Moving can be expensive, but with a little creativity, there are ways to make your move without breaking the bank. Read on for some ideas about how to keep your costs down.
1. Purge Before You Pack
Take the time to purge unnecessary or unwanted items from your home. Go from room to room and evaluate everything. Determine what’s useful and what you no longer need, use, or want anymore.
After paring down, you will have fewer boxes and bags to pack and less need to purchase more packing materials.
Also, consider purging large items as some of those can cost more money to move than to just purchase a new item when you are in your next home. For instance a weight set or unused electronics like old desktop computers.
2. Use Free Moving Boxes
Check grocery, liquor, and big box stores for used but sturdy boxes for your move. Check with neighbors to see if they have any after a recent move or if they are throwing away large boxes after a large purchase of a TV or other electronics.
Save boxes both big and small from purchases made online from sites like Amazon. Each one of these free boxes will save you some money.
3. Put All Containers to Use
All containers are usable when you are trying to pack up for a move. Fill your hampers, laundry baskets, and suitcases with as many items as you can. Also, use your reusable shopping bags for lighter things.
Doing this will help you save money on boxes and other packing materials. The more creative you can be using things around the house to pack, the less you’ll spend on boxes.
Just be mindful of the weight of each container. You don’t want to break a hamper or tear a bag during your move.
4. Use Shredded Paper as Packing Peanuts
As part of your purging process, take this opportunity to go through your old paper files and lighten your load. Shred unneeded documents then reuse them as box filler. It’s a great way to save a little on filler material.
5. Line Boxes With Egg Cartons
Egg cartons are strong, light packing materials that most people forget about and throw away.
Egg cartons can be used to line your boxes during a move. They supply your items with an extra layer of security.
6. Avoid Moving Season
The most popular time of year to move is May through September.
Avoiding moving season all together is a smart choice if you’re moving on a budget. You can save a great deal of money. Plus, if you’re renting, landlords are anxious to fill vacancies during the winter.
Moving on a Budget in the Future
Moving is never an easy process. However, these tips should help make the experience smoother and more cost-effective.
Are you or anyone you know in the Tampa area planning an upcoming move? If so, please contact us so we can help you through the move!