Any way you slice it, moving to a new home or apartment is a huge ordeal and can sometimes take weeks and weeks. Not only can it interrupt your life and consume your thoughts, but it can also cost you an arm and a leg. There is a lot involved with a move and it can be easy to lose track of how much time and money you are spending throughout the process. However, whether you are moving down the street or to a whole new city, there are a few foolproof ways to help you save money on your big move. Some are ones you might expect, while others are likely to surprise you. Without any further ado, let’s check out some tips on how to save money on moving!
1. Do your research (DIY or movers)?
One of the best ways to save money on a move is to make sure you do your research. Whether this is by talking to other people who have moved or reading stories online, research can help you identify how other people have saved money while moving. Also, doing research can help you decide one of the biggest choices when it comes to moving, do it yourself or hire movers. While movers will definitely cost more than DIY, it might just be worth it if you find the right company. Be sure to shop around to various different moving companies if you decide to go that route, as well.
2. Sell/get rid of some of your belongings
Most of us in the Western world simply have too much “stuff”. We could often do without the dozens of items of clothing we never wear or the old furniture that is just collecting dust in our basements. Instead of spending valuable time and money to transport this stuff to your new place, why not get rid of it? Whether you choose to sell it or donate it, you will be saving yourself some moving costs in the process as well.
3. Get your friends to help!
Doing a move all on your own is never a good time. It can be extremely long, and some items in your home will require more than one person to move. This problem obviously doesn’t exist if you hire movers, but what if you don’t? If you decide to go the DIY route, your friends can be a great source of help when moving, which can save time and money! Of course, don’t expect them to do this out of the kindness of their hearts. While they might, it is always a good idea to offer them some food and beverage as a sign of your thanks!
4. Do not pay for boxes
One inevitability when it comes to moving is the need for boxes and lots of them. Instead of paying for the dozens of boxes you will likely need, try and find them for free. Many liquor stores, department stores, and grocery stores have hundreds and hundreds of boxes that go completely unused and just get trashed. Go from business to business and see if they have any boxes you can have for free, and there is a good chance you will have all you need after only a few stops.
5. The time you move can actually matter
While this might seem like something that is very arbitrary, that is not the case. The time of year that you move can often have an impact on the overall cost of your move. Try to move during the off-peak months where you live. Not sure when that is? Don’t worry, we got you covered. Check out our study on rental seasonality! Moving in an off-peak month can make things much cheaper because moving companies are often busier during the Summer months, and they might also charge more because business is good. Even if you move by yourself, the moving trucks you rent might have higher rates in the summer as well. So if you can, look to move in an off-peak month!
6. Sometimes moving expenses can be deducted
That’s right, some moving expenses can even be deducted when tax time comes. Of course, you need to qualify for this and there are some decently strict rules when it comes to who can deduct their expenses. Do your research and check which rules would apply for tax deduction for you. Even if you don’t believe you can deduct your moving expenses, it is a good idea to keep all receipts related to your move including travel receipts, mileage fees and more. You never know when you might need them or if the rules might change, allowing you to deduct your moving expenses.
If you follow these tips and tricks, there is a good chance that you will spend much less money on your next move!
