Moving expenses can quickly add up, putting additional strain on your wallet during stressful times. However, armed with proven strategies and expert advice, you can significantly reduce your residential moving costs and save those hard-earned dollars for more exciting endeavors.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll share valuable insights on how to make your move affordable without sacrificing the quality and efficiency of the process. From packing tips to choosing the right moving services, we'll explore a range of strategies that have been tried and tested by professionals in the industry.
You'll discover clever tricks to streamline the packing process, optimize space usage, and even reduce the belongings you'll need to transport. We'll also explore money-saving options for hiring professional movers, exploring alternative moving methods, and taking advantage of your cost-effective resources.
8 Amazing Ways to Cut Residential Moving Costs
Moving is an exciting adventure, whether you are moving across town or the country. Moving is one of the most stressful experiences, both from a budgeting and logistical perspective. Based on the estimates, the average move costs between $80 and $100 per hour for moves within a state and $2,000- $5,000 for interstate moves.
While some moving costs cannot be avoided, there are ways to cut back on them. We asked a few professionals to advise you on saving money for your next move.
1. Before You Pack, Declutter
It may be another thing to do, but removing everything you don't need to move will save time, money, and space.
Take inventory of all your items, including clothing, cookware, and furniture. Sara Skirboll is the RetailMeNot shopping and trends expert. She says that if you do Marie Kondo first, you'll be amazed at how much stuff you have. You could save hundreds if you downsize. The hourly cost of the movers is one of the highest moving costs.
Selling unwanted stuff is another way to gain money and use the proceeds to cover relocation costs. You can consign furniture and nice clothes to consignment stores, sell them on websites such as eBay and Poshmark, or hold garage sales if you feel ambitious. You can also schedule a donation drop-off or pickup if you'd rather not deal with the hassle of selling things.
2. Booking Your Movers at the Right Time is Important
You can save a lot of money by hiring movers during the week rather than on weekends, in the off-season as opposed to peak season, or at mid-month instead of end-of-month.
Weekdays are less expensive, as fewer people are moving on these days. Luke Marklin is the CEO of Bellhops, a digital-based moving company. He says that if you can take time off from work, then Mondays, Wednesdays, and Tuesdays will have the most availability and lowest costs. Avoid the last weekend of the month as it is usually the busiest and the most expensive.
Skirboll states that moving is most common between fall and spring. This may differ depending on where in the world you live. So, find out when moving is most popular. You can also save money by scheduling your move during the off-season.
Marklin says that you can save between 20 and 30 percent by moving on days when it is less busy.
3. Speak to Your Cable, Internet, and Utility Providers
Stay away from paying your utilities, Internet, cable, rent, and other bills twice. You can align your accounts' start and end dates with your supplier about proration. Additionally, benefit from local internet and cable providers' new account discounts, and ask utility providers to waive installation and activation fees. If your payment history elsewhere is strong or you are a devoted customer, you may be eligible to have these costs waived.
4. Find Moving Supplies in a Variety of Ways
Moving supplies, such as boxes, bubble wrap, and padding, can add up quickly. Think outside the box and save hundreds of dollars.
Before buying additional packing materials, use all your suitcases, baskets, and hampers. Skirboll suggests using socks and towels instead of bubble wrap to protect fragile items. Ask your friends, neighbors, or local businesses for their boxes if you need boxes.
Depending on your moving amount, you can save anywhere from $50 to $400. You'll benefit the environment as well.
5. Pack it Yourself
You can save a lot of money by packing all your belongings (or the majority). It is the most time-consuming and expensive part of moving. Hire movers to collect your boxes or just your furniture.
6. Consider shared-load moving
Moving long distances is another expensive aspect of moving. This method is time-consuming and expensive for the mover and you. Shared load moving companies can help you cut residential moving costs by transporting multiple households' belongings using a trailer. This method may take a little longer but can reduce costs by half.
7. Ship Your Books
Shipping your books is a great way to move them.
Skirboll says that books are heavier than you think and don't fold up to save space. The books are extremely heavy. Ask FedEx or the United States Postal Service about moving books to free up space in trucks and vehicles.
USPS offers a Media Mail service that allows you to ship books and other media at a lower rate than the standard cost.
8. Plan Your Meals Ahead
While eating pizza in an unloaded house is a tradition, eating out every meal for the next several weeks as you unpack and organize may be expensive (and occasionally bad for your waistline). To save money, make your meals ahead of time.
It can be as simple as cooking food in your previous home and freezing it for future use or as complex as using a meal-delivery service like Blue Apron, HelloFresh, etc. Having a list of ingredients for your new home can be helpful.
Conclusion
Moving costs can quickly add up, leaving you overwhelmed and financially strained. However, with the proven strategies we've shared in this article, you can take control of your residential moving expenses and significantly reduce your financial burden. You can save time and money by decluttering your belongings, booking movers at the right time, and speaking to your service providers. Additionally, finding creative ways to source moving supplies and packing items can bring substantial savings. Considering shared-load moving and shipping your books are two more tips to help you cut costs. Lastly, planning your meals ahead of time can prevent unnecessary expenses during the chaotic moving period.
Armed with these incredible money-saving strategies, it's time to take action. Start implementing these tips today, and watch your moving costs dwindle to a fraction of what they could have been. Remember, every dollar saved can be put towards something more exciting and enjoyable.
If you need professional movers to ease your residential moving costs, look no further than Mint Movers Brooklyn. With our affordable and reliable moving services, you can trust that your move will be handled carefully and efficiently. Contact Mint Movers Brooklyn today and enjoy a stress-free, budget-friendly move.
