Moving is expensive, regardless of scale. Most people know the cost of their new home and the moving company, but minor expenses can slip through the cracks. People don’t typically consider the cost of stocking kitchen cabinets or changing internet providers. A little goes a long way, and there are plenty of tiny ways to keep moving costs down — even if it’s just a little bit.
Clean Out Your Fridge
Food spoils, even when it’s properly stored. Perishables like milk and eggs are more likely to go bad if left in a car for an extended period of time. You can transport these goods safely with a cooler — a bulky addition when you’re already worried about maximizing space in your trunk. Instead, work on clearing out your kitchen in the weeks leading up to the move.
“But wait! What about the stuff in my pantry or freezer?” you ask yourself. Throwing them away would be a literal waste of money, so start moving shelf-stable items to your new home a week or two before moving in. As for frozen food, bring it over the night prior to move-in day. You may need to plug in the freezer beforehand.
If you’re moving a long distance, bringing your food may not be feasible. Eat what you can in the days prior to the move, and donate any unopened goods to a local food bank or homeless shelter. That way, at least some of your food will be put to good use. Check with your local donation center to see if they have any restrictions.
Pack by Yourself
We aren’t saying you should pack all your belongings by yourself with no assistance. That would be unsafe and, quite frankly, a bit asinine. What we’re suggesting is asking friends and family for help packing rather than hiring a professional. Many moving companies offer packing services, but it’s an unnecessary additional cost in many scenarios. The average person can do a perfectly adequate job packing your belongings, even fragile heirlooms. If you need guidance, seek out moving tutorials or videos online.
Compare Movers
This one is a bit obvious, but people will hire a moving company based on a flashy ad or word of mouth. It’s important to compare the rates among companies to find the one that fits your budget. You should also take into account the ways prices can fluctuate throughout the year. Some movers may have higher rates during peak season since they can afford to charge more, but they may have special promotions during the off-season to attract customers. It may be prudent to get estimates from multiple companies, then pick the most affordable rate. Just be wary of going too cheap. Replacing your furniture because of the moving company renders the entire point moot.
Prepare a Moving-Day Box
This is a box filled with the essentials you’ll need on your first day. Items such as plates, paper towels, and soap should be in it. It’s more of a time-saver than a money-saver, but it still prevents unnecessary costs. Rather than buying items you already have, you can just take them out of this prepared box.
There are exceptions, however. Life is unpredictable, and you may need something you didn’t think to put in the moving-day box. For last-minute purchases, try shopping at a dollar store. Many of the products available there, such as shampoo and dish soap, are comparable to the brands found at major retailers. They may even have the same selection of name brands. Some dollar stores also offer food if you need emergency provisions.
Host a Garage Sale
The best and most profitable way to get rid of unwanted items? Sell them! Holding a garage or yard sale is a great way to clear out unwanted clutter. Advertise around town with homemade signs or put a listing in the newspaper or on Craigslist. Be open to negotiation with potential buyers. You’ll need to be careful that nothing you want to keep is on the sale floor, so review items thoroughly.
Downsizing like this — or donating unwanted items — can help lower the cost of moving since there will be less to pack and travel with. It’ll also put some cash directly in your pocket. Alternatively, you can sell your belongings directly through sites like eBay or Craigslist.
Get Help From Family and Friends
We briefly touched on enlisting the aid of loved ones while packing, but there’s a lot more support they can offer. Say, for example, your college roommate lives between your current home and your new one. Maybe they can let you stay at their place overnight, which would save you money on a hotel. A relative can watch your children or pets while you focus on unpacking. They may even be able to help transport your belongings, removing the need to hire a moving company. Just be willing to return the favor when they move.
Consider Your Cable
Before you move, inform your cable company. Depending on the company, you may need to take additional actions. You’ll likely have to schedule an installation at your new home. In a worst-case scenario, they won’t offer cable service in that area and you’ll need to find a new provider.
This is the perfect excuse to re-evaluate your need for cable. Are there channels in your current package you never watch? Have you essentially dropped traditional television entirely? If so, you can switch to a more affordable plan. It’s also a good time to cancel any unused subscription services. If you never watch Disney Plus or Netflix, drop it. Not only will you save money, it’s also one less thing you’ll have to set up at the new place.
Have a Plan B
As the saying goes, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” Even if you meticulously plan each second of your move, something likely will go wrong. If it happens, be prepared. Having a backup plan will save not only money, but also your sanity. And really, that’s worth more than anything else when moving.