7 Ways Frugal People Save Money on Moving Expenses

Moving is not only one of the most stressful things a person does in life, but it can also be one of the most expensive. We’re here to lighten your load a bit: here are some pro tips for saving on moving costs.

Photo byZachary KadolphonUnsplash

1. Declutter First

Before you worry about packing, start by getting rid of stuff you no longer need. The fewer things you have to move, the cheaper your move will be! And as a bonus, you can sell things you don’t want to secure even more money for moving day. Plus, with significantly fewer things to pack, you’re cutting back on your stress and workload.

2. Pack Yourself

Packing services, while convenient, are often extremely expensive. Take the time to pack yourself, and maybe recruit some friends or family to help. Make it a social event with some food or drinks! Use low-cost supplies from a packing store, remember to keep things labeled and organized, and you’ll have an easy time packing without the extra cost.

3. Compare Movers

We always recommend doing your research before committing to any service. There are likely many moving companies in your area that you could hire, but the question remains: Which offers the most value? This doesn’t necessarily mean the cheapest; you still want a company that has a reputation for providing timely service; otherwise, you’re just wasting your money.

4. Reach out to Family and Friends

If you can convince your loved ones to help you pack, you can probably get them to help you move, too! Don’t take them for granted, though. Moving is hard work, so you should still offer them something in return, whether offering to babysit, taking them out to a nice dinner, or even helping them move should they ever need it.

5. Move During the Off-Season

Not everyone has control over when they can move. But if you’re one of the lucky ones, try to move any time other than summer. Most people move between May and September. If you can adjust your move-in date to something outside those months, you’ll probably see an increase in availability and a decrease in price from moving and packing companies.

6. Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time

Moving involves a lot of time and stress. And when these two things peak, we tend to default to more expensive food options like ordering take-out or delivery. It’s also challenging to cook when you’re moving since you might be packing away many of your kitchen essentials. Acknowledge that this will be a hill you’ll have to climb and make provisions so you aren’t shelling out for pizza every night for a week.

7. Rent a Moving Truck

Instead of hiring professional movers, you can always rent a moving truck for the day. This is an economical option for anyone, but it is particularly wise for those with fewer things or who are moving into smaller spaces. Take the same approach here as you do with moving companies: compare prices or even ask for quotes from rental companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal available.

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