Are you buying a new home and planning a move? Are you on a strict budget and looking for the best way to cut corners? There are some good reasons to do your homework, in fact, thousands of them.
The U.S. News and World Report places the average cost of a move within one’s current state of residence at $1,170. Interstate moves cost an average of $5,630. Considering the U.S. Census Bureau says about 15 percent, or over 40 million of us move each year, that is a lot of money spent of transporting stuff from one place to another. America is the most mobile country in the world, and many are spending an unnecessary amount of money on moving costs. But what if you have no choice? What if you absolutely have to save money on your move? Here’s how to move on a budget: 5 ways to save money during your move.
1. Do Your Own Packing
One of the best ways to save money during your move is to pack yourself. One of the best ways to pack for yourself is to give yourself plenty of time. Packing can seem overwhelming because so many people try to get it all done in a short period of time. Even worse, some are still packing on moving day. Start by packing seasonal and seldom used items. Move on to items in lower cabinets like rarely used small appliances. Make sure you label all boxes as to contents and what room that box should be placed in at your new home. If it’s important boxes be moved upright, mark them with arrows pointing toward the top of the box. If a box contains fragile items it should be marked as such. Don’t be overwhelmed by thinking of the entire project. Pack a few boxes every day and stay at it. It is far cheaper than having having to pay someone else to do it for you.
2. Recruit Friends and Move Yourself
The best case scenario here is you have several willing friends with pick up trucks or who work where they may even have access to a box truck. But even if that’s not the case or if you have to rent a truck, getting physical help and moving items yourself will still save your substantially. Let friends know that you will have everything packed and ready to go. This will improve your recruiting chances. Be sure to provide beverages and be prepared to spring for pizza. But even here you can save by just ordering cheese and perhaps pepperoni pizzas. Save any celebratory beers for the end of the move, when your belongings are safely transported. Be sure to be grateful for your help and consider recruiting a close friend to serve as a “foreman” to help keep troops in line. Volunteer moves can get sloppy and disorganized rapidly, and that can cost you time and money. If you have to rent a truck, get an efficient size. Calculate the daily rate vs mileage rate carefully to determine what works best for you. Some big box home improvement stores rent delivery trucks by the hour. If you just need a truck for your large items and are moving locally, this can save you money as well.
3. Use Free or Low Cost Moving Materials
Some people will spend money on professional packing gear like bubble wrap, heavy duty moving boxes, and in renting moving blankets. While a hand truck is probably vital, the other items can be replaced with low or no cost substitutions. While you may want to avoid used boxes from a grocery store (moisture, food residue, bugs), a local retail or big box store may be a good option for free boxes. Many tools and parts are delivered in heavier boxes so a willing big box home improvement store can be very helpful. While newspaper has the potential to leave some ink residue on items, they are perfect for cushioning bottoms of boxes. Rather than renting moving blankets, use old blankets, bedding and even towels to serve the same purpose. If you don’t want to use your own blankets, go on a garage sale or thrift store hunt. Since stores “break down” their boxes after unpacking you’ll need some good packing tape to restore them.
4. Use Space and Plan Moving Trips Wisely
Some of the biggest inefficiencies in moving are from unnecessary trips back and forth the between places and poor use of space. You can save money on fuel, packing material and your rental truck by planning trips efficiently. Make sure all boxes are fully loaded, but not exceeding 50 lbs. Once dressers are loaded, replace the full drawers before moving. Ensure items like pots, pans and bowls are nested efficiently. Fill luggage and gym bags. Cover hangar clothes with large plastic trash bags for easier transportation. Pack smaller items in personal vehicles, again, using space wisely.
5. Decide What You Really Need to Move
While some people assume they have to move everything from on location to another, now’s the time to make some assessments. Is it really worth moving that heavy, sleeper sofa that has a few too many miles on it? Will that old recliner be replaced in the next year anyway? Would you be better off replacing that five year old outdoor grill when you get to your new place? How old are your mattresses? Odds are, if you are trying to save on your move you may not have the funds to replace some of these items right away, but you may be able to save on moving space and money. Transporting materials on luggage racks for example, can so negatively effect mileage as to make it pointless if you are trying to save money. This is particularly true in long-distance moves. Having a moving sale or yard sale can have a double benefit. It can lessen the amount items you need to move while it can raise some money to help with the move.
If you are moving to a different area, Movoto has tips to moving to a variety of American Cities. There are also a series of other tips to make your move easier. Give yourself enough time to prepare, organize and pack and you’ll be well on your way to save money on your move.
2 Point Highlight
America is the most mobile country in the world, and many are spending an unnecessary amount of money on moving costs.
The best case scenario here is you have several willing friends with pick up trucks or who work where they may even have access to a box truck.
