Moving to a new home can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, moving can also be incredibly stressful – especially when it comes to the costs associated with packing and moving your belongings. Here are some tips for preparing for a big move on a budget:
Start Decluttering Early
One of the best ways to save money when moving is to get rid of things you no longer need or want. The less stuff you have, the less you’ll need to pay for movers and packing supplies.
Aim to declutter room-by-room well in advance of your move date. Sort through clothes, books, kitchen items, decor, furniture, and anything else you can part with. Sell usable items online or donate them to charity.
Getting rid of excess belongings ahead of time means you’ll only pay to move and pack what you truly need.
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Compare Moving Quotes
Don’t just go with the first moving company you come across. Take the time to get quotes from at least three different movers to compare rates. Be sure to get binding quotes in writing after the movers have seen the items you need to move in person.
Some things to ask potential movers include:
- Cost estimates for packing supplies and labor
- Hourly rates for loading and driving
- Fees for accessing elevators, stairs, or other obstacles
- Any additional charges like fuel or insurance fees
Going with the lowest estimate can lead to hidden costs down the road. Choose a reputable company with fair prices.
Use Free Boxes and Packing Supplies
Purchasing all new moving boxes, bubble wrap, and other supplies gets expensive quickly. Cut costs by sourcing free or cheap packing materials instead.
Ask friends or family members who have moved recently if they have boxes, packing paper, or other supplies they no longer need. Check online classified ads as well. Many people are happy to get rid of used boxes.
You can also collect clean boxes for free from grocery stores, liquor stores, pharmacies, offices, and other retailers. Just call ahead to ask when they bale used boxes so you can pick them up.
For padding furniture and fragile items, use old towels, blankets, or clothes. Crumpled newspaper pages or packing paper from your latest Amazon order work too.
Pack Items Yourself
Hiring professional movers to pack up your entire home could cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Save big by packing most items yourself.
Focus on having the movers pack very fragile items like mirrors, artwork, chandeliers, and breakable decor. Handle the rest on your own – with some help from friends and family if possible.
Pack room-by-room starting well ahead of the move. Clearly label boxes by room and contents. Wrap fragile items in paper or clothing for padding.
If you need help packing specialty items like mattresses, packing services San Antonio and other packing companies can provide affordable assistance.
Plan for Food and Utilities on Moving Day
With so much to coordinate for your move, it’s easy to forget basic necessities – like having food to eat or the utilities hooked up in your new place.
Make things easier by planning ahead:
- Stock up on non-perishable snacks, frozen meals, and bottled water to avoid shopping or eating out during the hectic moving period.
- Schedule utility connections in your new home for the day before or day of your move so they’re ready upon arrival.
- Pack a “first day” bag with toiletries, medicines, chargers, and other essentials you’ll need.
Thinking ahead about meals and utilities means fewer headaches on moving day. You can focus your time and energy on unpacking.
Moving on a Budget is Possible!
With some strategic planning and cost-saving measures, you can move efficiently without blowing your budget. Start decluttering now, shop around for the best mover quotes, utilize free packing supplies, and take on the packing labor yourself.
What other tips do you have for an affordable move? Share your best budget-friendly moving advice!
