Tips for moving on a budget

Many people hate moving because it means investing a lot of time and effort into the process. You need to pack all your belongings and unpack them when you reach your new home. This process will take a lot of time, which is why some people prefer to hire movers to help them with the move. This is the best approach because you will have someone experienced helping you with the move. You will have peace of mind knowing your move is going to be stress-free.

Moving tends to be expensive, but the good thing is there are tips you can do to make it a little bit cheaper. Below are some great tips for moving on a budget.

Getting a moving cost estimate

Before you can start preparing for your move and start packing, you should have a rough idea of how much the move will cost you. It is hard to know the exact cost upfront, but you need to have a rough idea of how much the move costs. The costs are calculated by looking at the moving expenses you are going to incur.

Some of the costs are not that obvious, which is why you will do a little research on your part. Make sure you factor in these hidden costs because they can add up pretty quickly.

Comparing moving estimates

It is a good idea to hire a moving company when moving because they have the experience and you don’t have that much time to do all the work involved when moving. Make sure you get a couple of moving estimates, then choose one that works best for you, this will help you to save on moving costs. This doesn’t mean choosing the one offering the lowest price. See the services offered and reviews too. Some movers usually offer additional services like disassembly, packing, unpacking, and re-assembly. Some will even offer temporary storage. You also need to find out whether there are any extra charges involved.

Be careful when you get an offer that is too good to be true. Find out why the company is offering its services at such a price. There are many scams out there, don’t fall for them.

Consider DIY

When you have an estimated cost, you can decide to move yourself if you think it is too much.  When you have a limited budget, you are forced to look for ways of cutting down costs. You do things in a way that fits your budget. If it is a local move, you can ask your family and friends to help you move. You can hire a moving truck and do it on your own. 

There are expenses you are going to incur even if you are making a move. The good thing is you are going to spend less. If you choose this option, then it is very important to start early. There is a lot of work to be done, and if it is all up to you, start early. You will have enough time to do the work. You can start packing a month or two before the move. Careful planning will make the process stress free.

Choose your moving date wisely

If you are moving on a budget, then you need to know the right date to move. There are times when it costs more to move than other times. Most people move from May-September, and this is when there is a high demand for relocation services. This means most of the moving companies will be booked, and it is hard to get their services at a discounted price.

You should choose the off-peak season because it is going to save you on moving costs. Weekend moves tend to be more expensive compare to weekdays move. Choose the middle of the month because most people move at the end or start of the month. Being flexible will save you a lot of money because you can choose a date that works for you while not spending a lot.

Taking only what you need

The more stuff you move, the more you can expect to spend. There are three main factors used when calculating the costs of your move. The three are the overall weight, the total distance, and extra services. You cannot change the move distance because it is a constant value. A good way of reducing your moving cost is by reducing the weight of your stuff. 

Decluttering will save you a lot because you will move with less stuff. There are many things in your home that you have not used in the past year, and there is a good chance you are not going to use them in the future. Get rid of such items because they are going to cost you when moving.

Guest Contributor: Komal Shah