Does your relocation have a strict budget? If you want to save on moving expenses, take a look at the top tips for bringing down overall costs.
Hire a Professional Mover
Even though it may seem like a professional will cost you money, contracting this service out to someone else is actually an easy way to save on overall costs. The top ways an expert can reduce your moving costs include:
- Less time spent moving. Do you need to take time off from work to move? Every day you're away costs you in lost pay. A professional mover can get the job done efficiently and effectively. This means you'll have less lost work time.
- No childcare costs. Do you have kids? A DIY move may mean that you need to hire a sitter to manage your children while you lift, carry, and transport your belongings. With a mover taking over the major duties, you're free to watch your children.
- No added gas costs. How many trips will it take you to move your home? The drive back and forth in your car, truck, or minivan can add up when it comes to the cost of gas.
- No truck rental fees. Is your vehicle large enough to move furniture and other heavy items? If not, a mover's truck is. You'll pay one fee for the truck and the help moving - instead of a separate rental fee for a vehicle during a DIY move.
If you're still not sold on hiring a professional mover, get multiple estimates. Chances are you'll find a mover for your budget in your local area.
Pick Packing Materials Wisely
Forget about those pricey packing materials you see in a shipping or container store and online. You don't need to pay for protective covers, boxes, and other similar supplies. To reduce your overall moving costs, choose:
- Free boxes. Ask local retailers if they have leftover boxes you can have for free.
- Your own containers. Why buy new boxes and bins if you already have your own? Save boxes after major purchases (such as appliances or large electronics), reuse your child's old toy bins, duffle bags, suitcases, or pack items in dresser drawers.
- Rented equipment. If you don't already have boxes/bins and don't want to add more waste to the end of your move (when you throw away the used containers), rent them. Some companies offer box and bin rentals to help offset moving costs.
- Use towels. Swap pricey bubble wrap for towels or linens.
Along with these ideas, you can also use garbage bags to move soft items, such as stuffed toys, clothing, outerwear, linens, or pillows.
Move in One Day
How many days will your move take? Even though you may spend weeks packing, you shouldn't spend an equally long time moving. The longer it takes to move, the more time you'll miss from work (and fewer paychecks you'll get) and the more expenses you'll build. A longer move may mean:
- You need to rent a hotel room. An overnight or several-day move may require you to pay for a hotel or motel room, adding to your overhead costs.
- You need to eat out more often. While the movers are busy transporting your kitchen items over the course of several days, your family will need to spend extra money eating out.
- You need to use personal/vacation days. Instead of waiting until you're sick to use personal days you may need to use paid time off for a multi-day move. This can cost you later - when you actually need to use those days.
Review your moving schedule and organize the activities to condense the trip and eliminate extra transport time or unnecessary overnight stays. A professional contractor can figure out the logistics to shave time off the move and save you money.