Moving on a Budget – How to Cut Costs without Cutting Corners
Moving can be a pricey endeavour, and many of the costs are unavoidable, but there are plenty of clever ways you can save your money while moving!
Smart Scheduling
Summer is the most popular, and therefore the most expensive time to move. Likewise,
Friday, Saturday and Sunday are convenient for many people, and therefore also more
expensive. If possible, schedule your move for spring or autumn (nothing is worth
intentionally moving in the middle of winter.) on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.
You could be looking at saving up to a third of the cost of your move, just by being
flexible!
Have a Yard Sale
The more stuff you have to move, the more expensive it’s going to be. Take this
opportunity to get rid of all the junk you don’t need, or, if you prefer, “simplify
your life by embracing minimalism.”
Yard sales can be fun for the whole family – let your kids set up a lemonade stand,
and have older children post signs around the neighbourhood. You probably won’t
make much money, but you’ll save tons, and any that you do take in can go towards
lunch or dinner while you’re on the road!
Second (or third!) Hand Packing Materials
Although most moving companies offer boxes, bubble wrap and packing paper for sale,
you’re not obligated to buy them. Boxes can be had for free from local retailers
or even the side of the road (if you’re not squeamish) on recycling day.
You can also scan websites like Craigslist and Kijiji for offers of packing material
free for the taking. If you don’t see anything, post an add yourself! Many people
will be thrilled to give you their old boxes and foam peanuts – it means they won’t
have to clean them out of the garage themselves!
As an added bonus – every time you reuse a box, a kitten somewhere does something
adorable.
Pack Efficiently
Most moving companies charge by the hour, so the fewer boxes you have, and the better
organized they are, the cheaper your move will be. Pack things inside of other things,
like sheets in your washer and dryer. Tape down all drawers and doors on furniture
(which should be empty if made of heavy wood!) and dismantle any pieces that you
can (tape screws, nuts and bolts directly to the furniture as you take it apart).
Have boxes neatly piled in one section of each room, and get the last of your sweeping
and tidying done before the moving company arrives.
Free Labour
Moving is an excellent opportunity to find out just how much your friends really
like you. An offer of pizza and beer should be more than enough to get a handful
of folks over to help you fill and carry boxes. You can save a great deal of money
by helping the movers pack and unpack the truck, and with enough people involved
you can even create a sort of assembly line. Many hands make light work, and you’ll
be amazed at how quickly your home empties.
Hire a Pro
How much is your time worth? If it’s worth more per hour than the cost of a professional,
don’t hesitate to hire one. This goes for packing, moving, storage, travel arrangements
– everything. Professional movers, like the ones we partner with, are highly skilled
trained professionals who get work done fast, efficiently and with a minimum of
problems. It may feel like it costs a lot of money to hire someone to pack your
belongings as well as move them, but just think how much more it would cost to have
to replace your cutlery, antiques, or knick-knacks if they’re damaged by an unprofessional
(albeit well-intentioned) packing job.