Moving to a new home takes money, but don’t worry. You don’t need to break the bank to transport your possessions cross-country. To help you stay on budget, take note of the following tips, and get the most of your money’s value.
Plan and Stick to Your Budget
Relocating individuals often forget that moving incurs expenses beyond hiring long distance movers. There are tolls, gas fees, food, insurance, lodgings, packing materials, moving labor, and several other tiny charges you need to take into account. To help you maximize your budget, here are a few pointers to keep in mind.
Get Moving Quotes from Different Companies
Don’t hire the first moving company you see. Make sure to get moving quotes from different reputable hauling services, and try to see which offer best fits your needs and budget. Keep in mind that the lowest offer may not necessarily be the best one for you. Hence, carefully consider the quotes and their accompanying services before settling on a moving company.
Inquire Your Company about Relocation Policies
If you’re relocating due to a new job offer or a transfer, make sure to ask the HR department about the company’s relocation policies. Some companies pay for a part or even all of the expenses on moving. If your company does, compile all the receipts incurred during the move for reimbursements later on.
Avail of Discounts, Coupons, and Other Deals
Take advantage of any credit card points, flight miles, discounts, and coupons you’ve accumulated and use them on your move. This way, you can save on gas, food, lodgings, and other expenses as you travel to another part of the country.
Figure Out Your Moving Method
Some people can use their personal vehicles to relocate, but people with several belongings need to hire moving services. However, not everyone can afford to hire full-service movers. Fortunately, there are several more affordable alternatives that you can take if you’re working on a smaller budget.
Rent a Moving Truck
One of the most affordable ways to move cross-country is to rent a truck and drive your items yourself. Aside from gas fees, you would have to pay for a set rate and insurance costs. Make sure to transact with reputable truck rental companies to avoid trouble on the road and get the best value for your money.
Ship Your Possessions
If you don’t mind a long waiting period for your items to arrive, you can always ship them out. You can simply carry your essentials with you and wait a few days or weeks for the rest of your belongings. Some companies ship out furniture, so do your due research if this is something you’d like to consider.
Use a Freight Trailer
In this method, the moving company will leave the freight trailer at your home and give you three days to load your belongings. After this period, the company will then pick up the trailer and transport your items to your next home. Make sure to label your items correctly and list them down to avoid any losses.
Schedule Wisely
When you schedule your move has a significant impact on your overall moving costs. Here are a few tips on setting moving day to avoid surcharges and other expenses.
Avoid Peak Season
A lot of people schedule their moves during the summer, so the demand for moving services increases. Moreover, bear in mind that most people book their moving days on the weekends and the first and last week of the month. Thus, to save on money, settle for a midweek, mid-month moving date between October and April.
Book the Moving Services as Early as Possible
Don’t book your moving company at the last minute. By then, their schedules will most probably be full, and you’ll have to settle for spare dates or inconvenient schedules. It can lead you to spend more on bigger trucks, inexperienced laborers, or more expensive moving services. Thus, contact your chosen company as soon as possible and book the most convenient date for you.
Pack Smart
Save money by packing your items yourself. When your items are properly secured, you can ensure that your items will remain safe and sound as they travel to another state. Stay on budget by following the tips below.
Leave Old Possessions Behind
Hauling services charge you based on the weight of your possessions. Thus, carefully consider if it’s worth bringing bulky furniture or any outdated or unused items to your new house. It may also be cheaper to buy new stuff in your next location. As for your old possessions, you can sell them (and earn a few bucks for the move), donate them, or give them away to family and neighbors to reduce moving costs.
Recycle Old Packaging Materials
Save money by reusing boxes and other packaging materials on your move. Ask friends and family for any boxes or containers they’re no longer using, or drop by the recycling center. On the other hand, you can also use old clothes, blankets, newspapers, and other soft materials to substitute for packing peanuts and airbags.
Loading and Unloading
For loading and unloading your items, save money by enlisting the help of family and friends. Of course, you need to pay them back with food or gift cards at least, but these will cost less than a full-service company. However, this only applies if their schedules and locations will allow it. One other option is to hire labor-only services, which can help you unload your items to your new home.
Overall, a lot of effort, time, and money goes into moving to new homes. If your budget permits, consider hiring full-service moving companies. There are several reliable and affordable hauling services to choose from that fit budgets of all sizes. Make sure to do your due research to find the right movers for you and ensure a comfortable and stress-free trip to your next home.