Moving is never fun, but the end result is usually worth the effort.
What you don’t want is to be sitting in your new home, enjoying the fruits of your labor, when the bills start coming in. Here are three easy ways to trim your moving costs.
1. Saving on Moving Costs—Packing Material
You could easily spend up to $500 on moving boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and other moving supplies. Instead, get a bit creative and use dishtowels between stacked plates, socks to wrap glasses and pillows instead of packing peanuts. Clothes and bedding can be packed in garbage bags.
As for boxes, ask your friends if they have any, check out Craigslist or Freecylce. If all else fails, you can always purchase moving supplies from a self storage facility near you.
One word of caution, if you end up using free boxes from the grocery store, be sure to discard them after the move. They may have residue on them from food or beverages that will attract critters or bugs if stashed in your basement or attic.
2. Saving on Moving Costs—DIY or Hire Movers?
Don’t just automatically assume that you’ll save money by renting a truck and doing the work yourself. If you move during the off-season (winter), you may be able to get significantly reduced rates. The same goes for weekdays and possibly also for the beginning of the month as most leases expire at the end of the month, creating a demand for movers at that time.
Also, get at least three estimates, negotiate, and be sure to get references or check out reviews before making a final decision. As most movers charge by the hour, pack and move as many smaller items as you can. Be organized and have everything ready to go.
If you decide to move on your own, plan ahead so that you avoid rush hour and getting stuck in traffic. If you’re lucky enough to have friends who will work for beer and pizza, by all means enlist their help.
3. Saving on Moving Costs—Lighten Your Load
The less you have to move, the less it will costs. That makes moving the perfect time to discard, donate, or sell items you no longer use.
At the end of the day, your new house will be less cluttered—and you may even have made some money at your garage sale or on eBay.
Using a Nearby Self Storage Facility
There might be times when you have to leave your home before your new place is ready. Or maybe you’re moving into a small place—or simply don’t want your new home to be as cluttered as your old place.
In those cases, renting a self storage unit may be just the solution you need. At StorageMart, we offer clean, well-lit storage units in a variety of sizes—all of which can be rented on a month-to-month basis. Getting a handle on your possessions—and your move—takes effort, but self storage can help make the process easier and more enjoyable.