6 Smart Money Saving Moving Tips

By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group 

But what are the best ways to save money on a move? As professional movers who've worked with thousands of moving families, we've got the insights you need to save while still planning a smooth and enjoyable moving experience. Here are our top six smart money saving moving tips:

1. Strategically Lighten the Load

Moving trucks cost based on space and weight. The more compact and lightweight your stuff, the less it will cost to move. This gives you the perfect opportunity for a strategic purge. Not only can you clear out old clothes and furniture that don't need to come with, but you can also get rid of items you already plan to replace. Toss or donate old appliances, furniture, grills, and toys that need to be replaced anyway, then buy new versions after you arrive at the new house.

2. Collect Packing Materials

Buying packing materials for the move can add up to a surprising cost. Boxes and packing paper alone make up most of your needed packing supplies - but you don't necessarily need official moving boxes to move successfully. Start collecting boxes and other packing material several months before the move so you don't have to buy many boxes when it's time to pack up. Inspect each box you plan to keep making sure it's sturdy, undamaged, and doesn't have lingering organic particles (produce boxes) that might draw insects. Keep newspapers and other large paper items instead of buying packing paper. Remember that newspaper print can rub off onto fine china and other items, so you will want to wrap those items in plain paper.

3. Know What to Pack for Yourself

Hiring a professional mover to pack your stuff is generally considered a luxury and sometimes a business expense. If you want to save on a household move, set aside time to pack most of the house for yourself. You and the family are perfectly capable of folding clothes into boxes, wrapping and stacking electronics, and clearing cabinets into new containers. Hire a local moving company for packing of delicate items like fine china and large instruments which would be difficult to pack yourself.

4. Get Clever with Padding Solutions

You don't need paper to pack everything. One clever way to save on weight, bulk, and packing materials all at once is to pack with items you plan to bring along. Towels and t-shirts, for example, make great padding for electronics and other breakable objects. Layer dishes into the folds of a towel to keep them from rattling. Wrap your game consoles and controllers in t-shirts to make sure they don't crack on the move. This saves space in your clothing boxes and reduces the amount of purchased packing material you need.

5. Drive Your Vehicle on a Moving Road-Trip

It costs extra to have the moving company move your car, but driving your own vehicle has many advantages. When you drive, you not only save on transport, you also have the opportunity to cheaply transport your on-hand items and things that can't go into the moving truck. Pack the family's overnight supplies into the trunk, then load up pets and houseplants into the backseat instead of paying for specialty transport.

6. Plan for Time-Efficiency with Your Movers

When your movers are loading and unloading the truck, you want it to go as quickly as possible. This can be strategized in a few ways.

• Make sure you are fully packed, and your items are ready to be loaded into the truck. This ensures your movers spend all their time loading instead of waiting.
• Prepare the new house so it's unlocked and ready to be unloaded into upon arrival.
• Compare moving quotes to avoid false savings from unrealistic time estimates.
• Call your professional movers ahead of time to talk strategy and scheduling.

Moving is an exciting time in anyone's life and saving on your move gives you more financial room to have fun with it. Hold a garage sale, donate what you don't need (or plan to replace) and pack efficiently to sit back and enjoy the savings when you reach the new house. For more helpful insights or expert moving services for your upcoming move, contact us today!