VWB Blog While it’s inevitable that everyone must move at some point in their lives, few things are more stressful than the idea of moving while trying to balance your bank account.
Before you start packing your house to make the big move, check out our guide on how to save on moving costs. The more you’re able to dwindle the expenses of your move, the less burden it will cause for your wallet.
Saving money on your move doesn’t mean settling for a below-average service. Keep reading to learn how to make your moving experience seamless while sticking to your budget.
Do the Packing Yourself
You can save a great deal of money on your move by packing your belongings yourself rather than hiring professional movers to do it for you. This can be time-consuming; the key to successful self-packing is to start early and be methodical and organized in your approach.
Toss, Donate, or Sell Unneeded Belongings
One way to save on moving costs is to declutter your home before packing. Go through your belongings and decide what you can live without.
Toss items that are broken or no longer used. Donate items that are in good condition but that you no longer need. Sell items that have value, but you no longer want.
This will not only save you money on your move, but it will also make packing and unpacking easier.
Reuse Cheap or Free Packing Materials
There are many ways to save on moving costs, and one way is to reuse cheap or free packing materials. For example, you can use old newspapers to wrap dishes and protect them from breaking during the move. You can also use blankets and pillows to protect your furniture from scratches and dents.
If you have friends or family who are also moving, you can ask them if they have any spare boxes that you can use. In addition, you can check with your local grocery store or liquor store to see if they have any boxes they can give you. You can also find free boxes on Craigslist or Freecycle.
Don’t Move During the Busy Season
The busy season for movers is typically May through September. By avoiding this time period, you may be able to save money on your move. There are a few things to keep in mind if you choose to move during the off-season.
First, you may have a smaller selection of movers to choose from. Second, you may have to be flexible with your moving date. Third, you may need to be prepared for inclement weather.
If you are willing to take these things into consideration, you may be able to save money on your move.
Cancel Your Utilities
Canceling your utilities can be done by contacting your local utility provider and scheduling a time for them to come out and disconnect your service. This should be done a few days before your move so that you are not charged for any days that you are not using the service. Be sure to have your new address and account information ready so that they can connect you to your new service at your new home.
Hire an Affordable But Reliable Moving Company
It is important to do your research when hiring a moving company, as there are many companies that claim to be affordable movers but are not always reliable. You can do a few things to ensure you are hiring a reliable company, such as reading online reviews, asking for recommendations from friends or family, or checking with the Better Business Bureau.
Once you have found a few reliable companies, getting quotes from each one is important to compare prices. Be sure to ask about any hidden costs or fees, as these can add up and increase the total cost of the move.
Consider Shared Load Moving
Shared load moving involves sharing a truck with other customers who are also moving. This can be a great way to save money, as you’ll only have to pay for a portion of the truck rental. This can be a great idea, especially when moving long distance.
Enlist Friends for a DIY Move
When you’re trying to save money on your move, every little bit helps. So if you can do some of the work yourself, you’ll definitely save some cash. One way to do this is to enlist the help of your friends for a DIY move.
If you can get them to help you with the packing, loading, and unloading, you’ll be that much closer to saving money on your move. Just make sure that you repay them with food and drinks after the move!
Use Self-Storage When in a Pinch
Self storage can help you save on the cost of renting a truck or van, as well as the cost of labor if you’re hiring professional movers. When using self storage, you can pack and unpack at your own pace, which can save you time and money. Plus, you can often store your belongings for a lower cost than renting a moving truck or paying for professional movers.
Get Moving Insurance
Another way to save on moving costs is to get moving insurance. This insurance will protect your belongings in case they are damaged or lost during the move. You can purchase this insurance through your moving company or through a third party.
Deduct Your Moving Expenses From Your Taxes
If you are relocating for work, you may be able to deduct your moving expenses on your next annual income tax return. Be sure to keep all receipts related to your move, including receipts for any professional movers, storage fees, and travel expenses incurred. When it’s time to file your taxes, you can then claim your moving expenses and potentially save a significant amount of money.
Follow These Tips to Save On Moving Costs
In order to save on moving costs, it is important to plan ahead and be organized. By doing your research and planning ahead of time, you can avoid costly mistakes and make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. By following these tips, you can save a significant amount of money on your next move.
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