How to Move Affordably

Moving isn’t cheap. In fact, if you have to pick up and relocate several states away, you will likely spend thousands of dollars just getting into your new home, and you may not have that kind of money.

When you have no choice but to relocate, you need to start finding ways to save money while still getting everything moved properly. There are small things to do that can save cash, and you don’t have to break the bank.

 

Choose from the Right Moving Companies

There are some moving companies out there that will tack on all sorts of hidden fees that can add up quickly. When you start searching for the right movers, take the time to pick the right one and you can save hundreds of dollars. A few things to consider include:

  • Ask the company how they will determine the cost to move your belongings. Some calculate by room, but if you don’t have heavy appliances, this should be a factor.
  • Ask about insurance, travel fees, and other expenses that could be added to your final bill.
  • Make sure you only pay once for a gas fill-up instead of at the beginning and end of the move.

If you don’t want to use movers, then you also have the option to rent a truck. However, when you factor in gas costs, mileage, and your own ability to drive the vehicle, it may be more cost effective to bring in the professionals anyway.

 

Don’t Overspend on Moving Supplies

When you can, find ways to save money on the boxes, tape, newspaper, and other materials you will need to pack up your belongings. For your valuable and breakable items, it’s a good idea to buy sturdy boxes, but for other things, you may be able to find them for free by contacting local businesses.

Ask your friends and family for newspapers to use for filler, but again, make sure you do purchase the right materials for your breakable items. For long distance moving, you simply cannot take chances with valuables or you could spend so much more than the cost of materials just to replace things that were broken.

 

Have a Yard Sale

Before you pack up everything, be sure to go through all of your belongings and get rid of things you don’t need anymore. Likely, you have quite a bit and there is no sense in taking those items with you. Instead of packing them away, consider having a yard sale. You could raise some extra cash that can go toward the move and you won’t have to pay to bring along so many unnecessary items.

 

Handle the Cleaning

Don’t hire a cleaning company unless you absolutely have to. Instead, clean your old home on your own or get the help of friends and family. This way, you can save hundreds of dollars.

If you are careful, you can save quite a bit of money when you are moving. It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg when you take simple money saving steps.