Tips to Save Money on Moving

So, you’re moving! You found a great new place, and now you’re trying to get from point A to point B—along with everything you own. Moving can be a potential money suck, but it’s a lot less stressful when your budget is low and you’re having no trouble sticking to it. Here are our best tips to save money on moving, so you can stick to worrying about what color to paint the bathroom in your amazing new home instead of your budget.

Pack everything yourself

• Find free moving boxes in unusual places, like the grocery store and other retail places and around the office.
• Use magazines and newspapers instead of bubble wrap and packing peanuts—just watch out for ink!

Purge your stuff

• Donate old clothes that don’t fit, excess canned goods to charity, and claim a tax deduction.
• Have a yard sale and make a few dollars on things you don’t use as much or need anymore.
• Measure carefully; don’t move anything that won’t fit.

Review your utilities

• Make sure you’re getting the best deal in your new place.
• Buy a digital services bundle.
• Opt for a peak hour energy plan.

Choose the right movers

• Compare moving companies, and select reputable but affordable movers.
• Rent the truck yourself.
• Ask for a fixed price.
• Move during the week, not over a weekend, and during the middle of the month. Look for cancellations if you’re flexible.
• Watch for hidden fees.
• Bring your own blankets for packing.
• Don’t burn the time of the movers waiting for you to uninstall wall fixtures and things like that; be ready or come back and do those things later, if possible.

Lower move in costs

• Revise your list of things you need in the new house based on what you truly need, not just things you want.
• Rent furniture instead of buying to keep that list affordable.
• Choose your shut-off dates wisely; don’t pay for extra time.
• Sell boxes after you’re done with them.

Evaluate appliances carefully

• Consider the age, color, size, and performance of your appliances before you move them.
• Calculate the cost of moving them based on your moving rates and their size and weight; make sure it’s worth it.

Track your expenses

• Keep a record of any money you spend that might be considered a home improvement expense so you can claim it as a deduction.
• The same is true of charitable donations.
• See if your homeowners’ insurance covers any expenses.

Insurance

• Find out what moving perks you might have from your homeowners’ insurance, and make sure it applies to your new location
• If it doesn’t, make sure your new coverage will be in place in time for seamless coverage.

Original packaging

• If you kept the packaging for your computer equipment, stereo components, speakers, or other electronics, use it to protect your things during the move.
• Sometimes you can find close proxies for your original packaging behind big box electronics stores.

Storage

• If you need to find storage for some of your things, shop for deals in advance.
• Look for moving/storage deals and combos.
• Ask your real estate agent about deals and combos if you have one.
• Check the paper and online for coupons.

Advance prep

• If possible, get the new house ready before the move.
• Paint the walls, make small repairs, lay shelf paper, and otherwise be ready before your stuff gets there so movers will waste less time (and money) on moving day.

Hit the dollar store

• Stock up on your cleaning supplies for the move.
• Look for basic items like sponges, brooms, blankets, and rags you might need in the move.

Ask for help

• If you have friends and family who can help, ask!
• Friends and family might be able to save you time packing, or watch your kids or pets during the move to save time and money.
• If someone in your inner circle is handy, you might have a great resource you can tap into for making small repairs in both the new house and the old place instead of hiring a handyman.

Final thoughts

We hope some of these tips for saving money on moving are helpful to you. At Fashion, we’ve seen many customers through the moving process over the years, and we love it when we can help make the whole event easier! Reach out anytime with questions about saving money and getting a beautiful new look by renting furniture in your new home.