You have just decided to move from one place to another. While this new chapter in your life is exciting, moving house can easily turn into a disaster if you fail to prepare.
In this article, we list down the top seven things you need to know when moving houses – from preparation to furniture removal to finding the right contractor for the job. Read on to learn how to save money for your big move.
1. Recycle Packing Boxes
Packing boxes are one of the main expenses you have to think about when moving houses. Eliminate this cost altogether by reusing old boxes you have in your home. Think about using boxes from appliances, furniture, and other furnishings you have in your house. Instead of buying bubble wrap, use clothes, rags, and newspapers to wrap breakables. Look around your household and find other items that you can recycle to help you with your move.
Use bags, luggage, and other storage items for packing. If you ever run out of bags, consider borrowing bags and luggage from your friends to help you with the move.
2. Do Small Trips When You Can
The less stuff the movers have to relocate, the more money you save. Instead of moving every single one of your belongings on one day, making smaller trips before your actual move-in day can help bring down costs. Save furniture, appliances, and other big belongings on the day itself; drive the rest on your own.
Choose to move smaller articles like clothing, smaller pieces of furniture, smaller appliances and transport them to save on moving costs. On the day itself, you can cut down truck rental expenses by asking favours from friends and family so you can use their vehicles instead of renting one from a service.
3. Pack What You Can
Again, the same principle of spending less by doing more applies here. Disassemble furniture when you can and prepare them before the movers get to your house. Remember: movers are typically paid by the hour. If you’re quick about hauling all your stuff to the van, you’ll end up saving some money.
Unless you really need help with furniture removal, it’s better to do most of it on your own.
Ideally, you would only need the movers to move furniture from your home and load it up the truck.
4. Compare Rates
Don’t book the first service you talk to. Do your research weeks in advance and compare different movers in your area. Ask for recommendations from neighbours and friends. Comparing rates lets you find the best value for your money.
Consider their inclusions and specialties. If you need a specific kind of service – say art preservation and moving – you’ll need a moving company that’s experienced in moving art pieces. It might cost you more hiring a specialised service, but it definitely pays off in the end.
Ask around at least three weeks before your big move as some companies hike up the price when you schedule too close to the move date.
5. Avoid Peak Times
It’s best to schedule your move out day during midweek. Weekends are typically busy times; also, avoid rush hour in the early morning and late in the afternoon. Moving companies can charge different fees for different times of the day. Ask them for lean hours and try to schedule your move during their lowest-rated hours.
6. Share Truck Space
If you’re moving across the country, there’s a pretty good chance you’re not the only one trying to find a moving company. Look for backload deals where you can share the cost of a moving truck with someone who will also be travelling long distances.
Instead of paying for the full price, you can split the cost with someone who’s also moving to another state. Join Facebook groups, ask local communities, or better yet, ask providers themselves. They know their customers’ schedule and might be able to help you find someone to split the cost with.
7. Book Early
As we mentioned, booking early is the key to saving money with the movers. If you do it early enough, you might be able to work out a deal and ask for a better discount. Get to know everything from their schedule to the extra charges. Some movers might charge additional mandatory fees while others will only bill you based on the boxes moved.
Movers You Can Trust
At Giffen Furniture Removals, we treat your belongings as our own. We offer a variety of services to help you manage your space better, from pre-packing to furniture removal to storage. Get in touch with us today for an obligation-free quote.
