How to Save Money on Your Next Big Move

Making a long-distance move can get out of hand if you don’t take the time to work out an actionable budget. Even after you do create a budget, you should continue to look for new ways to save on your expenses. When it comes to a move, most of the stress and frustration you’ll experience will come from the expenses associate with getting to your new home. By saving a few dollars here and there, you can reduce what you’ll spend, and you’ll get to your new community without feeling as anxious about the experience.

Rent a Moving Container

While there are many options available to help you relocate to your new home, renting a moving container is often the best option. This choice is especially helpful if you’re moving overseas or to an island that’s far from the coast. You would pack the container just as you would pack any storage unit while making sure the weight is evenly distributed throughout the container. Once you have finished packing everything into the container, the moving company will transport the container to your destination. Since the container can be flown or transported on a cargo ship, the fee will be lower than the amount you would pay for a moving van rental, insurance, and fuel.

Use Free Packing Supplies

There are some supplies, such as packing tape, that you will have to spend your money to buy, but you can get most of your packing supplies for free. You can save a significant amount of money on your move when you collect free boxes from area businesses. Find out when they get new shipments and ask for their leftover cardboard boxes. You can save on shipping popcorn and bubble wrap by wrapping breakables and antiques in clothing. Since you have to pack the clothing anyway, using your clothes and linen to wrap fragile items will also help you save space. Store charging cables, screws, and other small items in plastic food containers to limit your use of single-use plastic bags.

Consider Alternative Methods of Transportation

If you need to ship a car to Hawaii or to another overseas location, you should take the time to shop around for the most cost-effective solution. You should also consider your options for getting your family to your new destination. You can save on the relocation by shipping all of your belongings and using a form of public transportation for getting your family to their new home. Consider flying, riding a bus, or taking a train. These options will be cheaper than driving to your destination since you won’t have to stay in hotels and dine at expensive restaurants for several days in a row.

Move During the Off-Season

The time of year you choose for your relocation will deeply impact how much you’ll have to spend on the move. From fuel prices to moving van rentals, everything is cheaper during the fall and winter months. People travel less often during this time of the year, forcing business owners in the travel industry to drop their prices. You’ll also find that the move is less stressful since fewer travelers will be on the road. You can save even more money by using air travel miles, credit card rewards, and other discounts. Once you set your travel dates, look online for more deals that will help you save on fuel, dining, accommodations, and other moving services.

If there are no deals online for the time you’re booking, try calling the company directly. Once you have them on the phone, be sure to ask about any hidden fees, and ask if there are discounts they can offer you. Many moving companies may offer a great discount if you’re a member of AAA. Check with your insurance to see if they offer discounts for moving companies or car rental locations.

Creating a plan will help you eliminate the unnecessary spending that comes with uncertainty. This will help you save more of your money during the move. As a result, you’ll have the financial resources you need to relax and get acclimated to your new home once you arrive. You can set aside the money you saved from penny-pinching during the move, or you can treat your family to a nice dinner in your new city.