It’s time to pack up and move to your dream home on the Crystal Coast! Moving expenses can be a big chunk of your relocation dollars, but fortunately, there are many ways you can save on these costs.
Do it yourself vs hiring professionals
Moving yourself can save you a bundle, but are you sure you can make that happen? Thorough planning and proper packing techniques can save money, time, and sanity.
Experts say you need to make a daily moving schedule with specific tasks and when they need to be completed if you plan to do the move yourself. Contact your helpers – family, friends, or neighbors – in advance to be sure you have the help you need when you need it.
Does a complete DIY move seem daunting?
Self-service moving using portable storage containers might be the answer. You can get a container dropped off at your current home and pack and load yourself. Once the moving pod is packed, the container company collects it and transports it to your new home.
This is a smart option if you are moving out but your new house is not ready yet for you to move in. Move.org analyzed approximately 16,000 customer reviews and 300 quotes over 3 years to find the best moving container companies in the US.
Finally, if you decide to use professionals, get quotes from at least three movers before hiring one to do the job. To find a reputable mover, choose from Moving.com large network of licensed and insured professionals.
Be ruthless and purge!
Of course, the less stuff you must move, the less expensive your moving costs are going to be, whether you are going it alone or hiring a professional. So, if you want to save money, go through every single item in your home and get rid of anything you no longer want or need. If you haven’t touched something in more than a year, you probably won’t use it again. Let it go!
Sell as much as you can and pocket the money for other moving expenses. Have a yard sale or list the items on social media and online selling sites. But don’t hold onto those items for long. If they don’t sell in a few weeks, donate them.
Scavenge and save
Don’t toss those Amazon boxes! Before you start packing, keep an eye out for moving supplies from various stores, online marketplaces, community groups, and friends.
- Search Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor.com, or other trading and selling websites.
- Check out local liquor stores, big box chains, and grocery stores.
- Ask friends, family, and neighbors to pass on any boxes and packing materials that might be piling up in their garages.
- Grab free newspapers in the months leading up to the move for no-cost packing material.
Here’s another idea: instead of spending money on costly bubble wrap or packing peanuts, wrap your fragile items with things that you already have at home – items you are packing anyway, like clothing, towels, and blankets.
Finding free packing supplies is not too hard, and it’s an easy way to save hundreds of dollars on moving expenses.
Don’t lug empty luggage
Do you have suitcases you’re taking with you? If so, don’t transport them empty. Hauling empty suitcases to another home is a waste of useful storage space and money.
As moving day gets close, set aside a suitcase or two for keeping daily essentials in one place. Pack your must-have items, such as toiletries, medications, children’s items, pet supplies, personal items, and the like.
Utilize Media Mail
If you are a bookworm and have dozens of books to move, don’t take up precious moving truck space. Send them by Media Mail® through the US Postal Service. You can pack and mail up to 70 pounds of books for just over 50 bucks.
We hope these tips help you save money as you begin the journey to your new home. We want you to be as excited about your move as you were when we helped you find your dream home here on the Crystal Coast. Our agents at Al Williams Properties are here to assist before during and after your move. Give us a call today!