As we all know, moving can be extremely expensive. You need boxes, moving trucks, days off, and other fun things that—in all honesty—kind of suck. At the end of the day, once you factor in the pizza and beer you’ve bought everyone, you’re lucky if your move costs less than $400.00 (for bigger houses), which is a real downer, considering you just bought a house. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can make absolute sure that your move doesn’t break the bank, and not all of them are illegal! Here are the best ways to ensure you save some dough during your move out day.
1. Get Creative with Boxes
Boxes can be expensive, if you have enough stuff, so it’s time to get smart and find alternate ways of getting some. Fortunately, there are a whole bunch of easy ways to get boxes; you just have to be willing to get your hands dirty (literally). One of the tried and true methods I’ve always used is checking the dumpsters behind department and grocery stores, which are almost always filled to the brim with folded packing boxes just ripe for the taking.
Granted, the legality of this is a little shady; but, desperate times call for desperate measures, as they say. Now, if you wish to stay outside of these legal grey areas, it gets a little harder, though it still can be done. All you need to do is ask a friend who works at Target, Costco, or whatever if they can ask their boss for some free boxes. It doesn’t always work; however, many companies—rather than reusing boxes—end up throwing them out anyway, and your friend’s boss may feel willing to let you take your pick instead of throwing them out. It’s a longshot, but it’s worked for me before, and it should work for you!
2. Use your Furniture
When you are filling your truck with stuff, the one thing that takes more room than anything else is furniture. Couches, armoires, and cabinets are so big that, oftentimes, it takes one trip just for them, particularly if you are just using pickup trucks. But, if you want to save trips, money, and time, then it’s time to make creative use of the space within that furniture. Put boxes, loose items, and other such items in any space that you can, so you can avoid making extra trips. Remember; extra trips = more money, so do everything you can to stay off the road.
3. Measure your Need for Professional Moving
Oftentimes, you really do need a large moving truck to get your stuff to your new destination. But, don’t just take that as a given! If you have a small place, friends with trucks, and aren’t moving too far away, you might not even have to rent a moving vehicle.All you have to do is attract as many friends as possible with pizza, beer, and other fun things so you can get the help you need. On the other hand, if you do end up needing a moving truck, just make absolute positive that you’re getting the best deal possible. There are better deals out there than U-Haul; you just have to find them.
4. Move in Over Time
Many people end up taking a day or two off work, just so they can move in all in one go. But, if you bought the house, and you haven’t sold your current house, it might be a great idea to move in over the course of the week, and only at night. Not only will you be able to avoid the screaming hot temperatures of the day (assuming your moving during the summer), but you also won’t have to miss work AND it will be a heck of a lot less stressful. Yeah, you might think it’s better to get it over with in one go—and maybe you’re right in certain cases—but, for your wallet’s sake, a gradual move may be best for you.
Tyler Fleck is a multi-purpose blogger who hates moving, but does it anyway (mostly because he’s had no choice). If you have more questions, email him, or visit his sponsor EZ Move, for whom this blog was written. They are the best long distance movers in Tucson, and they offer great professional moving services in the Tucson area. Visit their site for more info, or to make an appointment. Thanks for reading!
