Tips for Saving Money on Your Next Move

Sometimes we move because we have to go where the job is. Other times, it is because that’s where family is. But I suspect the underlying reason Americans move so often is because we just get tired of where we are, and long to see what’s over the next horizon. Whatever the reason, moving is never fun, nor cheap.

There are so many aspects of a move that make the process painfully expensive. Among those expenses are:

• Packing material
• A moving company, or…
• A moving truck with gas and insurance
• Help
• Replacements for all the items lost or damaged in the move

Hiring a moving company can be an expensive option, especially if you opt for packing, moving, and unpacking services. But with companies such as Allied Moving Company, that extra cost of money will make your move much more convenient and stress free compared to making that move without these services.

It’s also not a guarantee that doing the move yourself will be any less expensive. Trucks, gas, insurance, boxes, tape, and labor are all expensive add-ons. Time is also a crucial factor. Do the move yourself, and you will be looking at unpacked boxes for weeks. Let professionals do it, and your home will be move-in ready within hours. When you add it all up, you might actually save a little money by having professionals handle the move. Here are a few more tips to consider:

Plan Ahead

As you can see from the above list, there is an awful lot to do if you are going to do the move on your own. You can save money by planning ahead, and securing supplies early. If you start collecting boxes in advance, you will not have to go out and purchase boxes at the last minute. Figure out who you can get to help you move, and work out a fee well before you get into a situation where you have to take whatever you can get. By planning ahead, you can usually find a truck rental discount that can also save you quite a bit.

Pack as Early as Possible

One of the least fun aspects of moving is packing. No one likes to do it. And few people do it well. Packing is probably the single most wasteful part of moving when it comes to unnecessary expenses. That is because when it is not done well, things get lost or broken. Also, when waiting till the last minute, things get packed that should have been thrown out, or get thrown out when they should have been packed.

HowStuffWorks.com suggests that you should start packing up to 2 months before the move. You should probably start even earlier if possible. No one is suggesting that you pack your toothbrush in advance. That would be silly. But there are knick-knacks and thingamabobs that are precious to you, but serve no functional purpose. Box them up while you have plenty of time to do it right.

Take Advantage of Discounts

If you filled out your change of address card in advance, you can count on at least one piece of junk mail being in your new mailbox once you get there. Don’t throw it away. It is not really junk. It is a pack of coupons for all the local businesses in your new neighborhood. It is everything from pizza delivery to dry cleaning.

Once you’ve suffered through an expensive move, every bit of savings helps. That coupon kit courtesy of the chamber of commerce, is sure to have something in it that you can use. All of the businesses are desperate for new customers. And the best shot at new customers are people just moving into the area. They will do a lot to secure your business. Let them.

There is not really a such thing as a fun and inexpensive move. But by taking advantage of local discounts, packing in advance, and planning ahead, you can make it a lot less painful than it would otherwise have been.