How to save money when moving in 2023

Whether you’re downsizing or moving into a bigger home to accommodate your growing family – moving can be a hectic time. However, while starting a new chapter of your life in a new home might be fun, actually moving might be more stressful than you think. From sourcing cardboard boxes to finding a local moving service that can accommodate your needs, all the nitty gritty details can be a daunting task to take on and turn into a financial burden.

To help ease the stress, we put together a list of tips to help you save money on your move and prepare for the big day.

Let’s dive in.

Budget and plan

When you’re getting ready to move, you’ll want to take some time to plan and financially prepare for how much your move should cost you.  For example, there are moving calculators online that can help you get a rough estimate of how much you should plan on paying. You’ll also want to contact local moving services for quotes, compare pricing, and find one that works best for your budget.

We recommend starting the budget and planning process at least a month in advance to get all your ducks in a row.

Declutter your home

Moving is the perfect time to say goodbye to all those items you no longer use. The trinkets, old clothes, and forgotten items that are hidden away in boxes throughout your closet and garage.  Ask yourself – do all these items really need to come with you to your new home? While some items may be sentimental, others are simply a waste of space.

A few weeks before the big moving day, consider going through all of those items you no longer use, and if you’ve managed to accumulate more than you thought, having a yard sale over the weekend could be a great way to help declutter. You can also post items for sale on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp.

Not sure if you’ll get much cash for the items? Drop them off at a local charity, church, or thrift store. If you donate enough, you’re entitled to a tax deduction.

Taking the time to declutter and say goodbye to old items will help you save space, time, and money. Who knows, you might also make a few bucks!

Cancel current services

While it might be easier to get your utilities, subscriptions, and services to move with you, consider canceling them instead. Many services provide deals and specials for individuals that are in the moving process or new to the neighborhood. You will also have the opportunity to shop around and negotiate new prices with other service providers now that you’re contract-free.

Find the right local mover

When you’re trying to save money on moving, it can be tempting to work with the cheapest local movers on the market, but this can be a huge mistake. Keep in mind that the people you hire are responsible for the safety of your valuables and household items. If you go with the cheapest moving company on the market, you could be sacrificing quality.

When looking for a local moving service, always read the reviews, ask the right questions, and keep an eye out for hidden fees. Ask if the movers are licensed or professionally trained, so you can have the peace of mind you need to work with the local moving services you choose.

Ship books

Have an impressive collection of books you’re trying to get to a new location? Consider shipping them instead! Books are heavy and take up more space than you might think.

USPS offers a service called Media Mail. They will ship books to a new location for a cheaper rate than your standard shipping costs.

Don’t buy all your moving supplies

The cost of moving supplies can really start to add up. Before you head to the store and buy boxes, tape, and packing supplies you might need – it’s time to get creative.

Start by finding all the suitcases, tubs, hampers, and baskets you might have around your house. And every time you get a new package delivered, save the box for moving. This sustainable solution ensures you don’t need to buy tons of cardboard boxes you’ll only use once. If you still feel you might need a few boxes to get the job done, head down to your local grocery or furniture store to see if they have any leftover boxes you can have.

Lastly, instead of buying packing peanuts or newspapers to wrap your items, find what you can around the house. Use socks, towels, dish rags, and sweaters. Get creative! If you don’t have the time to run around looking for free supplies, Meathead Movers provides packing supplies and professional packing services that make moving and packing up for the big day a breeze.

Saving space and time

It always pays to be mindful of space when packing, and it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and throw items into a box without considering spatial relations. However, look at moving like a big game of Tetris where the end goal is to eliminate a few boxes. The more strategic you are, the more money, time, and space you can save.

Save money on your 2023 move

We aren’t going to beat around the bush: Moving can get expensive. If you want to save on expenses, it will take time, preparation, and some out-of-the-box thinking to ensure everything runs smoothly.

If you’re gearing up for a big move this year, you can always lean on Meathead Movers for all your moving services. Our team believes in providing you with the best moving experience possible. That’s why we provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

When you choose to work with us, you can also feel good about giving back to the community. Through our MTEDV: Move to End Domestic Violence initiative, we actively help victims of domestic violence move for free. With Meathead Movers, you can feel good about the moving services you choose, knowing you can help us make a difference in the community.

Contact us today to learn more about our local and long-distance moving services.