8 ways to trim moving costs

Saying that moving house is expensive sometimes may seem like a huge understatement considering all costs associated with this life-changing event. But, before your move drains your wallet completely, you may want to find some effective ways to trim moving costs.

It’s no secret that moving is emotional, physically and financially draining undertaking. While a certain level of stress is almost unavoidable, you may want to eliminate all those aggravating factors that may turn your move into a headache.

Decide if you should move by yourself

When preparing for a relocation, chances are you will face the dilemma of whether to hire movers or perform a DIY move. The truth is that both moving options have their pros and cons and you should pick the solution that suits your unique needs and requirements.

No two moves are the same, so the best would be to choose the scenario that works for your budget and personal preferences. Simply assuming that DIY moves are a lot cheaper proves to be wrong in so many different situations. While it may make sense for local moves, taking upon yourself the entire burden of a NY interstate move can be reckless.

Can I save money by hiring movers?

If you’ve come to the conclusion that moving by yourself is not worth the trouble, start researching top-rated movers as early as possible. But, before committing to a certain moving company, make sure to read moving reviews carefully and other customers’ testimonials.

Ideally, you will have a recommendation from a reliable friend, so your quest won’t be daunting at all. Otherwise, it’s highly advisable to gather all relevant information in order to spot a legitimate mover. While there is a wide range of local movers NYC to choose from, you may want to ensure the best possible assistance by staying away from rogue movers. Unfortunately, there are plenty of fraudulent companies looking for a naïve customer to take advantage of. Having done your little research diligently, you won’t be one of them.

Start planning your move well in advance

As much as it is exciting to move to a new home and start afresh somewhere else, don’t underestimate the time leading up to moving day. Being aware of the time and resources at your disposal will allow you to manage them properly. With the big day just around the corner, it’s easy to let panic take over. Organizing a move is no easy task. As a matter of fact, if you add to the equation improper, last-minute planning, your move may result in a series of difficulties.

Create a moving checklist

A timely preparation will be of utmost importance when organizing a move. With a moving timeline on hand, you will get a sense of your duties and responsibilities. There are so many important tasks involved and unless you keep track of them, you may easily find yourself caught off guard. Also, having made an inventory of your belongings, you may get a better understanding of how much the move is going to cost you.

De-clutter before the move

As it turns out, moving company prices are based also on the number of your belongings. With that in mind, wouldn’t you like to save money by getting rid of the clutter? While de-cluttering is one of the most obvious ways to trim moving costs, many people find it difficult to let go of their belongings.

”The fewer items you move, the less you will pay” sounds like one of those universal truths. But, it’s easier said than done because people tend to develop an emotional attachment to their belongings over the years. But, the good news is that you can give new life to your excess stuff by donating, selling or recycling during the move and keep your new home clutter-free.

Try to save money on moving supplies

How much moving and packing supplies you are going to need depends on the number of items you would like to move. Getting free moving boxes happens to be one of the most popular ways to trim moving costs. It’s a moving expense that can be easily avoided with a proper plan in place.

Sources of free moving boxes might be closer than you think. Therefore, visit a local liquor store, bookstore, supermarket, restaurant to find out if they are giving away cardboard boxes. Also, if you have a friend who has just completed his move, do not hesitate to ask him as well. Furthermore, already existing household items like old towels, blankets, clothes can be used as padding materials.

Reconsider additional services when looking for ways to trim moving costs

You’ve probably heard so many times that there are additional moving costs that may generate extra fees. Without a doubt, you will pack your belongings carefully in order to ensure their safety during transport. A tedious packing process requires a lot of time, effort and patience. So, ideally, you will start ahead of time so as to avoid unnecessary packing fees. The same goes for unpacking. Once your belongings reach your new home, you can organize the unpacking process at your own pace. Also, make necessary pre-move arrangements for elevators and parking lots to avoid elevator and long-carry fees.

Get proper moving insurance

When moving house accidents can happen in a blink of an eye. Aside from a personal injury, your items to are likely to sustain damage during transport. That being said, you come to realize that proper moving insurance may provide both protection for your items and your peace of mind.

If your homeowner’s insurance doesn’t provide enough coverage, feel free to purchase additional moving insurance if you are moving valuable items. While it may seem like an unnecessary cost, it’s actually a wise investment that pays off if something goes wrong during the move. So, to sum up, try to see the whole picture when looking for ways to trim moving costs.