Smart Ways to Reduce Moving Expenses

Moving can be a pricey proposition. Whether you are moving locally or long distance, you have to take into account your physical and emotional needs because moving from one place to another is a life-changing experience. If you are one of those millions of people who are looking for ways to save money on a move, it would be wise to take steps and make plans before you uproot your things and replant a new home somewhere else.

Advance planning will really help you to ease the pressure and stress of moving, as well as allow you to maximize your savings. Here are some budget-wise tips for those who are planning to haul their belongings from their current home to the next one.

Planning is helpful

Making a plan for the whole moving process is very helpful so that you can control your move and save from breaking your bank account. It is important to consider each move, research the whole process and plan each step beforehand to achieve a successful relocation.

Host a Yard Sale

In addition to being a terrific way to make money, having a yard sale can also help you save money on your relocation. Prior to your move, take the time to get rid of any clothing, furniture, or other stuff that you don’t want. By doing this, you can reduce the number of hours your move will take and perhaps even the size of the moving truck you’ll require.

Selling undesired goods in advance can help you lower your overall moving costs and make a small profit to contribute toward your overall expenditures. All of these factors can affect how much your move will cost.

Sell or Give Away Items You Don’t Use 

Also, if you have items in your home that you really do not need, then you can decide if you want to sell them all or donate them to a charitable organization. Either way, you would be clearing out the clutter from your home and ultimately cutting down on the load in the moving van.  Keep in mind that some moving companies bill you by the weight of the items that you are moving; get rid of as many unwanted items as you can.

Always keep your receipts from the move since when the tax period rolls around; you can claim them as tax-deductible expenses. Don’t forget to budget for tipping your movers; a standard tip is usually around 10-15% of the total moving cost, which can make a significant difference in your overall moving budget Visit the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) website to find out more information about that.  Finally, when you get to the new place, you should also have some friends there who can help you unpack your items so that the movers would not have to do the job for an extra cost.

Take the Furniture Apart

Take furniture and beds apart before movers show up. This is a quick job that may pile up quickly, especially when moving into a large home. This is a service offered by moving companies, however, it is going to cost you.  This is a terrific method to save time and money if you’re on a tight budget.  While it’s crucial to find ways to save, don’t overlook the importance of tipping your movers, especially if they’ve gone above and beyond to ensure a smooth transition for you.

Finally, as much as we are encouraging ways for you to cut costs with the movers, do not fall for those moving companies that are ridiculously cheaper than the rest. Usually, these are scam artists who are trying to make easy money. They are the ones who would compromise quality and professional service with shoddy work and bad business practices.

Make Research on Different Kinds of Moving Companies

If there are many local moving companies available in your city or town, your options are countless. Each of these companies offers diverse advantages and disadvantages, all you have to do is explore each of them to make an educated decision. You may also consider talking with some people who have moved in and out over the last couple of years, and ask about their experience with the moving company they chose.

It is equally important to consider the actual situation when it comes to your expectation of the moving services as well as your expectations of yourself if you are capable of managing your own move.

Bundle the Moving and Packing Services

Even if the moving company does not wish to match the price of another mover, ask about their bundle packages, which would also be a good way to save. You may find a moving company that also does packing and unpacking services or perhaps they may offer storage services for your more treasured items such as artwork or even heirlooms. What the moving company can do for you is offer you a good price by bundling up the services.

Even if you do not find a moving company that would offer these extra services, they may be able to put you in touch with an affiliate company that may also offer the bundle package; all you have to do is ask.

Consider DIY Option

Moving can be very expensive, so it’s crucial to take the time to carefully weigh all of your options. Consider renting a moving truck and doing it yourself if you’re really trying to cut costs on your relocation. It is at least worthwhile to research costs and do a cost comparison to ascertain how much money you can save by going with this choice.

Consider Other Moving Options

A portable storage container could be a better option, depending on the size of the home you have to relocate and the distance. They could be a bit more expensive in some circumstances, but they give the mover more options. You can keep a portable storage container for a longer period of time and empty it at your own pace, rather than being obligated to the truck rental business and having to return the vehicle the following day.

Ask Friends For Help

You can start saving money right away if you were to self-move, which would allow you and your friends to do everything from packing, to loading and eventually driving the moving vehicle en route to your new home. With a self-move, the only money you would be spending is for the rental of the truck, which is way cheaper than if you go with a full-service moving company.

Pack Yourself

You can also spend less money moving if you were to pack your own boxes instead of leaving it up to the movers who would charge an additional fee to get the job done. When it comes to packing, you should seek out boxes from your neighborhood grocery store or from friends and family, which would save you from purchasing new boxes.

Unlocking the Hidden Gem: Relocation Assistance Programs

You’ve heard of garage sales and DIY packing, but have you ever considered tapping into relocation assistance programs? These are not your run-of-the-mill moving hacks; they’re bona fide game-changers. Offered by employers and local governments, these programs can cover a range of expenses, from packing services to temporary housing. Imagine slashing your moving costs without lifting a finger—sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s time to wake up to this untapped resource.

How to Get Started and Reap the Benefits

First things first, check with your HR department or local government office. They’ll provide you with the details, but here’s the kicker: some programs even offer cash incentives for relocating to certain areas. We’re talking about a win-win situation where you not only save money but also potentially earn some. But don’t just take our word for it. According to a study by the Employee Relocation Council, companies saved an average of 15% on relocation costs through such programs. So, why leave money on the table when you can pocket it?

Choose to move on a weekday or an off day

Next, if you have control over the months when you can move out, you should choose those months that are considered the slow period in the moving business. Stay clear of the summer months as they are not only the busiest but also the most expensive months to move.

Plan to move during the off-season, preferably between October and April. Moving businesses maintain their rates at a high level during the late spring, summer, and early fall since the demand for their services and goods is high. However, demand decreases outside certain seasons, therefore many moving firms reduce their fees to attract customers.

According to research, if you relocate at the end of the month, on the 15^th, or on weekends, you will pay more for the services since many leases are up on days that are popular dates for moving in and moving out. Indeed, some companies offer substantially lower rates during midweek or weekdays since they will not be paying overtime to their employees for weekend moves. Also, you may consider moving in the month of October because moving families or dormers can likely get a better rate.

Claim Moving Tax Breaks

Claim moving tax benefits on your taxes as one alternative. You might be eligible to write off some of your moving expenses on your tax return if you move for work-related reasons. This can cover costs like the price of renting a moving truck, buying packing materials, and even trip costs like gas and accommodation.

The requirements for claiming moving tax advantages can be complicated, so it’s a good idea to speak with a tax expert or use tax software to guide you through the procedure. However, if you put in a little work, you can benefit from these tax savings and spend less on your upcoming relocation.

Transfer Your Utilities

Understanding when to transfer your utilities will enable you to save money. The time of opening a new utility account is also very important for your spending plan. Why should you pay for services you have yet to use?

Establish your moving date and the time when your present home’s utilities should be turned off. Before you leave your previous home, make sure to get a meter reading so you know how much you owe. While you pack up your house, staying with friends or family can be a wise decision. In this situation, you might be able to get away with merely working during the daytime and turning off the utilities even sooner.

Book ahead of time

For families or dormers who cannot avoid moving on the popular move-in and move-out dates, getting penciled in advance would be an excellent idea since customers can have a bit more power in the negotiation process. If you call a moving company in advance, it is possible to negotiate a lower rate since they know they will have a customer on that day. Just make sure you confirmed the date with the moving company and put it into writing.

List the things you are planning to haul to your next home

After confirming your schedule, it would be wise to start listing all the belongings you need to take with you. To lessen the hassle of organizing your list and to avoid forgetting anything, go room by room. After listing everything, edit the list if there is a need to make changes or delete some things.

Save on Moving Supplies and Boxes

Even though it might seem intuitive, buying boxes might significantly increase the cost of your move. Moving businesses bet on you being disorganized and needing to pay for their boxes as a result. However, there are free boxes around that you can take if you just ask.

Boxes are abundant in offices. Utilize the boxes from your place of employment to save money. Before packing day, ask coworkers to store boxes for you so you may arrive at work prepared. People will be more than delighted to make room for you, and you’ll save a ton of money.

Newspaper is a tried-and-true technique for protecting fragile things when packing. Additionally, you can always visit your local newspaper and ask for old issues they may offer you if you don’t already have any spare newspaper lying around the house for tasks like cleaning out a smelly fridge.

Do not get overcharged for boxes

Yes, moving companies provide their own moving boxes, but if you get them you have to pay for them. So, in order to save hundreds of dollars, you can get boxes from the recycling center of your town or city or buy low-cost but sturdy boxes from online sites.

Nevertheless, when looking for boxes make sure you get the right size. In the moving industry, generally, sizes of boxes come in 3 categories: small, medium, and large. Also, you can save by collecting used boxes from the neighborhood.

Get a guaranteed price in writing

There are moving companies that offer low rates in their initial estimate, but once your belongings are stacked on the truck, they hike up the price. To avoid this scam, secure a guaranteed rate in advance and put them into writing, or visit Movers Corp and print the prices for your records.

Go Eco-Friendly

Decluttering your possessions prior to packing is one strategy to save money and reduce your carbon impact when moving. Your relocation expenses can be reduced by selling or giving any items you no longer need, which will also use up less packing and moving supplies. Additionally, you can save money and decrease trash by utilizing eco-friendly packing supplies like reusable packing supplies and biodegradable or recycled boxes.

Ask the Right Questions To Avoid Extra Charges and Scams

Before selecting a moving company, ask the right questions to avoid additional costs and potential fraud. By being proactive and thorough in your inquiries, you can ensure a smooth and cost-effective moving experience. Before making a decision, consider the following crucial questions.

Are there any additional or hidden fees?

Inquire for a breakdown of all prospective fees, such as packaging materials, fuel surcharges, and long-carry fees. Understanding the entire extent of costs ahead of time allows you to prevent surprises and budget appropriately.

How is the final cost calculated?

Understanding how a moving company calculates the final cost is important in order to avoid any unforeseen costs. Inquire about their pricing structure, such as weight, distance, or time. Confirm whether they provide binding or non-binding estimates, and inquire about the possibilities of an on-site examination to ensure an accurate cost assessment.

What is your policy regarding lost or damaged items?

Ask about their liability coverage and whether they offer insurance that provides additional protection. To protect your goods throughout the process, clarify their policies on refund or replacement of damaged or lost items.