There’s no doubt about it – moving is a stressful time for everyone. It can be very overwhelming trying to anticipate and coordinate all of the moving parts that go into a relocation. Whether moving locally or long-distance, moves need a lot of planning and attention to detail to give you a smooth and successful moving day.
One of the biggest concerns people have when taking on any relocation is the cost of not just professional movers, but the cost of their move in general. After all, even if you’re not using a professional moving company (which of course, you should!), the costs of DIY moving can add up very quickly and easily break the bank if you’re not careful.
Thankfully, you’re already dodging a proverbial bullet by taking on a local move, instead of a long-distance one. These are usually much more expensive given the distance and often come with more moving parts that need to come together for the process to be deemed successful.
So, what are some cheap moving tips to keep your costs down during this stressful and expensive time? We’ve got some of the best ways to save money on moving costs below.
Once you’ve locked down an affordable moving company, it’s time to try and save on other aspects of your relocation. In particular, you can easily save plenty of money on packing supplies with the right approach.
When gearing up for a move, get as many free boxes and packing supplies as possible to cut costs. You can do this by saving boxes from your online orders, asking around friends and family, as well as asking local businesses for extra unused boxes that they would otherwise dispose of.
You can also look on websites like Facebook Marketplace for free boxes and other supplies that people who have previously moved are looking to get rid of.
A good way to cut down on the costs of packing supplies like bubble wrap or packing paper is by repurposing existing items. Things like blankets, sheets, and even socks can be used to cushion and protect your items from damage and will save you a lot of money overall.
One of the best things you can do when taking on a move small or large is to employ professional movers to relocate your household items.
Even if you’re only headed across town, having professionals on your side will make your entire process much easier and a lot less strenuous. Whether just using moving services or going for a full-service moving company that includes packing and storage, costs can easily add up if you’re not using the right company for your move. The best way to ensure that your cheap moving plans don’t fall through the cracks is by researching moving companies thoroughly to get not only the best pricing but the best service as well.
The key to finding affordable movers is to shop around and get quotes from multiple companies.
Before you get quotes from many companies, however, try to narrow down your search by eliminating ones you don’t think are right for you early on. Doing thorough research on these companies is of course essential, and always check their reviews on third-party sites like Google Reviews, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Hearing about a company’s moving experiences directly from past customers will give you a good handle on their level of service, attention to detail, professionalism, and the care they’ll take with your things. This will make a world of difference in the efficiency of your service and how satisfied you’ll be overall.
From there, get quotes from the companies you’ve narrowed things down to and see who will give you the best moving packages for your budget. Remember, if a company gives you a suspiciously low quote or refuses to give you an in-person quote for free, it’s a good indication of a moving scam.
When gearing up for a move, always declutter everything you don’t need or use to save money on the cost of your relocation. This will also give you a good opportunity to get rid of items that cause clutter in your home or that are just unnecessary or unneeded in your life at this time.
You can also save on moving after the fact by deducting your expenses from your taxes. For example, you can qualify for a tax deduction just by having to drive to work!
Regardless of the distance of your move, having the right approach and right planning can let you save a lot of money on your relocation, especially in the case of a local move.
If you’re looking for an affordable moving company that emphasizes quality of care, and efficiency, and that has many decades of experience under its belt, see what Ray the Mover can do for you and your family.