Tips To Make Your Move More Affordable
Moving to a whole new place is exciting! Unfortunately, it can also be expensive. You have to buy boxes and packing materials and maybe even pay for movers or a moving van. The good news is that there are a lot of things you can do to make your move easier on your wallet.
Declutter Your Home
Moving is the perfect time to declutter your life. By getting rid of items you don't need, you'll not only have a fresh, junk-free start at your new home, but you'll save money on your move too. Movers, like Wheaton World Wide Moving, base part of their charges not only on the distance, but on the actual weight of your items.
Since some bigger trucks carry more than one household's shipment, you may actually want to go to the weigh station to make sure only your items are being included on the receipt. There, the movers must follow a tariff--a legal document about weight and pricing. Make sure they calculate the tare (an empty truck's weight) and the gross (when all your items are loaded) correctly. Since weight is such a big factor in the moving price, the less stuff you can leave behind, the better!
Ask for Help from Your Work
This tip only applies if you're relocating for work-related reasons. If you are, then don't hesitate to ask your employer if they're willing to help with some or even all of the costs of your move. Most companies will broach the topic upfront and offer their financial support. Just because yours doesn't offer to help doesn't mean you shouldn't ask. Many businesses even have funds set aside specifically to help with moving costs of new or relocated employees.
Don't Pay Big for Boxes
Since many moving companies charge an extra fee when providing boxes, you may want to try getting boxes for free instead. You can find free boxes at your local grocery store. Apartmenttherapy.com offers some great ideas for finding boxes. For instance, bookstores have tons of leftover boxes from moving books.
Don't Move at Peak Times
If you can help it, don't plan your move during peak moving times. Moving at the end of the month or on Saturdays, for example, is a big no-no. Moving companies know that the pickings get pretty slim during these peak times. So, not only do you run the risk of not being able to find movers, but you also run the risk of paying more for their services if you do!
As you can see, there are lots of little "tricks of the trade" that you can utilize to enjoy a cheaper move. Make sure you take advantage of them.