Top 6 Easy Ways to Cut Costs On Your Next House Move
The cost of buying residential properties can be expensive. But even after acquiring your dream house, making your big move will also come with an additional financial burden. In fact, you may end up paying thousands of dollars just to resettle in a new state. Thankfully, there are simple ways to minimize the costs of relocating and save a lot of money, and here are six of them.
- Get more free boxes before you start moving
Depending on where you currently live, the costs of moving boxes may not be cheap, so consider getting free boxes from various supply stores, friends, and even your neighbors. Hunting free boxes doesn’t have to be a tedious task. Moreover, it is one sure way to save a few dollars on your relocation exercise. Checking out online platforms such as Craigslist, Freecycle, and local Facebook communities is a good initiative that can land you extra moving boxes at virtually no cost.
- Schedule a cheaper date and time to move
Another surefire tip to save more on moving your properties is to schedule the moving date appropriately. When hiring a professional home moving company to convey your properties, times and dates can make a huge difference in your overall costs. In 2015, research studies discovered that 42% of house moves took place on Fridays. For most locations, moving properties during peak seasons like May-August is often a lot expensive. On the other hand, relocating in April-September is somehow cost-effective, and demand is often lower around mid-weeks and mid-months. Except that there is an urgent need for you to move right away, postponing your move to a suitable date is worth it.
- Pack carefully and get insurance
Rather than rushing the move process, you may want to take your time when relocating to a new apartment. Packing your items carefully reduces your risks of damaging delicate properties. You may find it convenient to label your fragile items and not overload your packing boxes. When you pack strategically, you won’t incur unnecessary costs in hiring an extra removal van. Smaller items can be packed into empty Tupperware while heavier loads, including books, can be arranged inside boxes.
Also, you may want to check out moving firms that offer insurance for your properties during the exercise. Ask to know which belongings are covered and which are not. A comprehensive insurance cover can save you from losses should things go out of hand during the relocation.
- Organize and don’t move the trash
Smart homeowners often separate their essential items from their trash before booking a moving company. Declutter your old house and do away with garbage items lying around your vicinity. Most moving companies don’t mind charging you more for moving your non-essentials. Getting your stuff organized is also a good move that can ease the stress of your relocation.
- Do it yourself
There is nothing wrong with choosing to do it yourself for those who enjoy driving for long hours. You only need to find ways to skip the rush-hour traffic so that you can save fuel and minimize your anxiety. Property owners who are not used to driving large vehicles will want to look at the risks of transporting fragile items as inexperience can cost you if you’re going to DIY your next house move. Do your research and see if you can do it yourself without hiring a moving company, and regardless of whether you are opting to haul your properties by yourself or hire a mover, the earlier, the better. Do not wait until the last minute to ask for quotes or shop for moving boxes. Truck rentals and professional moving firms may charge you higher when the demand is high.
- Examine your moving contract carefully
When you decide to hire a professional mover, take your time to weigh the contract before you sign up. Besides the insurance package and liability options, you should consider quotes from different movers. Assuming you are making a local move, determine whether it’s cost-effective to choose hourly rates or flat rates. In most cases, hourly rates cost less, but you also need to be mindful that unexpected circumstances like harsh weather can ruin or delay things.
Do you feel like your move may last longer? Well, a flat rate option may suit your plan as well. Whatever your decision may be, examine the extra fees and add-ons associated with your exercise to ensure no one overcharges you for stuff you don’t need.
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