Moving is an investment; there’s no arguing that fact. But the amount of money you’ll end up investing in your move can vary considerably depending on how much of your time you can afford to invest as well.
Since both are precious, finite resources, you’ll need to decide which one you’re prepared to sacrifice more of. If you’re leaning toward a greater time investment and are looking for ways to save cash on your upcoming move, we’ve got several useful tips below. Check ‘em out!
Lighten Your Load (aka Downsize Before You Move)
One of the most effective things you can do to reduce your moving costs is get rid of the things you rarely or never use. Whether you’re opting for a DIY relocation or hiring a moving company, the less stuff you have to transport, the better.
If you’re packing, loading, and transporting your items on your own, having less stuff means you may not have to rent a huge (and pricey) moving truck, so you’ll save money there. Plus, the fewer boxes you need to pack and unpack, the smaller your time investment will be. It’s a win-win all around.
If you’re hiring professional movers, they calculate their services fees based on the weight of your goods and the distance they need to be transported. The less stuff you have, the less your entire load will weigh, and the less you’ll end up paying for moving services.
How on earth do you decide what to get rid of and where to get rid of it? Here are a few helpful tips:
● Make piles for the items you want to sell, donate, and toss out. Keep things organized so you don’t end up getting confused and spending more time on this than necessary.
● If you haven’t used or thought about something in six months (save for seasonal decor and clothing), you probably won’t miss it.
● Get rid of any duplicate items you really don’t need. (Think: small kitchen appliances, self-care products, etc.)
● If you have items that are in excellent condition, consider selling them online or putting together a garage sale if you have the time. The money you make can help offset the cost of your move!
● If you’re not keen on selling your stuff, donate gently used items to a local charity or thrift store.
Use What You Already Have Around the House to Pack Your Things
If you’re doing a DIY move, buying brand-new packing materials can get pricey in a hurry if you need to buy a lot. But you don’t have to buy brand new or even gather used materials if you get a little creative! You can use items you already have around the house as packing materials, and since you’ll need to move those things anyway, why not make them do double-duty? Which items can you use? A few ideas include:
● Laundry baskets
● Plastic totes
● Dresser drawers
● Backpacks, duffel bags, and suitcases
● Blankets, sheets, scarves, sweaters, and other linens for padding
Of course, if you’re hiring professional movers and packers, using household items won’t really work. But the cost of your moving materials will factor into the quote they give you, so you’ll at least know what to expect.
Ask Friends and Family for Help
If you’re DIYing your move, you can cut down on the amount of time you’ll need to invest in packing and loading by recruiting friends and relatives to help you. However, it’d be a little selfish to not reimburse them in some shape or form for their help, so keep that in mind. No, you don't have to reimburse them in cash for lending their time, but maybe a dinner out or a gift card might be nice?
Even if you’re hiring professional movers to load and transport your things, it never hurts to see if you can wrangle some friends and family to help you pack. Of course, if you’re looking to save on time, hiring full packing services is your best bet, but be prepared to pay a premium for this service. Again, it’s up to you whether you’re more comfortable investing your time or your money, but you’ll need to sacrifice one or the other regardless.
Drive Your Personal Vehicle to Your Destination
If you’re making a long-distance move, having your moving company transport your vehicle to your destination can be expensive. You can eliminate that cost entirely by driving yourself to your new home.
That said, driving yourself can be a major time commitment depending on how far you need to go. But, if you weigh the time cost against the cost of a flight ticket or what it would cost you to have your movers transport your automobile, there’s a good chance you’ll end up saving in the end.
Move During the Off Season
Most relocations happen between Memorial Day and Labor Day and since moving companies know this, they often charge a higher rate for moving services during that period. If you’re hiring professional movers and packers and you’re looking to save on your overall costs, it may be worth scheduling your move during the off season if you can.
Of course, if you’re relocating for a job or you have kids in school, moving during spring, fall, or winter may be improbable, but it’s something to consider nonetheless.
Get Estimates From Several Moving Companies (If You’re Paying for Help)
The best way to ensure you’re getting the best deal on moving services from a reputable moving company is to get several estimates and compare them against one another. Ideally, you should get at least three, but if you want, go ahead and get more.
Just keep in mind that opting for the lowest-priced moving company may not be the best idea. If you get an outlier mover whose services are priced impossibly low, that’s probably a red flag. Before you choose the cheapest moving service you find, do your research to make sure the company is legit.
Need a Moving Company in the Twin Cities? Contact Ace Moving & Warehousing
If you’re planning a move in the next few months and you know you can benefit from professional help, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at Ace Moving & Warehousing. We specialize in a full suite of moving services for local, interstate, intrastate, and international relocations, and we can create a custom move plan for you that’s tailored to your unique needs.
To get started, feel free to request a quick moving quote online or give us a call today at 763-755-2045. You can also message us with any questions or concerns, and we’ll be in touch!