with the hassle of selling things.
2. Booking Your Movers at the Right Time is Important
You can save a lot of money by hiring movers during the week rather than on weekends, in the off-season as opposed to peak season, or at mid-month instead of end-of-month.
Weekdays are less expensive, as fewer people are moving on these days. Luke Marklin is the CEO of Bellhops, a digital-based moving company. He says that if you can take time off from work, then Mondays, Wednesdays, and Tuesdays will have the most availability and lowest costs. Avoid the last weekend of the month as it is usually the busiest and the most expensive.
Skirboll states that moving is most common between fall and spring. This may differ depending on where in the world you live. So, find out when moving is most popular. You can also save money by scheduling your move during the off-season.
Marklin says that you can save between 20 and 30 percent by moving on days when it is less busy.
3. Speak to Your Cable, Internet, and Utility Providers
Avoid double paying your rent, mortgage, utilities, Internet, and Cable at two locations. You can align your accounts’ start and end dates by calling your provider to discuss proration. Additionally, take advantage of new account specials offered by internet and cable companies in your area, and speak with utility companies about waiving installation/activation fees. You can get these fees waived if your payment history is good elsewhere or you are a loyal customer.
4. Find Moving Supplies in a Variety of Ways
Moving supplies, such as boxes, tapes, bubble wrap, and padding, can add up quickly. Think outside the box and save hundreds of dollars.
Before buying additional packing materials, use all your suitcases, baskets, and hampers. Skirboll suggests using socks and towels instead of bubble wrap to protect fragile items. Ask your friends, neighbors, or local businesses for their boxes if you need boxes.
Depending on your moving amount, you can save anywhere from $50 to $400. You’ll benefit the environment as well.
5. Pack it Yourself
You can save a lot of money by packing all your belongings (or the majority). It is the most time-consuming and expensive part of moving. Hire movers to collect your boxes or just your furniture.
6. Shared Load Transport
Moving long distances is another expensive aspect of moving. This method is time-consuming and expensive for the mover and you. Shared load moving companies can help you cut costs by transporting multiple households’ belongings using a trailer. This method may take a little longer but can reduce costs by half.
7. Ship Your Books
Shipping your books is a great way to move them.
Skirboll says that books are heavier than you think and don’t fold up to save space. The books are extremely heavy. Ask FedEx or the United States Postal Service about moving books to free up space in trucks and vehicles.
USPS offers a Media Mail service that allows you to ship books and other media at a lower rate than the standard cost.
8. Plan Your Meals Ahead
The ol’ eating-pizza-in-an-unpacked house is a rite of passage, but dining out for every meal as you unload and organize over the next couple of weeks can be pricey (and sometimes not so great for the waistline). Plan your meals ahead of time to save money.
It can be as simple as cooking food in your previous home and freezing it for future use or as complex as using a meal-delivery service. Having a list of ingredients for your new home can be helpful.
Conclusion
Saving money on your move is not only possible but also essential. By following these eight tips straight from the professionals, you can significantly reduce your moving cost and alleviate the financial burden often accompanying the moving process.
From decluttering before you pack to booking your movers strategically, every step of the process holds opportunities for savings. Taking advantage of off-peak times, negotiating with service providers, finding alternative sources for moving supplies, and even packing your belongings yourself can make a notable difference in your overall moving expenses. Additionally, considering shared load transport options and shipping heavy items like books through cost-effective services can further contribute to your cost-cutting efforts.
As you embark on your residential move, keep these money-saving hacks in mind. Applying these expert recommendations saves money and ensures a smoother and more affordable transition to your new home.
Ready to make your move? Contact Local Moving Geeks, your trusted local moving company, for a stress-free and affordable moving experience. Our professional expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction make us the go-to choice for all your moving needs. Don’t let the cost of moving hold you back; take action today and easily make your move by choosing Local Moving Geeks.
