Strategies to Keep Moving Costs Low Without Sacrificing Quality
Grizzly Moving & Storage
Grizzly Moving & Storage
If you’ve ever moved, especially long-distance, you know it can be quite a journey – and one of the more expensive (family) trips you’ve ever undertaken. That’s why anyone planning a move needs to consider various ways to cut costs and prepare a budget that won’t break the bank or force you to compromise the overall experience (like opting for shady, unlicensed movers just because they’re a bit cheaper than their licensed counterparts). Today, our goal is to share how to keep moving costs low without sacrificing quality. Stick around!
While some naysayers might quickly jump to the conclusion that moving companies (or anyone renting or selling moving equipment) are just out to rob you of your hard-earned funds, the truth is a lot more nuanced. The cost of (long-distance) moving is a complex blend of various factors that add up rather than being an easy cash grab or something.
For instance, long-distance moves are typically more expensive than relocations within a single state and can involve several expenses: fuel for the truck, rental costs for equipment, labor fees for the movers, and some good ol’ insurance to protect your stuff. Also, where are packing materials, transportation charges, and extra fees for unpacking and assembling furniture? It’s quite easy to see why the costs add up. These are all the factors that contribute to making moving (long-distance) a significant investment.
Here’s the thing: organizing a move might be one of the most important tasks of your adult life. While the previous sentence may sound a bit pompous, it’s actually quite true. Imagine paying for low-quality moving services just to save a few bucks, only to see your household items – things you’ve spent a lifetime accumulating – damaged or broken because of poor packing, a faulty moving truck, or general mismanagement. This is exactly why, and we’re not saying that it’s not smart to try to save money on your move; you should never sacrifice quality in the process. Let’s dive into how to do that!
If you’re worried that there isn’t much room to save money without compromising on quality – don’t be, and here’s why!
The very first thing you’ll want to do when planning to save money on your move is to create a moving budget. Think of it as a trusty roadmap you always have nearby; it should give you a clear overview of all your expenses and show you exactly where you might be able to trim the fat, so to speak. Moving, especially long-distance moves, often comes with unexpected costs that can sneak up on you, but a well-thought-out budget will help you dodge that dreary sticker shock. While budgeting can seem both scary and boring at first, it’s your best buddy in making sure you stay in control without sacrificing moving process quality.
Did you know you can get some packing materials for free? That’s right – by visiting your local grocery stores, you might be able to score some cardboard boxes at no cost. It’s a common practice in many countries, and the US is no exception. Simply ask your local grocer if you can take some of their cardboard boxes after they’ve unloaded new shipments. This simple step can save you some cash. Also, don’t forget to browse the web for affordable yet durable packing supplies!
Like many US citizens, you probably have household items that don’t need to make the move to your new place. You don’t need to be a high-brow sociologist sporting a tobacco pipe to figure out that we live in a consumerist society, and most of what we buy isn’t really essential. So, before you start packing, take the time to decide what you truly need to bring and what you can leave behind. The cost of your move will largely depend on the weight of your belongings, so shedding a few extra pounds here and there will do wonders for your budget.
Not sure what to do with the items you’d rather leave behind? Consider hosting a backyard sale and bringing the neighborhood together one last time; you can host a farewell party afterward. Selling some of the stuff is a great way to declutter and make some extra cash at the same time. Alternatively, you can donate useful items (and not your prized stuffed animal collection or similarly “unuseful” things) to charity and give them to people who truly need them – turning your move into an opportunity to do some good!
We’ll be quite straightforward here: if you’re moving on a budget, choosing the first mover you come across isn’t always the best idea. To keep moving costs low without sacrificing quality, you’ll want to get quotes from at least two or three different moving companies. This gives you a clearer picture of what’s reasonable in terms of cost. Don’t just stop at the price, though – be sure to check reviews to ensure that the cheaper options still provide reliable, high-quality service.
Finally, but just as importantly, moving during the off-season can save you a significant amount of cash. The cost of moving varies throughout the year, so if money is tight, you should try to avoid the busiest summer months when costs are highest; the demand reaches its peak during the hottest months of the year. Rather, schedule your relocation for the fall or winter, when costs are more reasonable, and demand is much lower.
By implementing these strategies to keep moving costs low without sacrificing quality, you’re on your way to a solid yet reasonably affordable moving experience. Many people get overwhelmed by planning a move and, consequently, lose more money than necessary along the way. Therefore, you’ll want to be patient, stick to your budget, and keep an eye out for easy opportunities to save some cash.