Moving can be both exhilarating and exasperating. Perhaps you got promoted, you just bought your first house, or you want to be closer to family. As you plan for your move, it’s going to be hectic and busy. The good news? You can incorporate some cost-saving strategies to help reduce your moving costs. And yes, one of them will be hiring a professional moving company!
Moving doesn’t have to break the bank. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to move on a budget, from packing efficiently to finding affordable movers. Keep reading to discover seven cost-saving tips for how to move on a budget. We want you to get the most out of your residential moving experience, no matter your circumstances.
1. Track Down Inexpensive (Free) Boxes
There is a precedent for going to Walmart and asking for empty boxes. But a lot of big-box retailers recycle those boxes and send them back to the warehouse. Consider asking for boxes from a liquor store. You can always ask on social media, like Facebook Marketplace, but use those with caution when dealing with complete strangers.
We suggest calling around first. Start with nearby locations of national retailers because they’ll have more boxes. But, again, they might have incentives to send them back depending on whether the suppliers have recycling/sustainability initiatives. Consider office supply stores, recycling centers, or reaching out to family and friends in town. Moving on a budget starts with packing everything.
2. Utilize Free or Low-Cost Packing Materials
Every box should be sturdy enough to handle a move, whether you’ve got fragile items or a box of clothes. Low-cost packing materials can come from many sources:
- Blankets, towels, or clothes in your home. They offer great padding for fragile items!
- Plastic bags from retail stores. You can wad them into a ball or whatever shape you need.
- Wadded up paper balls. Simply buy some wire-ringed notebooks and use those sheets of paper.
- Go bulky! Buying things in bulk is cheaper than retail! You could find huge rolls of bubble wrap this way.
- Add air to plastic zipper bags. Yeah, it’s cheap, but it works. Do you know how you remove the air from plastic storage bags in your fridge or cabinet to make them fit? Do the opposite when you need padding in boxes. Fill those things with air as much as you need. Just be careful not to accidentally pop the bags when putting them in boxes.
3. Enlist Free Helpers
Just like you can get free boxes from friends, family, and neighbors, you can enlist their help when packing your items from your home or storage unit or even loading up a truck. Just make sure these are people you trust. They’re not insured and trained like professional movers, but it’s one way to move on a budget when money is tight.
4. Optimize Transportation
The transportation you need depends on how many belongings you’re moving. Renting a small truck for a big house might seem like a bargain at first. Then you realize you must make four trips instead of one to transport and deliver furniture. That’s great if you’re moving down the block or across town, but if you’re moving 200 miles one-way, you want to get the most out of a truck rental.
This is where a professional moving company might be a better option when learning how to move on a budget. Can you drive a large moving truck a long distance? How busy is your schedule? Can you set aside time to drive, pack, and unpack a moving truck?
If you don’t have the time, a moving company can definitely help get you set up in your new home or apartment.
5. Find Affordable (Yet Reliable!) Moving Services
Any professional moving company worth your hard-earned money will give you a free quote. Call around and have the movers quote you a price based on your situation.
Even if you get a cheaper quote from a moving company, you have to assess whether or not it’s the right moving company for you. You get what you pay for. Spending a few hundred bucks less for a move might not be worth it if they can’t get the job done on time or if something gets broken. Cheaper movers might be more trouble than they are worth.
Another thing to remember is the value that moving companies deliver. We’ve got guys who work efficiently and know how to pack a moving truck properly. No space will be wasted in that truck. We do this for a living. You can count on us to make your money count. If you can’t find good help from family or friends, a moving company can come through when learning how to move on a budget.
Once your items are packed, our guys spring into action and are a well-oiled machine. What might take you and your friends five hours to do, we might be able to do it in two hours.
6. Choose the Right Time of Year to Move
Movers are busier during the summer months. If you have a summer move, make sure to book your time well in advance (we recommend two months out) when asking for a movers quote.
They might be willing to offer lower-priced moves during off-peak seasons but not always. Moving companies want to keep their guys employed.
Off-peak seasons are typically from October to March. If you’re moving in the summer, think about moving in the middle of the month rather than at the end or beginning. Mid-week moves might be cheaper for some moving companies.
Recommended Post: Moving Tips: How to Pack for a Move.
7. Get a Free Quote From a Moving Company
All moving companies will give you a free quote before you sign with them. There are two ways to go about this. You can take a video of what you need to move, or a moving manager will come to your place. Then, someone from the mover will assess how much they will charge for your move.
The quote will depend on how much of your belongings you need to move and the distance the items are traveling. So, it’s quantity and distance based on the time factor. As you plan your move, consider how your needs align with recommended best practices for a stress-free move.
Some moving companies will talk to you about a minimum number of hours for a move. That largely depends on the season. During busy times, like the summer, some moving companies might be willing to go lower on a minimum.
But, again, you get what you pay for. A cheap mover might not always be the best one. The Moving Company has more than 900 reviews and 4.8 stars on Google. No one else has more reviews from a local mover.
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Call the Movers Who Give a Damn
Ultimately, finding a budget-friendly move is up to how much work you’re willing to do on your own. We believe moving should be a spectator sport. We’re more than equipped to make your move as efficient as possible.
Reach out to the reliable, expert movers who give a damn. Get a free quote online or call The Moving Company at 417-501-9128.