Moving is a big undertaking no matter how you slice it. Whether you’re moving locally or clear across the country, there are many details to take care of, not to mention the costs involved. On average, it costs $1,250 for a local move and $4,890 for a long-distance haul. With some planning, you can slash a portion of these costs and put that money back in your pocket.
Move as much as you can yourself
Contracting with a professional moving company can get expensive, and the more possessions you ask them to move, the more it’ll cost. By renting a truck and moving what you can yourself, you’ll save some serious cash. Hire the moving company to lug just the big items. If you’re moving locally and need time to get established in your new place, you can rent one or more storage units to hold your belongings until you’re ready to move them in on your own time table.
Unload possessions you don’t need
Movers often charge by the hour and/or by weight. Why pay to bring items with you that you really don’t want? Take a look around your house and identify things you haven’t used in years or ones you don’t care about. Plan to donate, give away, or sell these items. Not only do you save some cash, but you’ll also eliminate clutter.
Move during off-peak times
Many people opt to move during the warmer months after the risk of snow and ice is gone or they prefer to move once the kids are out of school. Due to this demand, moving companies typically charge more money from May to September. To save some cash, try to move between October and April. Alternatively, if you must move during peak times, try to hire movers for a weekday rather than the weekend.
If you want to ensure you remain within your moving budget, a little proactive planning can go a long way.