There are no two ways around it—moving from one home to another is time-consuming, labor intensive, and requires more than a little planning. And the truth is (despite what Pollyanna-esque bloggers might tell you), moving comes with some cost.
But it doesn’t have to break the bank and there are parts of a move where you should plan to spend money and others where you can save. The trick is taking advice from the right experts.
As one of Sydney’s top-rated removalist companies, we feel uniquely qualified to fill the role. That’s why we’ve created a list with our 5 favorite tips on how to save money during a move (and where you should plan to spend it).
1. Determine Peak Moving Season in Your Area…Then Avoid It
Like most other businesses, moving has peak seasons, typically in the spring and summer months when the weather is warmer and dryer. If you’re planning on hiring removalists, ask them if they offer a reduced rate for moves taking place in the off-season. You might be able to save yourself a good bit of cash.
2. Take Time to De-Clutter
If we had to pick the single biggest money saver for our clients, it is this—do not waste time and money packing up and moving items you don’t use.
Yet we cannot tell you how many times we’ve moved a garage full of items (that have been boxed up since the previous move) to a new location.
To avoid the madness, set aside time well in advance of your move (seriously, six months is not too early) and go through every room in your home looking for clothes you and your family members no longer wear and/or things that are no longer used…and get rid of them.
Items in good condition and working order can be sold at a garage sale or through online market forums (thereby giving you a bit more cushion in your moving budget). Anything that doesn’t sell can be donated to local charitable organisations.
Reducing the amount of stuff that must be moved from one home to the next immediately reduces the overall cost of your move…you’re welcome.
3. Look for Used Packing Materials
Some packing materials can be used more than once, and many people post their used materials on neighborhood social media pages as being free for the taking. Things like bubble wrap and packing paper are perfect for reusing, but we are a little more hesitant when it comes to boxes. While they can be used a second time, we wouldn’t recommend using them more than twice as their structure can break down, making them more likely to tear during subsequent moves. So, before taking used boxes, confirm that they were newly purchased by the person giving them away. After all, it would be a shame if the money you tried to save with used boxes had to go to replacing all the items that broke when your used box failed.
Keep in mind that there are plenty of items in your home that you can repurpose during a move. Socks can be used to keep glasses from clinking together and dish towels are great for wrapping dishes. T-shirts can be used to fill empty spaces in boxes, as can pillows. Don’t be afraid to get creative while keeping costs low.
4. Ask About Discounts
Don’t be afraid to ask removalist companies if they offer discounts. You never know when a senior or military discount might be available. And be sure to compare prices between the companies you’re considering—many of them will price match to get your business.
5. Spend Your Budget Where It Matters Most…on Reputable Removalists
We saved this for last because we think it is the most important. And, before you ask, the answer is no—we don’t recommend hiring removalists because we are removalists. We recommend it because we know hiring a professional team prevents injury, reduces stress, and saves you money in the long run.
If you don’t hire a moving team, you are on the hook for a truck rental as well as renting all the necessary equipment (furniture dollies, straps, moving blankets, etc.). The charges for these can quickly add up, and if you’re moving with the help of friends and family, your move is going to take longer than it would with a professional team…which means you could end up renting that truck for an additional day and incurring extra costs.
That’s why we recommend saving money where you can and using your moving budget to retain the services of a dependable removalist team. And if you’re planning for an upcoming move, we hope you’ll contact us at Holloway. Our team will offer you a reasonable rate and expert care.
Whether you’re moving three blocks or 3,000km make sure your items are moved the right way…with Holloway.
