4 Creative Ways To Save Money On Your Next Move
It's no secret that moving can be expensive. Between hiring a moving company, paying deposits, and loading up on moving supplies, expenses can add up quickly. For those who are moving on a budget, however, there are some creative steps you can take to save money and hassle.
Forego a Weekend Move-In
If you're planning on hiring a moving company (which is highly recommended), inquire about their weekend rates versus weekday rates. For moving companies that charge by-the-hour, it's not uncommon for there to be a difference of anywhere from $10 to $30 per hour when you use their services on a weekday versus a weekend. For a move that takes eight hours, that can easily save you hundreds of dollars.
Move the Small Stuff Yourself
Again, since most moving companies will charge by-the-hour, you can save money by reducing the number of hours for which you need their services. A good way to do this is to move some of the smaller stuff into your new place yourself, if at all possible. You can do this in the days leading up to your big move-in day, or even on the day of your move-in. Smaller boxes that contain decorations, books, and other trinkets can be easily transported and unloaded by you and perhaps a few friends. By using movers primarily for your bigger items, such as furniture, you'll save a pretty penny.
Get Your Moving Supplies for Free
While moving boxes don't seem that expensive (a couple of bucks apiece, maybe), that small price can really add up when you need to buy 20+ boxes to accommodate all your stuff! With that in mind, you might want to consider seeking free moving supplies. For boxes, check with a local retail store or grocery store to see if they'll save some boxes for you after their next inventory shipment comes in. You might be surprised at how willing they may be to help you out. You can also check neighborhood sites for people looking to get rid of old moving boxes for free or very cheap.
Ship Certain Items to Your New Place
Believe it or not, it can sometimes be more economical (and less stressful) to ship some items to your new place--especially if you're moving a long distance. This is especially true of media items, such as books, that are heavy but can be mailed at a lower media shipping rate.