How to Save Money During Your Move
It’s no secret – moving expenses can quickly add up. As you go about the moving process, you will likely realize that there are plenty of things to pay for during this time. This can be an extremely challenging part of moving as you work to budget your spending as well as possible despite all the costs thrown your way. It may feel like it’s impossible to find anywhere to cut costs, but luckily, this is far from the truth. With the right money-saving tips, you can easily find ways to make your move more affordable. Wondering how to move on a budget? Keep reading for our top seven steps for budget-friendly moving!
How to Save Money on a Move
It can be tough to know which corners you can safely cut during the course of your move without sacrificing quality, safety, or efficiency during your process. Use these top tips to keep your move under budget and up to expectations.
- Reduce Your Clutter
The first thing you should do before packing up your space is declutter. This is a process of sorting through your items with the goal of getting rid of the items you no longer want or need.
Ideally, you will separate your belongings into four categories: donate, sell, trash, and keep. Donating, selling, or throwing away as many items as possible decreases the amount of clutter you have in your space, which can reduce the amount you spend on moving.
It can cut costs on supplies as well as decrease the price you need to pay to a moving company if you choose to hire one. If you’re having trouble choosing what to let go of, try to determine what items you haven’t used in a few months and don’t foresee yourself using in the next few months. This can help you determine what you don’t actually need.
- Repurpose Your Items
Another great way to cut costs on supplies is to repurpose the items you already own. Rather than spending money to buy brand new supplies, such as boxes and bubble wrap, you can use what you already own. If you have boxes from packages you’ve received, use them for packing purposes. Instead of buying bubble wrap or packing paper, use soft items like towels and blankets to protect your items.
Additionally, be sure to use up any empty space in your belongings. For example, don’t leave large pots empty – fill them with other kitchen items like spices or utensils. You can even leave dresser drawers full if possible. You can also use suitcases to pack your clothes in, rather than using boxes.
- Move During the Offseason
During the moving offseason, prices for moving companies are much cheaper. Take advantage of this by planning your move during these slower months if possible for your moving timetable. You can also choose more slow days of the week to further capitalize on any lower prices. This can be an easy and effective way to be financially conscious about your relocation.
- Get Numerous Quotes
When you’re seeking a moving company to help you complete your relocation, you may feel like there’s no other option but to break the bank. Fortunately, though, there are affordable movers out there. All you have to do is know the best ways to find them.
First, ask around and see who friends, family, and neighbors have trusted for their moves. Seek out online reviews, and determine what the general consensus is about the moving company in question. Are most customers satisfied? Do they provide trustworthy, reliable service? Once you’ve narrowed your search down to a few options, it’s time to reach out to some companies for quotes.
You will want to get at least three quotes to make sure you find the best price possible. As a rule of thumb, though, steer clear of movers who provide price estimates that are significantly lower than the competitors. This is usually a red flag, and although it may seem like a good option financially, it typically comes back to bite you in the end.
- Book in Advance
As with booking in the offseason, another simple way to reduce your costs easily is to book your moving company in advance. Many movers will offer a discount to customers who book a certain amount of time in advance. This can be an excellent tactic to save money with very little effort, and it’s a great incentive to get a head start on your planning!
- Ship your books
Because movers estimate your costs based on the number of items you’re moving and the weight of them, shipping your books can be an excellent way to reduce your expenses.
Especially if you have a large library, the weight of your books can add up, so cutting this weight can be a huge help. The postal service offers a media mail option for books, which allows you to ship books at a reduced rate. This way, you’re able to save space in your moving truck and use it on other necessary items. Taking advantage of the media mail option is a smart way to save money during your move.
- Pack Strategically
When you’re packing, being organized and strategic can go a long way in cutting down on the amount of supplies you’ll need.
Fitting as much as you can in a single box (without making it uncomfortably heavy) can take some time, so it’s a process you won’t want to rush through. Instead, give yourself enough time to pack a little bit each day so you can carefully pack without simply throwing items in boxes. Fitting things together strategically and nesting items inside each other whenever possible can make for the most efficient use of space in your boxes.
Save Money During Moving with Affordable Ohio Movers
When it comes to making moving affordable, all it takes is the proper know-how. With our tips and tricks, moving cheap is a lot easier than it seems. Looking for an affordable moving company to rely on? Find out what RLD Relocation & Logistics can do for you!
We prioritize our customers’ needs above all else and care about providing you with quality service. Reach out today for an in-home move estimate!