Relocating to a new home can be expensive, especially if you’re looking into a long-distance move. Because of this, it takes a considerable amount of time to prepare everything needed for the move. If you’re moving for the first time, it’s important to note that moving cost is not just the cost of buying or renting a new home, it also includes the cost of hiring professional removalists online or renting a moving vehicle, buying packing materials, paying for the installation of utilities, and other important requirements needed for the move.
Without proper planning, the overall cost of your move can pile up surprisingly fast. Whether you’re moving for the first time or you’re new to planning your own move, here are some tips on how you can save money on your move:
1. Estimate the cost
Before reaching out to any service provider, try looking for websites that offer online moving calculators. This way, you will have a general idea on how much your move will cost, allowing you to avoid shady companies whose offers are too high or too low based on the requirements for your move. If you already have a checklist of the paperwork and other requirements you need to accomplish for your move, create a list of items and services you might need to pay for and look up the updated price online or on-site. The amount you get might provide you with an insight into how much more you need or if you have enough for the move and other expenses for the first few days after moving.
2. Sort and declutter
One of the best ways to maximise your moving resources is getting rid of items you no longer need once you move into your new home. Before you start packing your belongings, try going through each room to sort your belongings and declutter. Check the condition of certain items to see if there’s anything that can be donated or re-homed with family/friends. In case you have items that are too old or worn out, consider leaving them for recycling or disposing of them. For long-distance moves, it is ideal that you only take valuable and essential items to lessen the packing materials required for your move.
3. Maximise available space
Once you have sorted the items you wish to take with you, carefully plan which items will be packed together to maximise the space and packing materials. If you are taking towels, blankets, and sheets, you can use these to fill boxes containing fragile items. They can also be used to wrap large fragile items such as vases, pots, jars, etc.
4. Carefully choose your moving day
Since every move has different requirements, you can expect that each move will be priced differently. The price for moves may also differ depending on the season and it is usually more expensive during the summer when the demand for such services reaches its peak. If you are moving with your family, it might be more convenient for you to move during the summer when the kids are on break. However, if you’re moving on your own and you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, you might want to consider moving during the winter when the demand is not too high and the prices are at a normal or lower range.
5. Choose a reliable moving company
Entrusting your valuables to strangers might make you feel uneasy, especially when you’re moving for the first time. To avoid unnecessary stress, choose a reliable professional removalist who can fulfil your moving requirements efficiently without compromising the safety of your belongings. Even if you’re moving on a budget, don’t just pick the company with the cheapest offer. When possible, check the offer of each company and pick the one that offers all the services you need, so you won’t have to get them from other service providers.
Do a background check before accepting the quote and make sure that all the services you require are already included in the quote. This way, you can avoid having to pay a higher price than what is stated in the quote. Check the inclusions and don’t hesitate to ask questions if there is an item in the quote that seems questionable.
Here are some additional tips that you may find helpful:
Negotiate with your new employer. Some employers will offer relocation assistance, so it’s worth asking if they have any programs in place.
Look for free or low-cost packing supplies. There are a number of resources available, such as your local recycling centre or online classifieds.
Take advantage of moving discounts. Some businesses offer discounts to people who are moving, so be sure to ask if there are any available.
Moving can be a stressful time, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. By following these tips, you can save money on your move and still have a smooth and stress-free relocation.