Moving can be exciting and stressful in equal measure. It is a time when your costs can
quickly add up. However, with a little planning and strategy, you can significantly cut
down on your moving expenses.
Here are ten proven ways to save money on moving costs, making your new
surroundings more affordable when you get the keys.
Plan your move in advance to save money
One of the best ways to save money on moving is to plan ahead. Transporting everything yourself is the most cost-effective option. You can often get great rates on your moving truck rental if you book in advance.
Booking at the last minute can result in higher prices. If possible, schedule your move
well in advance, which will give you time to compare rates and lock in lower prices.
Declutter before you pack
The less you have to move, the cheaper your move will be. That’s why it makes sense
to take the time to declutter your home and get rid of items you no longer need or use.
Sell, donate, or recycle old furniture, clothing, and other belongings to help reduce
moving costs.
Take advantage of free packing materials
Instead of spending money on new packing materials, try to gather some free supplies
instead. Ask around for some spare boxes you can use.
You will find many businesses, like grocery stores and other retail outlets, giving away
cardboard boxes for free.
Always compare moving quotes
If you are going to get some professional help with your move, don’t settle for the first
moving company you find.
Get multiple quotes from different moving companies and compare their rates.
Rent a moving truck
If you’re comfortable doing the heavy lifting, renting a moving truck and handling the
move yourself can save you many hundreds of dollars.
Self-drive truck rentals are always likely to be much cheaper than hiring full-service
movers, just make sure you have enough help to load and unload.
Move during the week to save cash
Weekend moves tend to be more expensive due to higher demand. If your schedule
allows, opt to move during the week when movers and rental trucks are less in demand.
You will find that lots of companies offer discounts for weekday moves, which can lead
to significant savings.
See if you can ship items instead of moving them
For long-distance moves, consider shipping some of your belongings instead of transporting them yourself. Shipping via a recognized carrier can sometimes be cheaper than paying for additional moving truck space.
This option might be particularly useful for smaller items that don’t take up much space.
Ask friends and family to help
Hiring professional movers isn’t going to make your budget stretch very far. Instead, see
if you can ask friends or family members to help you with the move.
Maybe, you could offer to treat them to lunch or dinner in exchange for their time and
effort.
Time your utilities carefully
Paying two lots of utilities can be painful for your wallet. If you cancel your old utilities a
day after your move and activate your new ones the day before you move in, this
ensures that you’re not paying for services in both places at the same time.
See if you can deduct moving expenses on your taxes
The good news is that , if your move is work-related, you may be eligible to deduct
some of your moving expenses from your taxes.
Keep receipts for expenses such as truck rentals, storage, and travel costs, then check
with a tax professional to determine if you qualify for these deductions.
As you can see, with the help of these tips, moving doesn’t have to drain your bank
balance. How much money can you save when you move?
