Packing up and relocating to a different area can be a very stressful endeavor. But it’s not just for the one planning it — our article on ‘Relocation: Tips & Tricks to Reduce the Moving Stress’ notes that it can definitely take a toll on the whole family, which is why from the get-go, coordination is key. But more than coordination, keeping the costs of moving manageable is important to ensure that you can still stay on your feet at your new home.
How much does the moving cost?
Moving costs can easily reach the thousands if you are not careful. Data curated by USA Today shows that moving costs to big cities like Seattle, San Francisco, Portland, and San Jose can range anywhere from $3,800 to $5,800. Hiring movers, in fact, can already set you back $500 to $1,500. Of course, the cost also depends on where you’re moving to and from.
How much cargo are you moving, and to where?
It is a good idea to first take stock of how much cargo you are moving, as well as how far you’ll have to travel. Chris Silva wrote on Marcus that your moving budget will depend a lot on the distance of your move. After all, a few hours of travel to the next town or state versus cross-country moves will definitely differ in cost. That being said, if you’re moving locally, try to do part of the move yourself, as it is a simple way to reduce your total expenses. If you’re moving to the other side of the country or to another country entirely, bring only the necessities.
Make your move budget-friendly
Following are some more tips to bring down moving costs:
Create a budget
Policy Genius manager Brooke Niemeyer pointed out to Inc. that budgeting is one of the first things you must do, as it will help you ensure your wallet isn’t empty by the time you get to your new place. As you create the budget, remember to allocate enough for fees, moving insurance, food for the trip, and any gas you might need.
Get stuff for free… or for a discount
With due diligence, you can actually get boxes for free. You can start at your workplace, and inquire at office services if they have some available. You can also ask your friends if they have boxes to spare. As for other packing materials, try to be on the lookout for bulk sales or special promos to get them at discounted prices.
Time your move right
The US News guide ‘How to Save on Moving Costs’ recommends moving during the offseason (typically from October to April). At this time, movers’ rates are generally lower due to decreased demand. So, if possible, avoid moving during summertime, as it is the peak season of moving (which makes sense, as summer is when kids go off to college).
Be super organized
It is imperative that you get moving without a hitch, as delays and extra trips will add to your final tab. In this case, do a quick inventory. NerdWallet outlines the obvious – the more stuff you move, the more you’ll pay. So it makes sense to check for items or furniture that you don’t need and dispose of them. Better yet, sell them. Doing so will reduce the amount of cargo you’ll need to move and even give you additional funds to cover the costs of moving.
Jennifer Birch a financial consultant with plenty of experience moving houses (and states!). She’s got the packing up routine down pat and wants to share with others her advice so they can save themselves some finances too. When she isn’t writing or consulting, you can often find her at the gym or reading a book.
