Moving On a Budget: 10 Ways to Save

The average person moves about 12 times during their lifetime. And moving costs can be expensive even when done once!

How can you make sure not to break the bank with your next relocation?

Follow our 10 step guide to moving on a budget and save big on your next move!

1. Do Your Research on Moving on a Budget

Sometimes DIYing isn’t the cheapest way to move. But how could you know?

Some moving trucks have cost per day and per mile driven, not to mention the poor gas mileage. Depending on how far you’re moving, DIY might not be the most cost-effective option.

Before renting your own moving truck do a little research. Here are our tips!

1. Calculate the distance between your current and new address.
2. Determine how many days you’ll need to move.
3. Get a quote from a truck rental company based on your estimates.
4. Call at least 3 moving companies to get quotes.

Maybe you’d like to use moving professionals only for big items like pianos or delicate furniture. If so, talk to your moving professional about your plan and your budget. They’re very likely to accommodate!

Once you’ve received a few quotes, you’ll be able to determine which option would be the most budget-friendly.

2. Move During the Off Season

Fall and Winter are considered the off-season for moving companies. Weather makes these seasons undesirable moving times for most people, but for moving companies it’s ideal.

Movers deal with lower energy costs, less vacation traffic, etc. during the off-season. And clients enjoy more one-on-one attention from their movers.

Some moving companies will lower their rates by up to 30% during the off-season to attract clients.

3. Read the Reviews

Hop on yelp or google reviews to learn a little more about the moving companies your considering.

Remember that people are more likely to write a review after a bad experience than a good one. So no matter which company you search for, you may see some negative reviews.

But be considerate of what other people have said about the movers your considering. You’ll learn if the company is prone to surprise charges, breaking furniture, etc.

In the long run, using a reliable company to move your possessions will save you money and stress.

4. You Don’t Need to Buy Boxes

Buying boxes can be an unnecessary expense. Instead, use these budget-friendly tips to find boxes without having to pay!

1. Ask your office or building manager to save boxes for you. They likely get several shipments a day of paper and other office supplies. And boxes that hold paper are strong!
2. Check with the local liquor store. Their boxes also have to be considerably strong to hold many bottles of liquid. Wine boxes often come with dividers that are perfect for moving glasses or other fragile items.
3. Hop onto craigslist’s free section to see if any recent movers in your area are getting rid of their boxes.

Finding boxes is not only wallet-friendly but also good for the environment. After your move, you can list your boxes on craigslist and pass them off to someone else.

5. Use a Portable Storage Container

Some moving companies will deliver a storage container to your current residence. Then you can take a few days or even weeks to fill it with boxes and furniture.

Once it’s filled the company will come to pick up the storage container and deliver it to your new address.

This is a good compromise if you’re not interested in choosing between DIY and hiring a full moving service.

6. If You DIY Your Move, Avoid Rush Hour

If hiring a moving company isn’t right for you, and you opt for a DIY moving truck, make sure to avoid heavy traffic times like early evenings and weekends.

Gas mileage for moving trucks is already poor, but adding in bumper-to-bumper traffic makes it much worse. You’ll end up paying a lot more in fuel costs if you attempt to make your move during a rush hour.

It’ll also take less time to move, which is always an added bonus!

7. Save on Utilities

Your move may not always happen at the end of the month and some utility providers won’t prorate your bill. Which means that you might end up paying utilities for two properties.

Consider shutting down some of the less necessary utilities (like cable tv) early to avoid paying double.

This isn’t a good idea for electricity, water, gas, garbage, etc. but if you can live without TV and internet for a week, it can save you money!

8. Have a Yard Sale

Not only does getting rid of some of your things save you the trouble of moving them, but you can earn a few extra hundred dollars too.

If you don’t have the space for a yard sale then consider online classifieds.

You can also list some of the bigger items on your personal social media account to see if any friends or relatives are interested in purchasing your gently used things.

Second-hand clothing stores often buy gently used clothing. You definitely won’t make what you spent on your clothing, but a few bags can add up to a lot!

9. Track Your Expenses and Then Deduct!

The Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) will sometimes allow you to deduct moving expenses from annual income taxes.

So be sure to track your expenses and then work with your tax consultant to make sure you file the deductions appropriately!

Here are the CRA’s guidelines for deducting moving expenses.

10. Ask For Some Help!

Host a moving party and invite some friends and family over to help you organize and pack boxes.

They may not be licensed movers, but as your acquaintances, they’ll likely be respectful of your possessions and be willing to help!

Make or order a casual and easy meal for your helpers to enjoy as a thank you for their help.

Remember This!

Moving on a budget might mean extra research, preparation, and thinking outside the box. But when it saves you money, it’s worth the cost!

Check out our price guarantee and contact us for a free moving quote!