One of the predictable parts of being an Austin renter is that you will need to move house sooner or later. And sadly, moving can be not only time-consuming but expensive, especially if you are moving a long distance away or need to hire people to help you. The good news is that there are things that you can do to save money during your move to help keep those costs down. From a bit of extra planning and some insider know-how, these money-saving tips can help make your next move a little more affordable.
1. Donate, Toss, or Sell Unwanted Items
One of the best methods to make your next move faster and less expensive is to lessen the amount of stuff you plan to take with you. This is particularly crucial if you are moving a long distance but can be just as much of a money-saver even if you are only moving a few miles away. Take the time to go through your belongings and decide what to donate, throw out, or sell. It may also benefit you to sell items you no longer want or need at a yard sale. This can equally lighten the load and put a little extra cash in your pocket at one go.
2. Plan Ahead
If possible, start planning your move as prompt as you can. Waiting to try and schedule a moving truck or helpers at the last minute will probably cost you more since your options will be limited. You can also start planning your move by creating a system for packing each room. Seldomly used items can be packed months ahead of a move, and all boxes should be clearly labeled according to contents and which room they go in. Whatever you can do to speed up your move can eventually save you money on moving day.
3. Start Gathering Supplies ASAP
One other way to save money during a move is to gather and take advantage of as much free packing material as you can. But getting free packing supplies can take time, so it’s important to start collecting boxes and other supplies as soon as possible. Check local classifieds for people getting rid of moving boxes, or ask local stores if they have any they will let you have.
4. Move During the Week
If at all possible, plan your move for a day or season outside of peak demand. For instance, hiring a moving company for a weekend or during the summer will cost more because demand is high. On the other hand, the same movers may quote you a lower rate for moving on a weekday or during the off-season. The same may be true if you decide to rent a truck and do it yourself. While it’s not always possible to choose your moving date, it can save you quite a lot of money in the event that you do have that decision.
5. Hire the Right Movers
If you decide to hire movers to help you, it’s important to shop around and compare rates. There is no set fee for moving, and even moving companies that seem to offer the same services can charge very different rates. But the cheapest option isn’t always the best one, either. Be sure to check the company’s customer reviews online and ask for recommendations from friends and neighbors.
Hiring a quality mover is a good way to save money since their staff should be well-trained and efficient. Unscrupulous movers may dangle a great rate and then charge by the hour and drag out the move much longer than it would take for someone else. To avoid the possibility of being exploited this way, ask about fixed-rate options.
6. Divide and Conquer
You can make the most of the movers you hire if you are well-prepared and organized on moving day itself. If you are moving to a new place nearby, try to move as many of the boxes and small items yourself as you can. It just makes sense: if your movers only need to focus on moving your furniture, the move will take less time and probably cost less, too.
The more time the movers spend on packing, loading, and unloading your things, the more likely you’ll end up spending far more than you wanted to on your move. So have everything boxed and ready to go before the movers arrive!
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