The cost of a move (especially a cross-country move) can add up very quickly. Even if you’ve got money in the bank, there’s no harm in wanting to save more where you can. After all, every dollar saved is a dollar that can be put toward something else. We’ve put together a list of our best money-saving tips for your next move below.
Take the time to create a thorough budget.
You know what your limits are. You know what your needs are. Consider these things and put together a working budget before making any decisions. You can help narrow down exact dollar amounts by using our in-home estimate form or asking friends and family how much they spent on their similar moves. Next, write out your plan and prospective costs.
Setting a budget in advance and sticking to it makes sure that small, easily-forgotten costs don’t become insurmountable. Your budget will also help make it easier to move dollars around and decide what’s worth splurging on to you and what isn’t.
Move during the offseason.
Movers consider the summer months to be their busiest. Kids are out of school, the weather is warm and it’s easier for people to get time off. An excess of jobs for movers also means an excess of the costs involved with moving. Inversely, the offseason tends to be cheaper!
You will save money if you move during the fall or winter months rather than if you plan your move during spring or summer. If you can stand moving between September and April, you could wind up saving money every step of the way.
Go through your belongings and offload as much as you can.
If you have fewer things to move, it drives down the cost of moving your household. Extra income that comes from selling your extra stuff can go toward the move itself, too. It’s a win-win.
A garage sale is the fastest way to sell your stuff, but you could also use Facebook or another virtual marketplace.
Enlist the help of family and friends.
You’re not in this alone. The easiest way to save money on your big move is by enlisting the help of your family and friends. This can be done in a wide variety of ways. Do you know anyone with a large vehicle you can borrow for moving in lieu of a truck? Do any of your loved ones have old boxes or packing materials you can repurpose? Are there able-bodied loved ones open to helping you with physical loading and unloading? Communicate with your people about your upcoming move. You may be surprised by how many people are willing to assist.
While it may seem unintuitive, another way to save money on a move is to trust the process to a company like Bekins. A service guarantee from a moving company can help keep you covered when surprise moving problems occur. Get in touch with us today, and we’ll be happy to help explain the difference our services can make for your next move.
