Moving is one of the most stressful projects that many adults dread. Whether you’re selling your house and moving across the country or just moving to a new apartment on the other side of town, packing up everything you own and getting it all set up in a new place is not something that most people look forward to. What many people don’t realize until they find themselves in the middle of a move is that moving can be extremely expensive – a fact that adds even more stress for someone enduring a major move. Not only is it expensive to find a new place to live due to application fees, deposits, down payments, etc., but the cost of moving itself is outrageous.
Although planning a stress free, cost effective move is challenging, it isn’t impossible. The key to a successful move is thorough planning. If you’re planning to move this year, here are 3 simple ways you can save money on the cost.
- Downsize Your Possessions
The more items you bring with you during a move, the more expensive the cost of movers or a moving truck can be. Downsizing your possessions ahead of time (preferably a few months before you begin your move) can help save a ton of space, and money. Throw out or donate old clothes, toys, kitchenware, furniture, and anything else you can’t see yourself using or wanting to keep in your new home. The fewer items you bring with you during a move, the less it will cost.
- Move As Much As You Can On Your Own
While hiring movers to do the heaviest lifting and hardest work might save you some energy and make the moving process a bit easier, doing the work on your own with the help of some family or friends can save you hundreds of dollars. Renting a truck such as a UHaul for the day and moving all of your belongings on your own is the cheapest way to make a move as easy as possible. Just be sure to be realistic about what you are physically able to lift or carry, or you could end up with an injury and the extra expense of a visit to RCMC Medical Center.
- Buy Your Own Moving Supplies
Moving companies usually offer boxes, packing tape, and other moving essentials. Although this might seem like a convenient way to get these items, they will end up costing you much more than if you were to buy them on your own from another retailer. In the weeks leading up to your move, visit your local hardware store and stock up on packing tape and boxes. If you have a membership to big box stores like Sam’s Club or Costco, you can often walk in and ask for boxes for free.