Budget can be a factor in planning a move. Whether planning to move yourself or hiring a professional, here are some tips to consider when preparing for move day.
Plan well
If you hire movers but still want to save on moving costs, research, research, research! Choose movers for their reputation of speed and efficiency; do some investigation and read reviews (get at least three quotes, and ask the same questions to get accurate comparisons. One important decision factor can include the mover’s distance to you, so find out when their clock starts (some may charge from their point of departure).
Be prepared for your move. Lack of preparation costs money. If you plan a self-move, rent a truck in advance. Likewise plan any other purchases in advance – last minute arrangements can always cost more. More importantly, be realistic about your own abilities (physical, or available resources).
And do pack early – the more time you leave yourself, the more leeway you allow for any new ideas and or unforeseen hiccups or obstacles.
Downsize before moving
From the avid ‘accumulator’ to the amateur collector, we all tend to store items beyond our necessities (check out these amazing statistics): http://www.becomingminimalist.com/the-statistics-of-clutter/
- 80% of what we keep we rarely use AND we wear 20% of our clothes, 80% of the time
- It costs an average of $10/square foot to store itemsin your home
- the U.S. Department of Energyreports that 25% of people with two-car garages fill it with too much stuff that they can’t park a car inside
- According to the (US) National Soap and Detergent Association,getting rid of clutter eliminates 40 percent of housework in the average home
Try to start reducing unneeded items a few months before move day. Donate clothes to your local collection bin. Larger items can be donated to local charities; some will even arrange to collect them from you. A garage sale is also a great way to de-clutter before the move, earning you some extra money towards moving expenses.
Simply put, do not move things you are not using or know you will be throwing out. Also remember to plan around your municipal large collection day (especially if is monthly).
Be efficient with time
Aside from the actual planning, make moving day count. Don’t waste time, especially on a mover’s clock. Remove obstacles, and or doors ahead of time, if necessary. Pre measure and be aware of any possible space restrictions (both moving out as well as in). Also, clearly mark items being moved, if moving from a shared space.
If your timing itself is flexible move outside of peak season or off-peak time of month. This can keep costs down significantly.
Save more money by…
- DIY what you can DIY. For example, pack yourself if you are able (again remember your realistic abilities) rather than paying a mover’s packing service. DIY but do get help – from friends, family.
- If feasible, renting a van for less than a truck. If you are moving a short enough distance and can do a DIY move over a few trips, a van can save money (of course calculating the time and gas mileage to factor in) overall.
- Looking for utilities specials (such as free installation packages, or moving promotions). Shop around, and give plenty of notice.
- Skipping novelty items like fancy bubble wrap. This can be bulky, expensive and hard to recycle. Use simple packing paper and or your own towels and linens.
- Renting boxes, don’t buy. Did you know that a simple garment box can cost as much as $15-$20 to buy? Or a cardboard box $4? Not to mention, the hassle of having to buy, transport then dismantle / discard them.
GoBAC rents reusable plastic moving boxes and other moving accessories, plus delivers and collects them.
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