Moving on a Budget: 10 Ways to Save Time and Money

When it comes to accomplishing a budget-friendly move, preparation is key. Maximizing your time and keeping costs low may take some effort, but it could pay off and promote a positive start to life in your new home.

Here are 10 ways to save time and money when moving on a budget:

1. Move during off-peak season

Peak season rates usually apply from May to September.¹ To avoid paying a premium price, try to plan your move during off-peak season. In addition to potentially lower prices, you may also receive more attention from the moving company due to a slower schedule. To save time on the day of your move, try to avoid driving during morning and evening rush hour traffic.

2. Be flexible on your moving date

Unless your move is time sensitive, try to be flexible on your moving date. By allowing the company to fit you into their schedule, you might be able to agree on a date and time that works for both of you. This may also help you negotiate a more favorable rate.

3. Avoid paying for boxes

Boxes are the building blocks of a successful move. Although some moving companies sell them, there are plenty of ways to accumulate all of the boxes you need for free. Some suggestions include:

Family and friends
Office or workplace
Supermarkets and department stores
Recycling centers

4. Use your own packing material

Depending on the size of your move, the cost of bubble wrap and packing paper can add up. To potentially avoid these costs altogether, try using linens, towels and casual clothing to wrap up delicate items. You can also substitute packing paper with plastic shopping bags or newspaper. No matter what materials you use, remember that the primary goal is for your items to arrive in one piece.

5. Pay attention to your utilities

Closing and opening new utility accounts can cost time and money. For example, some companies may not prorate your bill. This means that if you only use one week of cable and internet, they might charge you for a full month. To make the best use of your time and potentially save money, write down a list of utilities for both residences. Then, schedule an afternoon to close old accounts and open new ones.

6. Create “keep, donate or throw away” piles

One of the hardest things about moving could be deciding what to do with random belongings. If you have a closet or spare room full of these items, try creating three piles: keep, donate and throw away. Once this task is complete, you will have reduced the size of your move and potentially saved money in the process.

7. Sell what you don’t need

As you start to assess all of your belongings, you might find some unwanted items that still have value. Or, you may find that you have two of the same item. Whichever the case, selling these items online or hosting a garage sale could help you save money on the move and earn extra cash for other expenses. A win-win!

8. Pack what you can ahead of time

Although this tip may not save you money, it can save hours of time on moving day. To get started, try to pack items you won’t need during the move such as electronics, kitchenware and extra clothing. By having these items boxed, labeled and ready to go, you can focus your time and energy toward larger items like furniture and appliances on moving day.

9. Host a packing party

Do you have a lot of family, friends and coworkers who live nearby? If so, invite everyone over for a packing party. You can sweeten the deal by providing food and drinks, but keep your budget in mind. In addition to saving personal time packing your items, the party can also give you quality time with loved ones before you relocate.

10. Research the best for moving truck rental

As potentially the largest expense for a DIY move, finding a deal on moving truck rental could save significant dollars. However, in order to discover a personalized deal, you need to consider factors such as truck size, distance traveled and one-way or round trip travel. Here are some websites that can help you compare moving truck options based on your specific needs:

Lighten your load

No matter the size or distance of your move, there ways to potentially save time and money. If you take the right precautions, you may only have to worry about breaking a lamp, not the bank.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. FMCSA.dot.gov. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/Rights-and-Responsibilities-2013.pdf (accessed September 14, 2017).