Moving is a stressful process that requires a lot of work and time. Many people are stressed when moving, and this is why no one looks forward to moving. Moving is also expensive because you have to spend a lot of money on packing materials and hiring professional movers. On realizing they have to move; people start thinking about how much it will cost. The good news is you can move on a budget. You don’t have to spend a lot on this process. It would help if you found ways of saving money when moving. Below are some tips for moving on a budget.

Decluttering

The cost of moving is mostly determined by the number of items you need to move. You need to look for items you can get rid of. Many people spend a lot of money on moving items that they don’t use or need. Go through your stuff and note any items you have not used in the past year. If you have not used something for that long, there is a good chance you will not use it any time soon.

There are different ways of getting rid of items. The first is selling them; you can sell them online on Facebook Marketplace and eBay. Another option is having a garage sale. You can get a lot from selling these items, and you can even use the money for your move. If you cannot sell the items, consider donating them.

Go room by room and see which items you need and those you can live without. You will also save yourself a lot of time you would have used in packing those items. Another benefit of donating items is tax deductions.

Look for packing materials on the cheap

When moving, you cannot do without boxes, packing tape, and packing materials. The good news is you don’t have to spend a lot on packing materials. You can get boxes for free, and it will save you a lot of money. It is a good idea to start early because it gives you enough time to find packing materials for cheap or free. You can ask your friends and family whether they have moving boxes. Local bargain groups on social media platforms are great for scouting free boxes. Local and big-box stores are a good source of free boxes. 

You don’t have to use only the packing materials you have bought. There are things in your home you can use for packing. You can use towels to wrap around delicate and fragile items. Blankets, duvets, and pillows will provide a cushion for your items, and you will save a lot that you would have used for getting packing materials—pack smaller items in laundry baskets and suitcases. You can employ a lot of creativity in this area because you use items you already have in your home. You will end up saving a lot on packing materials.

Running the numbers on professional movers

Many people hire professional movers for long distance relocation because it removes the burden of moving, but it also costs a lot of money. It is vital to understand the costs if you want to cut down on your moving costs.

It would help if you compared movers when choosing the best option. Moving companies will give you a free quote. You should consider getting at least four quotes before you select the right option for you. Do not make the mistake of choosing the first option you come across.

You need to find out whether the mover charges per hour or based on your load. If you are moving over a short distance, it might be a good idea to choose hourly movers. When moving many items or long distances, it is better to pay a flat rate based on load. There are moving companies that offer freebies like boxes, tapes, or other moving materials.

Check your calendar

Another factor that has an impact on the cost of your move is when you schedule it. You can expect to pay 20-30% less when you move between October to April compared to the summer months. This is because movers are busy since most people move during the summer. The time of the month you move will affect how much you pay for hiring long distance movers or renting a truck.

You can get cheaper rates mid-month because rental leases roll over at the end of the month. This is when movers usually have fewer reservations, which is why they offer their services at a cheaper rate than the end month. Weekend rates are higher compared to weekdays.

Starting early will give you the freedom to choose a moving date with the best rates. This is why you should get started with the process as soon as you know about your move.

partnered post • cc-licensed image by Janet Tarbox