How To Cut Costs When Moving

There will always be expenses when you move, but how much you spend on it will depend on how you go about things. We’ve seen relocations where the people involved had to spend more money than they intended, and you don’t want to be in that situation.

The truth is, we can cut costs in everything that we do, and that includes moving. Let’s look at some of the things you can do to cut costs when relocating, whether it’s when buying packing materials or finding a moving service.

Do your own packing

Are you one of those people who are too busy to pack that they pay other people to pack their things? If you are, and you really have no other option, and you have the money, then go ahead and do it, by all means.

However, if you have the time, then you must pack your things yourself. That would be a few dollars off your expenses.

Time your move with off-peak season

Summer is typically the favorite time of the year for many people to relocate, which means the demand for anything moving-related would be high, and you know what that means. Moving companies will tend to charge more because it’s the peak season for moving.

If you don’t want to spend more on your relocation, then schedule your move between September to early April, which is widely considered as the off-peak season for moving. The weather tends to be better, and movers usually offer much lower rates.

Recycle packing stuff

It’s always tempting to buy brand new boxes when moving, but you always have the option to simply recycle old boxes and packing materials this time, especially if you have kept those old materials from your last move. While boxes aren’t that expensive, you could still use the dollars you save for other important things, like tips for the movers or anything.

If you don’t have old boxes lying around, try going around stores in your neighborhood and see if you can buy their old boxes on the cheap. You can even visit friends or family and ask them for old boxes and packing materials if you want.

Get rid of things you don’t need

Instead of bringing all your belongings to your new home, how about holding a garage sale? That way, you can get rid of clothes that no longer fit, textbooks that someone else could use, and just about anything you don’t need anymore. If you had fewer things to bring, then maybe you’re going to need a smaller moving truck, which is typically cheaper.

Keep your receipts

It’s always smart to keep your receipts, especially when they’re related to your move because they might be tax-deductible. So if you have all your receipts, then fill out IRS Form 3903 and claim those expenses as a federal income tax deduction

Get quotes from multiple moving companies

Hiring the first moving company that you talk to would be a mistake. For all you know, there are other movers out there who offer better rates and are more reliable and trustworthy. If you want to spend wisely on your relocation, doing some research on moving services in your area would be a good place to start.

If possible, get quotes from three moving companies at the very least. Find out if they have proper licenses and insurance. Ask close friends and family if they have previously hired any of the companies you’re eyeing, and find out how they fared.

Hopefully, the tips above would help you lower your moving costs.