Did you also know that moving house is one of the most expensive things we do in life, after buying a car and paying for our children’s college education? This is because there are so many things we have to pay for when we move, from hiring a moving company to buying packing supplies.
In this article, we will share the top money-saving tips when moving house. By following these tips, you can plan ahead and be sure you will not overspend on your move and end up in debt from moving costs and very expensive removal companies.
Hire professional removal companies
One of the most important things you can do to save money when moving house. A professional moving company will know how to pack your belongings properly and safely, saving you a lot of time and money. They will also be able to move your belongings quickly and efficiently, saving you even more money.
Buy used packing boxes and packing materials
If you are on a tight budget when moving house, buying used packing boxes and packing materials like bubble wrap is a great way to save a huge amount of money. You can find these items online or at your local grocery store. Make sure the boxes are sturdy and in good condition so that your belongings will not be damaged during the move. You can find the best deal with the removal company you hire, most of them include packing supplies for the move,
Get rid of unwanted items
Before you start packing, look around your home and get rid of any unwanted items. How much stuff can you bring into your new home? Holding a yard sale before moving house is one of the great money saving tips. You’ll use up fewer boxes and need a smaller moving truck if you carry less items into your new house. You can opt to bring your washing machines to your new address or buy a smaller one when you get there so you can have more space and see where it will fit best in the house.
Pack your belongings
If you have the time and energy, packing your belongings is a great way to save money, and this is because you will not have to pay for hiring a professional mover. However, if you do not think you can do it yourself, it is best to plan ahead and let the removal company handle these for you. You will also save money and save time by hiring removalists because you can focus on other things inside the new home rather than just pack and feel stressed on moving day.
Schedule your move during the off-peak season
Moving house costs are usually higher during the peak season in Australia, and this is because more people are moving during this time. If you want to save extra cash on costs, it is best to schedule your move during the off-peak season, which is from May to September. You can ask for the best prices if you move to your new house mid-week. Some forward thinking will help in saving money especially if you are in a tight financial situation and don’t want to spend too much of your hard-earned cash. Remember that there will be utility providers to pay in the first few days in your new address, so saving money in eery possible way is top priority.
Get multiple quotes
When looking for a removal company, it is important to get multiple quotes. This way, you can compare the costs and services of different companies and choose the one that is the most affordable. You can use listing directories like Industry Top 5 to help you find reliable and affordable moving companies and removals services in your area. You can also ask different costs for packing, furniture assembly, and even the cost removals storage in case your new home is not ready for occupancy yet. You can store furniture, clothes, other remaining items in your old property, old magazines you cannot bear to part with and even antique furniture that you are not selling.
Negotiate the price
Once you have chosen a moving company, it is important to negotiate with them. This is because most companies are willing to give discounts if you book early or if you are moving during the off-peak season. You can also choose what services you want to be included in the price, such as packing and unpacking, to save even more money.
Get insurance
Another way to save money when moving house is to get insurance. This will protect your belongings in case they are damaged during the move. It is important to compare the different policies before choosing one to find the one that is right for you. The moving company should also have insurance to cover any damages they may cause to your belongings.
Set a budget
The last way to save money when moving house is to set a budget. This will help you track your expenses and ensure you do not overspend on your move. Make sure to include all the costs of your move, such as the cost of hiring a moving company, in your budget.
Get some help from family and friends
Another great way to save money when moving is to get help from family and friends. They can help you pack, unpack, and even drive your belongings to your new home. This way, you can leave the heavy stuff to the professionals and save money. Make sure to repay them with a nice dinner or a bottle of wine once you’re fully settled in!
By following these money-saving tips, you can be sure you will not overspend on your move and end up in debt. Moving house can be stressful and expensive, but it does not have to be. By being prepared and knowing what to do, you can save money on your move if you watch where and how you spend money.
