Looking for a few moving tips to help you save money? You’re in luck. According to the American Moving & Storage Association, relocation can cost a renter, on average $2,300. If that’s more than you’re willing to spend, then you’ll need to get a little creative. Use these six simple moving tips to save a ton of money when moving day arrives.
1. Get Rid of Stuff
The first step to take before even planning a moving is to embrace your inner minimalist. Since most moving companies charge based either on weight or number of items, you’ll want to get rid of everything you won’t need (or have room for) in your new apartment. Also, take into account the environment and surroundings in your new neighborhood. If weather is warmer in the city you’ll soon call home, then lose the snow gear. If you’re moving away from the beach, then consider selling your surfboard. Try donating your belongings to places like the Goodwill, Salvation Army, and local thrift stores.
In addition to saving some money, you can also earn a little dough by selling your furniture, cashing in your old coin jar, and selling your clothes at thrift or second-hand store.
2. Pack Smart
Packing can be fun (yes, you read that correctly!). Get creative with your packing by nesting smaller items inside of larger items, and using your own socks and blankets instead of buying packing peanuts. Blankets will come in handy for wrapping your fragile items, as well. Use cheap, stackable storage containers from a discount store, hit the thrift shops to look for old cigar boxes and vintage suitcases, and collect free cardboard boxes from nearby stores and offices. Think about any friends who have recently moved; they might have some supplies like boxes and packing tape that they’d happily donate to your cause.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
No one wants to be a burden on their friends and family, which is one reason asking for help is difficult for some of us. Send out an SOS on Facebook to ask local friends and family for any kind of help; whether it’s borrowing a friend’s truck, loading and unloading, getting a free babysitter or pet-sitter, or even help packing, there’s always something someone can help you with. If you’re not one to ask for help, then at least plan a housewarming party for after the move. That way your family can come to the rescue with some much-needed housewarming gifts.
4. Be a Tough Negotiator
If you decide to use a moving company, then get ready for some tough negotiations. Ask movers for a fixed price. If they give you an estimate, be sure ask about any extra fees for mileage or moving up flights of stairs. Call a few different movers to compare rates and negotiate prices. You can also rent a moving truck yourself, or use a service like PODS that lets you pack a shipping container and then moves it for you.
5. Be Selective on Your Moving Day
If your timeline is somewhat flexible and you’re using a moving company, you’ll want to try and choose a weekday in an off-season. Many moving companies generally charge more for a weekend move, and seasonality is certainly a factor in pricing. Summer is usually the most expensive, while winter sees a slight drop in prices. Consider how selective you can be as far as your moving day goes and plan accordingly to save a little money.
6. Plan for the Unexpected
When your move drags out longer than expected, costs can really stack up. For instance, a delayed move-in date may put you and all your belongings in limbo – or worse – an expensive hotel room or storage unit. A baby or pet-sitter may cancel, causing you pay more to hire another sitter on short notice. Make sure you have a backup plan for the unexpected or, at the very least, a little extra emergency cash.
Don’t forget to plan, prepare, get organized, and use these moving tips before you start in on your adventure. You’ll thank yourself when you’re all moved into your new apartment and still have a full bank account.
This article was updated on 10/17/18.
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