Even with the best-laid plans, moving can be a stressful time. One of the biggest worries is the costs involved. In addition to new leases, rents, and utilities, many also get hit with high moving fees.
Before starting a move, it’s important to sit down and plan all aspects and anticipate all challenges.
Fortunately, one can successfully lower these costs with the right planning and strategies.
Budget and plan
Before starting a move, it’s important to sit down and plan all aspects and anticipate all challenges. The better the plan, the fewer nasty surprises. Create a checklist of all things to be moved and how they will be transported. Having all items accounted for beforehand will ensure nothing gets forgotten and that you get the most value out of your moving company.
Choosing when to move can also impact costs. Try to move off-season when demand and costs are lower.
Decide in advance how much to spend on the move. Having a budget will help narrow down the options when looking for movers and where alternative plans are necessary.
Shop around
As of 2022, there were approximately 16,851 moving companies in the U.S., some local and nationwide. That’s a lot of choices, which can be both a gift and a curse. Therefore, it helps to have a budget and an idea of what to look for before searching.
Be sure to get multiple quotes when looking at movers. Some firms may add costs like gas and mileage, so always enquire beforehand. While larger companies may have more established reputations, finding better deals with local movers is possible. They’ll know the area better and can offer lower prices with less overheads to worry about.
Tidy up
Homeowners can accumulate a lot of possessions over the years. Before moving, deciding what you need and what can be left behind is a good idea. Here are a few ways to get rid of unnecessary items before a move:
Donating old clothes to charity shops
Hosting a garage or yard sale
Selling bigger items on online forums
Selling or leaving items with the new owners
The lighter the load, the lower the costs. Any money made selling items can also go towards the move.
Don’t leave everything to the movers
While larger furniture and appliances will need the larger trucks and manpower of a moving service, many smaller items don’t. Enlist the help of friends, use your vehicle, or even hire a small truck for the weekend.
Packaging can get expensive quickly and is an often-overlooked area for moving. If you know about the move long in advance, then be sure to save boxes and other packing materials for transporting goods. It is always better to be proactive in minimizing all moving costs.
Aardvark Movers Inc., a Phoenix Arizona moving company, has the most experienced movers for all your residential, office or apartment relocation needs. We serve Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Glendale, Cave Creek, Carefree, Surprise, Sun City, Paradise Valley, Apache Junction, Maricopa County and all of Arizona. 602-716-5555.
