Moving on a Budget? 4 Tips to Save Money

Moving is an exciting way to have a new family adventure. But moving can also be expensive and very stressful. Finding ways to move on a budget is not easy, but it is doable. To get started, create a moving budget that you can edit as you plan and pack for your move. Moving on a budget is simple with the following strategies.

Get Inexpensive Packing Supplies

Paying for boxes and packing materials can be costly and unnecessary. You have to get a bit creative to pull off a budget-friendly move. Discover some nifty ideas of where to get less expensive packaging supplies:

• Ask for packaging containers from friends, family, or social media followers who recently moved.
• Buy or ask about packing boxes from your local supermarket, office supply stores, liquor stores, or bookstores.
• Get appliance boxes at your office.
• Rent boxes instead of buying them.

The main thing to consider with the packing supplies is quality and durability. Avoid using low-quality boxes or packing materials that will likely break or damage your stuff.

Get Creative With What You Have

Quality packing supplies and materials provide the best protection, but they come at a price. To ensure the safety of your belongings and still save on packing expenses, you can use various items you already have at home.

Oddly enough, packing substitutes is easy to find at home. Some include:

• Suitcases
• Briefcases
• Backpacks
• Garbage bags

Other resourceful ways to pack your belongings include wrapping breakable items in blankets, towels, and sheets. Packing supplies can add up fast, so your household items can help save money when preparing for your next move.

Get Quotes From Several Movers

When moving on a budget, contact various moving companies and compare quotes for the services you need. You can get recommendations from friends and family or even research websites for movers' ratings and reviews. Get estimates from at least four moving companies to be on the safe side. Multiple quotes can help you find out the industry average so you can get a fair price from your ultimate choice.

Pack and disassemble the furniture pieces you think you can safely handle on your own. Leave the bulky ones to the movers to help you reduce the extra charge.

You could also enquire with the moving companies if they offer freebies like packing materials. You should best reveal your budget upfront to avoid any discord.

Purge Your Stuff

When purging an item, ask yourself what you need it for. Weight, distance, and any extra service you might need are the factors that determine the relocation cost. Distance is a constant value, so purging reduces the weight of your shipment. Assuming you do not request extra services, purging your stuff is the best way to reduce the moving price.

Go about the purging process by making an inventory of items and decide what to move and what not to. For the items you decide not to move, you can pass them on to friends. Throw away items in bad shape, hold a garage or estate sale, sell some online, or donate to charity. Always remember to get a receipt from the charity organization for the items you donate for your taxes.

Moving is never easy, so having a budget early on helps in the moving process. Cutting moving costs is possible with some common sense and a little creativity. The four strategies above should help you stick to your budget, reduce the dent in your wallet, and keep your sanity intact. Besides observing the strategies, enquire about mover discounts or ongoing promotions.

And, after moving, you can decrease your carbon footprint by reselling your used boxes to recycling companies for extra cash.

Christofferson Moving & Storage is at your service for reliable and friendly moving services. Contact us today.