How To Save Money On Your Move

Moving to a new place can be a source of excitement and stress. When done correctly, it can reduce homeowners' anxiety as they adjust to their new address. If poorly done, it can generate costly mistakes and even pricier repercussions. 

According to the United States Census Bureau, 27.1 million Americans relocated in 2021, representing over 8% of the total population. The national moving cost average in the United States is USD$1,400, with prices ranging from USD$800 to USD$2,500 for relocations less than 100 miles. These figures rise from USD$2,200 to USD$5,700 for interstate transfers.    

Hence, getting professional help for moving house, whether locally or interstate, is highly advisable. Reliable platforms like Moving Hub and similar local or across-the-border firms should be your top choices in seeking house-moving help, whether as a student or a family.   

Below, you'll find six valuable tips on how to save money on companies that can make paying for moving house help worthwhile. 

1. Packing things yourself 

Besides moving your valuables from your current place to the next, companies can offer to assist you with the packing for a fee. Packing and unpacking services cost USD$404 on average, depending on the location and the type of box you need.  

In some cases, this extra moving service is charged hourly. Estimates reveal that movers charge from USD$80 to USD$200 an hour for domestic relocations and up to USD$250 for long-distance transfers.  

If you want to cut costs, you may do the packing yourself to avoid paying extra. If you need help moving furniture in the house or out of it, ask a friend, trusted neighbour or family member to do it with you.   

2. Declutter, sell or donate 

You'll spend less on paying for help moving house if you get rid of unwanted things in smart ways. Note that the bigger trucks you need and the farther your destination, the costlier it gets.  

Before packing, separate the things you no longer use like clothes, books, children's toys and bedding. You'll be surprised by the sheer volume of space you can save on your moving truck.     

Besides earning on the side to help fund your moving costs, launching a yard sale can help reduce the space needed for relocation. List these items and sell them online on e-commerce platforms if you can. For things that are past their prime and can't be sold, consider donating them to charity organisations or the local thrift store.    

3. Schedule your move during the off-peak season  

Moving costs could vary depending on the season. For instance, clients relocating during the summer are often charged more because it's the peak season for moving. The demand for these companies is at an all-time high, driving prices up. The same holds for home transfers conducted in late spring and early fall. 

According to an article published in the Realtor Magazine, moving costs tend to increase in August, rising to USD$454 on average. The price reduces to about USD$408 by the yearend. Another article from mymovingreviews.com suggests clients can save about 30% on off-peak moving costs.   

If you want to avoid paying a premium on professional house moving help, schedule your relocation outside these peak seasons when the demand is low, as firms often provide discounts to attract more clients.  

4. Consider renting a moving container 

If you've already packed your valuables, consider going all the way by renting a moving container to reduce your expenses further. Before going this route, comparing the rental container and moving truck costs is best to ensure savings. Moving containers can cost anywhere from USD$299 to USD$499 for domestic relocations, while interstate transfers can run up to USD$2,999. Comparatively, small moving trucks can be rented from USD$2,800 to USD$4,100 per week, including fuel and other expenses. 

Movers will send a large container or two to your current location, and you must load the items yourself. Once it's filled, the company will transport the container to your new address, where you must unload and unpack the contents yourself. Once done, you can call the home moving help firm to pick up their containers. 

5. Ship lightweight items  

By shipping lightweight stuff to your new home, you can dramatically reduce payments when seeking help moving house items to a new location instead of letting them fill the moving trucks.   

For instance, the United States Postal Service offers Media Mail shipping, where you can have 70 pounds of books sent to your new address for about USD$40. This method helps you reserve space for more essential and bulky possessions such as family heirlooms and antiques.   

6. Collect free packing supplies  

Packaging materials such as packing tape, bubble wraps, cardboard boxes, ropes and straps can cut a huge chunk off your budget. Consider reusing your grocery boxes or those collected by your neighbours, friends, family members, colleagues and others.  

You can also expand your reach by posting an announcement about needing supplies and help for moving house on your social media accounts. While waiting for responses, visit your favourite local grocery store or other shops willing to give away their packing supplies for free. Check out the nearest dumpster or recycling collection points for more luck.  

Summing up  

Packing, sorting, loading and transporting valuables entail substantial financial costs that homeowners must consider before moving to a new address. It's crucial to start early and explore all options to ensure you're getting the most value for your money. By doing some things yourself and getting rid of your unwanted stuff smartly, you can minimise the risks of costly mistakes that make the entire moving process a nightmare.