Relocation Checklist
Moving Checklist
10 Smart Tips to Save Money on Moving Costs
Moving Checklist
1. Get Rid of Clutter
When you’re packing, you’ll want to put everything you own inside the moving boxes. This means extra weight, which will mean extra money spent. At the very least, you’ll have to pick up more boxes, even if you’re moving yourself, which isn’t ideal. Get rid of all the junk that you don’t need and can't donate before you begin packing for the big day.
2. Sell Items You Don’t Need
This includes every item that you’re thinking about replacing in your new home. Round up all the items, which include appliances, furniture, and everything else you can think of, and put it up on Craigslist or sell it in a garage sale. This is going to partially fund any moving expenses you’re going to have and will also rid you of items you don’t truly need.
3. Donate Items You Can’t Sell
If you happen to be left with any items after your selling spree, it’s not over yet. You can still donate those items for a receipt, which will count towards your tax deductions for the year. Make sure you get a tax refundable receipt, otherwise you might go through this trouble for nothing (except for helping people in need, of course).
4. Empty Your Fridge and Cupboards
You’ve likely got a lot of food in your refrigerator that’s been waiting for you for an eternity. Now is the time to chow down on it. All this food is going to be wasted if you don’t finish it before the move. It’s also going to save you from having to eat at restaurants because your kitchen might be a mess during the packing process.
5. Consider If Your Friends Can Help You Move
This might not work for long distances, but if you’re moving locally, this might be a good time to test your friends’ loyalty. Ask friends and family if they can help you out a little bit. They might not be able to carry the heavy furniture for you, but light boxes are definitely in the books. If any friend of yours has a truck, they could come in especially handy.
6. Don’t Hire Cheap Movers
Movers generally charge by the hour, and will normally take a minimum of 3-4 hours, even if you don’t have many items to move around. Some movers might give you a lower estimate, but will later spring up hidden fees. Make sure you ask your movers to confirm all the fees, hidden or otherwise, before you work with them.
Cheaper doesn’t always mean better because low quality services could damage your items and do more harm than good.
7. Look for Free Moving Boxes
You could find cheap or free moving boxes on Craigslist or around any campuses. Ask around and see if anyone you know has boxes lying around. As long as you can get your hands on boxes that are in decent condition, there’s no reason to spend tons of money on new packing materials. Also, remember that clothing and towels serve the same purpose as bubble wrap.
8. Move During the Off Season
Moving prices are much lower during the off season since demand is low. This might not entirely be under your control, but if you have the choice, move during winters, in the middle of the month, and the middle of the week. That’s when you’ll be able to grab onto the lowest prices - especially if you negotiate with your movers and compare with their competitors.
9. Measure the Access Points of Your New Home
Any furniture that literally can’t pass through the main access points of your new home is essentially useless. It’s always a good idea to measure these entrances so you don’t spend extra money on moving furniture that won’t enter the building. Consider selling or donating furniture like that.
10. Cancel the Cable
If your new home has a cable connection, you should consider cancelling it since it might be expensive. With an increasing amount of people moving towards internet connections and abandoning cable, you may want to hop on the bandwagon and save some bucks.
At the very least, you’ll have to pick up more boxes, even if you’re moving yourself, which isn’t ideal. Get rid of all the junk that you don’t need and can't donate before you begin packing for the big day.
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