Moving home is one of the most stressful things we can do with a day, but it can also turn into one of the most expensive, if not planned efficiently. Here are some tips on how to save money during a move.
Need some help with your move? Get in touch with Tippet-Richardson for more great advice!
Early planning
When to move?
Whether you’re hiring a van or a moving company, you can save money by being selective about when you move. Choosing to move mid-week, mid-month, and off-peak season, can save you a considerable sum. So try to avoid moving on the weekends, close to month-end, or during late-spring / summer, if possible.
How much help do you need?
It’s important to spend some time really considering what your move will consist of. Then, decide whether or not you’d prefer to hire a moving company, or hire a van and do it yourself. Looking at basic quotes, it can seem like a money-saver to just hire the van and do the work, but there’s more to it.
- Be sure to factor in extra costs, such as packing materials, and paying for gas.
- Are there any heavy or large items to move? A respectable moving company will have the right equipment, knowledge, and manpower to do it safely.
- How much time away from work will be necessary, to get the packing, moving and unpacking completed?
If you have family and friends who you can rely on to do a good job, or if you’ve moved before and know what it entails, and you can take time off work without problems, then maybe doing the hard work yourself is the right answer. Otherwise, it’s probably better to let the professionals take the strain off you.
Compare quotes
Whether you’re opting for a moving company, or a van hire, be sure to obtain several quotes. That being said, automatically choosing the cheapest quote can bring about another set of problems. Do compare prices, but also take into consideration what is covered by the quote, and whether the company is a member of the Canadian Association of Movers, or equivalent body.
Minimize bills
As soon as you know you’re moving, confirm the notice periods required for shutting down your utilities, to make sure you don’t end up paying for two separate addresses during the cross-over period.
Also, confirm whether or not your home-owners insurance can be applied to your new home or if you are entitled to a partial refund.
Downsizing
Will it fit?
Measure large or cumbersome furniture and measure the relevant area/s in the new space, to make sure things are going to fit in place, before you pay to move them. If it doesn’t fit, get rid of it now, and save a few bucks.
Sell it on
Gather up all the things you don’t really need and hold a yard sale, or list them on Craigslist, Kijiji, etc. You’ll save money on moving them and also make money in the process. Don’t pay to move things you don’t need.
Donate
A great alternative to selling your unwanted items is to donate them to Move for Hunger, local women’s shelters, or other local charities. You can feel good, knowing you’ve helped someone in need, and you can also claim a tax deduction. Win win!
Packing
DIY
If you’ve decided to do the packing yourself, take a look at some of our tips from the professionals before you get started: /packing-tips/
Packing materials
- Save money by getting your boxes from local stores (stores selling liquor, books, and groceries tend to have great, solid boxes).
- Some of your belongings could make excellent packing materials, whilst saving that extra space too. Think about using towels and clothing, instead of bubblewrap, and laundry baskets / suitcases / etc., instead of boxes.
- Collect free newspapers, to use for wrapping. Watch out for ink though, as it can stain some surfaces and materials.
- Package your TVs and computer monitors in their original packaging if you still have it. It makes excellent protection against breakages.
- Nest smaller items inside larger ones, padding where necessary.
- If you do need to resort to buying packing materials, be sure to buy them from the dollar store, along with any cleaning supplies you might need.
After the move
Meals
Make sure you’ve planned a little bit of meal prep, so that you can save time and money on move-in day, instead of relying on takeout. Having some of your quick and easy favourites on-hand will also help make it feel like home much more quickly.
Taxes
Make sure to keep your moving receipts and include details of your move, when filing taxes. You can usually write the expenses off at tax-time!
