Moving to a new home can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be costly. Whether you’re moving locally or across the country, expenses can add up fast. From hiring movers to purchasing packing materials, there are many costs to consider. However, with some careful planning and smart choices, it’s possible to move without draining your wallet. Here are eight practical tips to help get you moving on a budget while ensuring your peace of mind and the safety of your belongings.
1. List Out All Expected Expenses
Your first step in moving on a budget should be creating a clear, realistic list of all anticipated costs. Mapping out your projected expenses can help prevent overspending, and ensure you’re not caught off guard by extra costs. Make sure to account for all potential expenses—both expected and unexpected.
Start by considering the more obvious costs, such as truck rental or professional moving services, and don’t forget to account for smaller items like packing supplies and moving insurance (if applicable). You should also budget for utility setup, and a security deposit for your new home if you’re renting. Other potential expenses to include are temporary storage fees and the cost of extra help if you have large or bulky items to move. You can also consider adding a 10-15% contingency to your budget to cover unforeseen costs. This added cushion will help you stay on track, even if things don’t go entirely as planned. Here are some common items to include in your list of expenses:
- Truck rental or moving service fees
- Packing supplies (boxes, tape, markers, packing peanuts, etc.)
- Moving insurance (if applicable)
- Renters’ security deposits and utility setup for your new home
- Additional services like temporary storage or extra help with heavy lifting
2. Declutter and Downsize
Before you begin the actual packing process, take a hard look at your belongings and ask yourself what you truly need. Moving is a perfect opportunity to declutter your home. The fewer items you have to move, the more cost-effective the process will be. Streamlining the quantity of your belongings can help reduce the amount of packing materials you need and may even cut down the size of the rental truck as well as your moving items’ total weight and size. Additionally, selling things you no longer need can give you extra funds for the move. Consider hosting a garage sale, selling some items online, or donating them to charity. This will also give you a clean slate in your new living spaces and make unpacking simpler once you’re at your new abode.
3. Use Free or Inexpensive Packing Materials
Packing materials can add up quickly, especially if you purchase everything brand new. To keep costs low while still ensuring your belongings are packed safely, get creative and use free or inexpensive materials whenever possible. You don’t need to buy expensive packing paper or bubble wrap for your delicate items. Instead, think about reusing household items like towels, blankets, and sheets. These can be excellent substitutes for traditional packing materials and will protect your items just as well. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also be helping the environment by reducing waste.
As for boxes, you don’t have to buy brand-new ones. Instead, ask friends, family members, or neighbors if they have any boxes left over from their own moves. You can also check local stores like grocery stores, bookstores, and department stores, where they often give away used boxes for free. Be sure to ask around, as many people have spare boxes they no longer need. Alternatively, you can look for online marketplaces where people are giving away moving supplies.
4. Consider a Full DIY Move
For smaller or local moves, a DIY approach might be the most cost-effective solution. Renting a truck and handling the move yourself may seem like a lot of work, but it can save you a significant amount of money compared to hiring a moving company. If you’re physically capable and have the time to devote to the move, consider managing the entire process on your own or with the help of friends and family.
When renting a truck, choose a size that suits your needs. Don’t rent one that’s too large, as you’ll end up paying more than necessary. Be sure to factor in additional costs like fuel, mileage, and any rental equipment you might need, such as dollies or moving blankets. If you need to store items temporarily, look for affordable storage unit options nearby, and make sure the company provides moving tools like dollies for free.
5. Ask Friends and Family for Help
One of the easiest ways to reduce moving expenses is by enlisting the help of friends and family. While professional movers come with a hefty price tag, your loved ones are often more than willing to lend a hand with no charge. This can save you a significant amount of money and make the process more enjoyable. To show your gratitude, treat them to snacks, a meal, or maybe a small gift. Be mindful of their time and physical capabilities, and always offer assistance with difficult or heavy lifting. It’s also helpful to provide them with a timeline to ensure things go smoothly and stay organized on moving day.
6. Shop Smart for Moving Services
If you do end up deciding to hire professional movers, don’t settle for the first estimate you receive. Get multiple quotes from several companies around town to ensure you’re getting the best price possible. When comparing estimates, make sure to ask if the company charges by the hour, by the load, or by the distance, as this can greatly affect the overall cost. Be cognizant of companies’ reputations as well. Saving a few bucks might not be worth it if they can’t get the job done well, so read online reviews and ask around when possible.
For additional savings, try scheduling your move during off-peak times, like mid-week or in the winter, when rates are typically lower. Moves scheduled mid-month or mid-week are also generally cheaper, as they avoid the higher demand times at the start or end of the month or on the weekend. Many moving companies also offer discounts for students, military personnel, or seniors, so it’s worth asking about these. Check your credit card rewards as well, as some may offer cash-back or discounts on truck rentals or other moving-related expenses.
7. Consider Container Moving Services
For long-distance moves or if you need added flexibility, container moving services, such as PODS, can offer a more affordable alternative to traditional full-service movers. These companies provide large containers that you can load at your own pace. Once you’re finished packing, they transport the container to your new home for you. This method gives you more control over the timing and pacing of your move, while still saving you money compared to hiring a traditional moving company.
Container services are ideal if you want to manage the packing process yourself but need help with transportation. However, they may not be as suitable for apartment moves or if you don’t have a large enough space to load the container. Keep in mind that container services are usually rented on a monthly basis, so plan your move carefully to avoid unnecessary rental fees.
8. Manage Utilities and Address Changes Efficiently
The final step in managing your move on a budget is ensuring that your utility and address changes are handled effectively. Plan your utility transfers or cancellations carefully to avoid paying for services you won’t use. Schedule your utility switches in advance so you’re not double-billed for overlapping periods at your old and new homes. Don’t forget to update your address with the post office and inform banks, subscriptions, and other important contacts about your new address to prevent missed mail and unnecessary complications.
Make sure to update your address with the post office and notify your bank, subscription services, and any other important organizations that send you mail. Failing to update your address could result in missed bills, late fees, or lost mail, which can lead to unnecessary stress and extra costs.
Moving on a budget is entirely possible with the right planning and preparation. By creating a detailed list of expenses, decluttering your home, using free packing materials, and being smart about when and how you hire movers, you can reduce costs without sacrificing the quality of your move. With a little effort and these practical tips, your move can be smoother, more affordable, and far less stressful. Happy moving!
Getting ready for your upcoming move?
Our Ultimate Moving Pack has checklists and worksheets to help ease the stress of packing and moving.
