Whether you plan to do it yourself or hire a professional, a long-distance move can be expensive. However, with some planning and organization, you can still pull it off affordably. In this article, we’ll give you a few basic tips and tricks ― from packing supplies to planning and scheduling ― to keep your relocation costs down. As you’ll see, the least expensive moves are almost always the best planned.
Create a Budget and Stick to It
Before you do anything else, get an idea of your budget. Be as thorough as possible and calculate how much you can spend on things like boxes, tape, and even snacks. Factor in added costs for movers or a moving truck, if needed.
At this point you might still be on the fence about whether to move yourself or hire a professional mover, so carefully consider the various costs, upsides and drawbacks of both types of moves. A reputable moving company like Mayflower will provide you with a no obligation quote, so there’s really no reason not to get one.
Hiring a professional mover can actually save you money in the long run. Movers have the equipment, experience, and crews to load and unload your belongings quickly and efficiently. They can also pack and pad your furniture to prevent damage, which means fewer repairs or replacements after the move. You’ll avoid injuries and reduce stress, allowing you to focus on other details of your move.
Worried about the safety and security of your possessions? In addition to standard coverage, most professional movers offer additional protection so if anything does get damaged, you’ll be compensated.
Make a Moving Schedule
Planning your move early is key to keeping costs down. Need a little help? Whether or not you go with a professional mover, Mayflower’s 8-week Move Planner can help you plan a successful move, step by step. Tip: If your move is less than eight weeks out, you’ll need to condense the schedule accordingly.
If you decide to use a professional mover, call at least six weeks ahead – eight weeks ahead during the peak season between May and early September – to get estimates and reserve dates. Let them know exactly what you need to move and see if they can schedule an on-site or virtual survey of your possessions so they can provide an accurate quote and ensure they have the proper trucks and staff on your moving day. Hint: If the mover gives you an instant quote, beware. Most reputable movers will want to actually survey and assess your move needs beforehand.
Purge and Declutter Your Move Load
Moving to a new home is the perfect opportunity to pare down to the essentials. Also, if you’re using a professional mover, it’s a good way to save money since moves are almost always calculated by weight, not volume.
First, make three piles: “keep,” “donate” and “trash.” Go room by room and purge unnecessary items – throw out or donate anything you do not need or have not used in the past year. Go through boxes you haven’t unpacked since your last move and get rid of stuff you almost surely won’t need. Have a yard sale or donate tools, decorations, sports equipment and other items worth passing on to others. While you’re at it, check out our tips for hosting a successful garage sale.
Assemble Your Move Supplies
Not everything needs its own box. To reduce the overall number of boxes you need, consolidate small items into larger boxes. Only give breakables like dishes, glassware, and knickknacks their own boxes. Instead of buying packing paper, use shredded paper, tissue, or packing peanuts you’ve saved. Wrap fragile items in towels, linens or clothes.
Check to see if you can reuse moving boxes from your friends or neighbors or consider using luggage. To simplify unpacking, label each container by room to keep things sorted. Fill any empty space in boxes with crushed paper to prevent shifting. Color code boxes by room using stickers to make unloading quicker. Also be sure to check out our packing tips and tricks for help with specific types of items.
Want more tips to save on your moving expenses? Don’t skip 9 quick ways to cut moving costs.
Moving or About to Move? Let Mayflower Help Get You There
Get a no-obligation quote from Mayflower, the nation’s most trusted mover for nearly 100 years. We offer a full line of customizable moving services and can help with moves of any size, no matter where you’re headed next.
Whether you move yourself or use the services of a reputable trusted moving company like Mayflower, we hope your journey to Finding Home is smooth and successful.
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