Moving can get very expensive. It may not seem like it at first, but things add up. There are some expenses that are inevitable in the moving process, but there are also other areas you could save a buck or two. Before you go all in, make sure you do the proper research to accurately compare which moving option is right for your budget whether you are looking to hire a moving company, or you are going to rent a van and do the moving. Here are some tips on how to save money on your move.
Reduce Your Load
Make sure that you get rid of the things that you do not want anymore before you move. You do not want to move things that are broken, no longer useful, or simply unused. You want to bring things into your new place that you use on a regular basis or that you cannot live without. To help you get rid of some of the stuff you do not need, consider hosting a garage sale or donate your stuff. The less stuff you have, the fewer things need to be moved.
Move During The Off-Season
Most people move during June or July during either the first or the last of the month, so any time other than those two months can be considered the off-season. No matter if you move items abroad or across town, talk with your movers if that is the option you went with. Ask them if you get any discounts for moving during an off-season. You never know! They may offer you a limited-time-only promotion because of it.
Book Early
Moving is not something that is spontaneous. If you want to save the most money as possible, you have to plan. Planning means booking your mover sooner rather than later. When you wait until the last hour to book a moving company, you run the risk of being charged higher rates. As soon as you know it is time to move, book those movers. You do not want to see money going down the drain.
Be Flexible
More than likely, you have a window of time for your movers to come, gather your things, and deliver it to you. Keep in mind that you should maintain an attitude of flexibility. Things happen and plans change all the time. If you re willing to work within their timeframe, take that as an opportunity to negotiate a lower rate. Maybe you are the one working on a tight time constraint. If that is the case, you want to make sure that your moving in, and moving out date works for everyone’s schedule.
Know How Much Things Cost
Knowing how much things cost upfront will keep you from falling victim to the nickles and dimes some moving companies can charge. Before you book anything, get clarification on what exactly your charges are coming from, what are some potential charges you should look out for, and if there are any additional fees that are attached to whatever services you paid for. When you have all this information, planning for those costs becomes easy.
