It’s no secret that moving is an exhausting and costly endeavor. Even a short move across town creates a shift in daily routines and requires virtually the same supplies and resources as a long distance move. Boxes, wrapping materials, tape, and a truck—it all adds up. Good planning is the backbone of any unruffled move. Here are a few hacks to include in your plan to keep your moving costs reasonable.
Household Purge
As soon as your move is on the horizon, begin sorting your belongings. Sell or donate anything that isn’t an active or important part of your life. Clothing that hasn’t been worn in months, appliances you don’t use, and unnecessary furnishings or décor are the usual targets. It’s surprising how much space smaller items consume when combined. Don’t skip the pantry, bathroom cabinets or laundry room. Items you’re not using can prove useful at a charity, drastically lightening your moving load and reducing costs for packing materials, labor and space.
Used Packing Materials
Moving uses a large amount of resources, most of which can be recycled and used again. With most retailers breaking down boxes immediately, purchasing new boxes is another option that can run into the hundreds for an average sized home.
Sites such as Trash Nothing or Craigslist can be sources for free boxes and moving supplies, shortening the search for boxes while keeping a big wad of cash in your wallet. U-Haul has a Box exchange so you can get used boxes and then share them with someone else once you are finished with them. Use caution when picking up boxes and inquire about their age and condition before you even consider. Old boxes that have been stored or sitting around a while may have been inhabited by unseen mold or pests. Free is great, but remain selective.
Consider Professional Assistance
For many, this is the last consideration—if ever at all. If you are renting a truck you can hire people to help you load or if you’ve never considered using professional movers, you may be selling yourself short. For long distance moves, they aren’t as expensive as one might think, especially when you factor all costs, labor and time. Wheaton Worldwide Moving, offers a variety of packing guides that can make your move easier.
A job that might take a full day or two using the do-it-yourself route can be reduced to mere hours using professional movers. There are multiple ways to handle your move to fit your budget, like doing the packing yourself and leaving the lifting for the movers. Best yet, quotes are typically free of charge. You’ll lose nothing by getting one, and might find yourself pleasantly surprised.
Meal Preparation
Combat that awkward moving phase of standing in the kitchen with spices in one hand and a plate in other, wondering how food will be prepared and served during the days after things are packed for the move. Cheap disposable dining supplies can be purchased for a few bucks at your local dollar and discount stores. In the weeks before, prepare extra to freeze and heat during the move and you’ll save loads on eating out during your transition.
If you’ve had exhausting or stressful moves in your past, it’s time to try something different. Adding these hacks to your strategy can help ease the transition, financially and otherwise. Happy moving!
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