Moving can be daunting—especially when you’re on a tight budget. How do you get all your stuff out of your current home and into your new place without dropping a bunch of cash in the process?
There are several options available if you want to know how to move cheaply. The good news is that there are a variety of strategies you can explore in order to find the one that works best for your situation. You’ll like the outcome when the results are lower moving fees.
The average cost of a local move is estimated to be around $1044-$2321. When you plan to move across state-lines, those costs can increase significantly, so it’s important to map out a specific budget. Here are some tips for an affordable — and even pleasurable — moving experience:
Plan your move
Create a “to-do” list that will help you with each step of your move. Unexpected expenses may come up if you don’t take the time to consider what it will cost to either hire professional help or do it yourself.
Establish a budget
Set a budget from the very beginning. Review different strategies and find the one that works best for your situation.
Do your research
When shopping for a reputable company ask questions such as: “Are you fully licensed and insured”, “How experienced are your movers?” and “Are you transparent about your fees?”
Check out online reviews
It’s important to read online reviews to understand what other people have to say about their experiences. Also do a background check before booking by looking at Yelp reviews, reviewing references from previous customers, and checking the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safety and Fitness Electronic Records System.
Take advantage of deals
Evaluate ways to cut your monthly spending, even if it’s just temporarily. Moving to a new place is the perfect opportunity to seek out new cable or satellite providers that offer an enticing deal to come on board.
Special services
Keep in mind that only the top moving companies offer premier services, from packing up all of your items to using their expertise to carefully disassemble and assemble your most fragile possessions. There are also unique ways to get a deal, such as a Price Lock Guarantee. Estimates are within 10% of the quoted price, and eight times out of 10, the mover ends up charging less.
Declutter and Donate
Selling or donating some of your belongings can earn you some cash (or a tax deduction) and eliminate extra weight, a metric that some movers use to partly estimate their cost. When looking for ways to save money on your move, start by asking yourself what you can get rid of.
Final Thoughts
While moving can be pretty pricey, there are plenty of ways to cut down on the cost without missing out on the benefits of a full-service moving company.
With over a decade in the moving industry, we’ve seen it all. We used that knowledge to put together these tips. Keep them in mind during your move to keep your wallet from getting thin.