By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
A common trend today is minimalism: An intentional way of living that reduces the number of "things" in our lives. When it comes to moving, why not make your fresh start, even tidier by de-cluttering and downsizing the quantity of things you are moving?
Some common examples of things that you might consider eliminating include:
Of course, the idea of just tossing some of these items may raise your blood pressure but you don't necessarily have to discard them. You can donate electronics to schools or other charity organizations. Books can be donated to colleges, libraries, or schools. And since most Americans own way too many clothes, chances are you won't feel bad about donating some of those only-worn-once articles of clothing to a nearby charity or consignment shop.
Alternatively, if you have some items of value, you can offset some of your moving costs by holding a garage/yard sale. Not only will this cut down on the things you'll need to move, but you'll feel better knowing you're truly starting fresh in your new place.
Having a moving company move your car can be an unnecessary cost to you. If you choose, instead, to drive your own vehicle, it comes with some bonuses. Firstly, you can carry a load of some of your more precious items that may not be ideal for a moving truck such as plants or other personal items. Secondly, driving to your new place allows you to see the surroundings and get to know the area you're moving to.
Of course, driving your own vehicle may not be the most feasible option in every instance (such as when there is more than one vehicle, for example) in which case, it's important to find a moving company who is experienced with these kinds of moves.
Depending on whether you are doing a local or long-distance move and how much stuff you have, the cost of packing can vary greatly. You can significantly reduce the cost of your relocation by packing some of your items yourself.
We suggest having a first-day box packed with essentials you will need for your new home, the first day you arrive. This is something you should pack for yourself because you know best, the things you will most need that first night in your new home.
Other items you can consider packing include:
When packing your own things, be sure to have good quality boxes, strong tape, and a marker to write down the contents of the boxes so you know which room they belong in. Most moving companies offer several tiers of packing service, so make sure and talk with your mover to figure out which level will best fit your needs and your budget.
Did you know that professional movers typically charge different rates depending on the time of year? It’s true, during their busy season, May through August, a peak season upcharge is applied. Of course, the time of year you move, may not be something you can choose for a variety of reasons but if you're able, consider a move during the slower seasons - from September through April - when demand is usually lowest.
Moving is an exciting time and saving money on the expenses is just one way to make it even better. If you would like to find out more about A-1 Freeman's moving services, reach out to us today for more information about how we can help you get to wherever you're going.
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