Four Easy Ways To Save Money On Your Move
If you've just purchased a new home, you may not have a lot of extra money to spend. That means you'll likely want to look for affordable moving options. Fortunately, there are several ways you can save money on your move. Use this guide, along with the help of your moving company, to make your move to a new home as affordable as possible.
Make Your Own Packing Supplies
You don't have to purchase your packing materials from a store. In fact, you probably already have plenty of items in your home right now that you can use for packing fragile items. Coffee filters and paper plates can be used to provide cushion for dinnerware and glassware, while egg cartons can be used to pack away small figurines. Old clothes can be used instead of tissue paper to protect breakable items, and you can also use old rolls of Christmas or birthday wrapping paper as well.
Get Free Moving Boxes
You may be able to get free boxes from local businesses in your area, which can save on the cost of buying your own. Talk to the business owners or managers ahead of time and ask them to save a certain number of boxes for you. Be sure to pick them up on the date you discuss, as they may be thrown away otherwise. Produce boxes from your local grocery store offer a sturdy way to pack your items, and boxes from your local liquor store may even come with compartments you can use to pack away glasses and other fragile items.
Remain Flexible
Consider remaining flexible with your moving date, if possible. You may be able to get a discounted moving rate if you move on a weekday or on a date that doesn't fall at the end of the month. Movers may not be as busy in the middle of the month or on a weekday, and the moving companies may be willing to negotiate prices in order to keep their schedules full.
Declutter Your Home
Some moving companies charge by the box, which means the more you have to move, the more expensive the services may be. If you want to keep your moving costs as lean as possible, consider decluttering your home first. Get rid of old, damaged items, and have a yard sale for belongings that are still in good shape. The yard sale gives you a way to make a bit of extra money before your move while having fewer items that need to go to your new home. Donate any items that don't sell at the garage sale, and remember to get a receipt, as you may be able to take a tax deduction for your donation.
Be upfront with your moving company about your budget constraints, and ask for any other advice your movers might have about how you can save money.