5 Ways to Save Money While Moving

Calculate how much your move should cost (and make a budget!) 

Don't know where to start? Forbes has a great online moving calculator to help you determine how much you should actually be spending, as well as some other great resources to solidify a starting figure. Once you know how much your move should be costing you, you'll be aware and can keep you from overspending on moving companies, car transportation, moving supplies, etc. From this point, you can set a budget. If your calculated cost feels like more than you can afford, consider organizing a self-move to significantly reduce costs and move expenses toward savings or moving supplies. 

Declutter (and have a yard sale!) 

Basically, don't pack stuff you don't want to keep. Go through every room in your house and make three piles: keep, donate, or trash. With your "donate" items, consider hosting a yard sale or selling things on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. This way, you're saving space, money, and time, and even perhaps making a bit of money to add back into your budget. 

Pack Creatively 

This is a big one. With anything you decide to keep, pack strategically. This has several benefits, also saving you money and space. First of all, packing supplies are expensive! Cut costs on tape, packing paper, bubble-wrap and boxes by wrapping all those fragile items in other things you have to pack anyway. Use towels, t-shirts, linens, sweaters, and socks to stuff and wrap your fragile items, such as valuables or glassware. 

You can also find ways to get packing materials for free. Did you know grocery stores, furniture stores, or other retail stores recycle hundreds of large boxes a day? They'll give you boxes for free; all you need to do is ask! You can reach out to your community as well, asking friends or neighbors who might have recently moved if they have things you could utilize. 

Lastly, finish saving space, time, and money by packing strategically. Instead of tossing things haphazardly into boxes, use as few as possible by nesting and wrapping your fragile items with other things that have to be packed anyway (as previously stated), or even putting clothes and socks inside your shoes. 

This way, you'll have less boxes to move, and can use a smaller moving truck or vehicle, which will result in savings upon savings. 

Cancel Utilities 

This is one many people don't automatically think about. Instead of trying to pay utilities at two separate homes, just cancel your current services and start fresh. This way you won't be stuck paying more than you need to. According to this Forbes article, some utility providers will even offer discounts for new accounts. Shop around and see who will give you the best deal, from discounts to freebies. 

Shop Around (and Ask for deals) 

Speaking of shopping around, don't just settle on the cheapest mover, or the first moving company you find. There could be (there definitely is) a reason the lowest price moving company runs the bottom of the barrel, but at the same time, there's always a potential you're getting ripped off if you don't do your research! Ask around, and while you're on the phone, ask for specials or discounts. This is more common than you'd think, and you might be able to clinch a sweet deal depending on the type of move. 

No matter where you're moving, we hope these tips get you one step closer to saving some money. To save just as much mental space, give us at Elevate Homes a call at 208.254.1501 or email us at info@elevatehomesidaho.com.

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