Moving can be an expensive affair, whether you’re moving from one city to another or from one side of the house to the other. Regardless of the length and distance of your move, there are ways you can cut down on your moving costs and expenses to make your move as affordable as possible and give you more money left over to spend on other things like starting a new life in your new home or investing in future savings. Follow these seven tips for moving on a budget so that your next move doesn’t leave you strapped for cash!
1) Find a Cheap Truck Rental
If you’re moving on a budget, one of your best bets is to rent a truck. The cost of renting a truck may be significantly lower than hiring movers, and if you have friends or family with pickup trucks, they can help out as well. We suggest looking into discount rental websites like U-Haul, which offers discounts for those who book online and pick up at local stores. You might also consider asking around to see if anyone in your community has an extra pickup truck that they could lend you. You can also check Craigslist for used trucks that people are trying to sell (be sure to get it checked by a mechanic first). And remember: It’s not just about saving money—it’s about saving time, too! Hiring professional movers will take more time and energy out of your day than doing it yourself.
2) Hire Efficient Movers
Take a look at how many moving companies are in your area and get estimates from three or four. Look up reviews on yelp, thumbtack, and Google. Then check to see if any of them offer military discounts for current members of the military as well as veterans. Let them know that you’re a member before getting an estimate. There are always deals out there waiting to be found, you just have to find them. One thing I also suggest is finding a friend who can help you move. Not only will it cut down on cost but it will also make things easier for you since you won’t be doing everything yourself. This way if something gets damaged or lost it’s not coming out of your pocket alone!
It might sound silly but ask about recycling: If they don’t mention anything about recycling then don’t use them.
3) Do NOT Use Pods
Pods are a huge rip-off. They cost you a fortune and they have terrible reviews. Do NOT use them. Instead, enlist your friends and family for moving day—they’ll be more than happy to help! Just make sure that you provide some coffee and lunch (and, if it’s an especially long day, dinner too). Offer to pay each person with a minimum of $15 cash for their time; more if you can afford it. You should also tip any helpers who drive your stuff to its new home. If you don’t have enough people on hand to move everything yourself, consider hiring a small moving company instead. You can find affordable options online or through referrals from friends and family members who have used movers in the past.
4) Pack Like a Pro
Packing efficiently requires careful planning and organization. Invest in a few sturdy boxes (or, better yet, ask your new place if they have any you can use!) and label them clearly with easy-to-understand labels. Organize your boxes by room, and pack up as much of one room before moving on to another. Follow your favorite packing method (ours is rolled first, stack second) and you’ll be ready to hit the road in no time!
5) Schedule the Move During Off Hours
It can be tempting to schedule your moves during peak hours, such as between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., but you’ll likely end up paying more for it—or even having your moving date rescheduled—due to heavy traffic in your area or inclement weather conditions. Instead, wait until early morning or late evening when traffic is lighter and fewer professionals are on hand to expedite your move.
6) Move Around Dinner Time
Most people who move during work hours will have some downtime during their lunch break. If you want to minimize your costs for moving, try packing up all of your boxes during that downtime and loading them into your car after work. That way, you can simply relocate to a new place when it’s convenient for you, rather than paying extra for an evening or weekend move.
7) Don’t Break Your Back Doing It Yourself!
If you’re moving across town or to a new city, plan on spending a few hundred dollars on rental trucks and paying someone else to do it. You’ll also need to cover gas costs, which will run between $100-$200 depending on where you live. When budgeting for an upcoming move, allot at least $1,000. If you have extra cash lying around, give it away—not only is it charitable but it’s also an easy way to earn tax deductions.
