Moving into your new home is undoubtedly an exciting experience but with all that excitement can occasionally come money concerns. Whilst some costs are inevitable (unfortunately, they can’t give you the house for free) there are a few tricks that can help alleviate some of that unwanted financial burden. From pre-move purging to a backloading bonus, here are some of the best ways to reduce costs in your next house move. 

1. The Great Pre-Move Purge

You wouldn’t pay lots of money for a T-shirt you were never going to wear or for a car when you don’t yet drive, so, why would you pay for movers to take belongings that you’re never going to use again? Whilst, you may feel like you don’t have the time to declutter all the old belongings you no longer use, it is the perfect way to save money when moving. Those mysterious garage boxes and dusty closets are all hiding potential savings.

To help eliminate unwanted items, create three piles: sell, donate and chuck. Every box that doesn’t make the move represents money saved on moving costs. Better yet, those items in the sell pile can transform into extra cash for the moving fund, it’s a win-win situation!  

2. Invest in Quality Movers

Now, something that might surprise you is that sometimes spending a bit more upfront can save you a fortune later down the line. Although, it may feel slightly counterintuitive to spend more money in order to save money, when it comes to hiring removalists investing in a good quality company will prevent greater unforeseen costs and disappointment from arising. Choosing reliable removalists minimizes the risk of damage to your belongings with professional services like wrapping and packing providing an extra layer of protection to your most precious items. Additionally, any certified removals company should also offer a range of insurance options, so that in the case of an accident your belongings are covered. 

Qualities such as these will not only help give you peace of mind that your belongings are genuinely being cared for but they will save you the cost of replacing any items that are broken or damaged, which could be far greater than the cost of any removalist itself.  

3. The Art of Box Hunting 

High-quality packing supplies aren’t exactly cheap which means finding a good alternative can save you some extra pennies when it comes to packing your goods. Tapping into your network of friends and colleagues should help to churn up enough boxes to cover your whole house, which means you won’t have to buy a single one. Here’s the crucial part though – you have to be picky. If a box is worn down and looks like it’s had its day then stay far away. On the other hand, did your work just have a huge delivery of fragile goods? Then stock up. Being picky with boxes may take a little longer but will also ensure your favourite glassware set stays intact in the moving transition without multiple rolls of tape wrapped around it to hold it together. 

4. Timing is Everything: The Off-Season Moving Hack

Here’s an insider tip that could save you big bucks – spring and summer are the moving industry’s equivalent of peak-hour traffic. Everyone’s moving, prices are sky-high, and availability is tight. Therefore, if you can swing an autumn or winter move, try to book your removalists within this period and save yourself a heap of money. During slow periods moving companies often offer reduced rates and competitive prices that peak months won’t do. 

[Photo courtesy of Mister Mister/pexels.com]

In the same respect, you should also be doing all that you can to reduce obstacles for your removalists that could slow them down, particularly for local moves that are charged by the hour. Make sure to disassemble any furniture, pack all boxes ready to go and make sure there is a clear path for your removalists to travel from the truck to the door. If your moving team has to carry your belongings further than necessary or take apart bed frames, these are all additional costs for you. So, get your bargain-hunting mindset on, and make sure to work in off-peak periods.  

5. Share the Journey

Planning an interstate move? Here’s a savvy money-saver tip – opt for a consolidated run rather than a VIP private service. This backloading service is basically just carpooling for your furniture and will save you a tonne of money! However, sharing truck space with other movers requires a relatively small inventory, so if you have a particularly large amount of stuff to be transported across states, then a consolidated run may not be an option for you. Backloading also means that you will need to be a bit flexible with dates, so allow for plenty of time to prepare. With that being said, the money savings that you will make are worth every day of patience and with a reputable moving company, your belongings are just as safe as they would be in a truck of their own. 

In Conclusion 

Remember, saving money is as simple as just getting the cheapest moving quote and crossing your fingers that it’ll all be fine because that’ll probably cost you more in the long run. When hunting for removalist quotes, look for value for money, not just price to save you in the grand scheme of moving. Whilst moving house can be an expensive ordeal, knowing the small ways to help reduce cost can make all the difference. So, if you’re soon to be moving make sure to choose off-peak periods, store up spare boxes and invest where it counts for a cost-effective and stress-free move.