5 Ways to Save Money on Your Move
Relocating to a new home is bound to be hard on your wallet, but a little
preparation can save you a lot of cash in the long run. Cut your moving costs
with these five tactics:
Pare down before you pack. If you're not using it, why spend
money to move it? Movers often determine their rates based on the amount of
stuff you're shipping, so downsizing your belongings before you move can be
beneficial to your budget. Before you start packing, assess your possessions
honestly -- if you haven't used it in more than a year, you most likely won't
miss it at your new home. Donate unwanted items to charity or have a garage sale
to make some extra cash. HGTV's FrontDoor.com offers more advice on
downsizing before you move.
Schedule an off-season move. With the kids out of school,
the summer months are the most popular time to schedule a relocation. Moving
companies are in lower demand between October and April, so you could get a
better rate by planning your move for these months. Learn more about
scheduling your relocation at HGTV's FrontDoor.com.
Save on packing supplies. Moving supplies can eat up a large
chunk of your budget -- a moving kit for a three-to-four bedroom household can
cost more than $300. Before you purchase pricey moving boxes, start by packing
containers you already have on hand, such as suitcases and plastic bins. Use
sheets and towels to protect fragile items rather than bubble wrap and packing
peanuts. If you still need boxes, try asking for them at stores and businesses
in your area -- many will often give away boxes for free. Get more tips on
finding budget packing materials from HGTV's FrontDoor.com.
Find hidden moving costs. Moving companies don't always
disclose all of their fees upfront. Ask your movers if they charge extra for
disassembling furniture, disconnecting gas lines, moving unusually heavy items
or moving to an inconvenient location. If you know about these hidden costs in
advance, you may be able to take steps to avoid them. Learn about more
hidden moving fees at HGTV's FrontDoor.com.
Do a DIY move. To save significant cash on your relocation,
forgo the professional moving company and rent a truck. Enlist family and
friends to help with loading and unloading the truck, and be sure to return the
favor when it's their time to move. Find out
how to rent a relocation truck at HGTV's FrontDoor.com.
Visit HGTV's FrontDoor.com to learn
five more ways to save money on your next move.
More Moving Advice From HGTV's FrontDoor.com: