Making a Move this Spring? Tips for Saving Time and Money While Moving

Spring is just days away; so, not only may spring cleaning be on your mind, but how about a little spring moving? If you’re in the market for a new home, there is no doubt that this is an exciting time. But, with that excitement comes the typical stress that goes along with the moving process.

Whether you’re planning to hire movers or make it a DIY move, there are some additional things you can do to save yourself time and money throughout your move.

From pre-move to post-move, here are a few tips for streamlining your moving process this spring:

• Make a Budget. Before you begin packing anything, begin your moving process by creating a realistic budget. Not only will making a budget help you to track where you’re spending money during your move, budgeting will also help you make sure you don’t forget any important steps in the moving process.

When you make a moving budget, be sure to include the potential costs of hiring movers, renting a truck and buying supplies like boxes, packing tape and packing paper. You may also want to include the additional costs of feeding any members of your moving crew, whether they’re family, friends or professionals!

• Explore All Options. Even if you decide that hiring a professional moving company is not in your budget, check into the costs of a moving container company. Those companies will allow you to do some of it yourself, a.k.a. packing and loading, but leave the storing and transporting to the professionals.

• Ask for Freebies. An easy way to go green and save some green while you move is by borrowing boxes and other moving supplies. Why pay a premium at home improvement stores when you can score free boxes from hospitals, restaurants, schools, recycling centers or department stores?

Begin searching for boxes long before you plan to move. You’ll also save time, because you will be able to pack as you go. You can also save an extra buck by not buying packing paper or foam peanuts. Instead, use your own extra sheets or bedding as packing material.

• Kick-start Spring Cleaning. When spring is mentioned, spring cleaning comes to mind. If you know you have a move coming up, make sure your spring cleaning list includes not only cleaning out and either selling or donating pieces of your wardrobe that you no longer wear, but also doing the same for other items around your house that you no longer use.

For instance, if you have home décor or dishware that you haven’t used in over a year, why not donate it? Remember, donations also equal tax deductions at the end of the year. After you’ve gotten rid of some of the things you don’t use anyway, packing will take less time because you will have less to move!

• Take Measurements. While you’re cleaning things out of your old home, be sure to take notice of just how much space you will have in your new home. Do some measuring and make sure that your oversized couch or king bed will fit into your home. If they won’t, shed those major moving items before you get to your new place.

• Get with the Times. When you’re planning a move, it is important to use every resource at your fingertips and that statement cannot be taken too literally. Look for movers, supplies or even ways to organize online! Sites like Craigslist or Facebook can be helpful for recruiting professional movers, friends or family to help out during your move. The sites are also great places to quickly sell some of the items that you don’t intend to move.

If you don’t have time to hop online, download an app to your smartphone. You can find apps that are helpful for everything from packing and unpacking to finding movers.

• Evaluate and Negotiate. Know just how much your move could be worth for you. If you’re moving for a job, there is a chance that your move could be tax deductible. Even if it’s not, you may be able to negotiate moving costs into your new employment contract. Now, that’s making your new job and your move worth your while!

• Be Flexible. If you’ve got a flexible timeframe for moving, try to choose and off-time, when moving companies may not be as busy. Usually, mid-month or mid-week rates are lower than end of month or weekend move rates, because many people have to move during those times. If you’ve got some time, being flexible could save you some cash!

• Stay Ahead of Your Bills. A little final housekeeping in the home you’re leaving could save you additional costs on bills. Before you move, make sure you’ve set up an appropriate date to turn off your utilities and any other monthly maintenance fees that are associated with your home.

While you’re at it, check your current homeowner’s insurance policy to see if your move is insured or if you might need to take out an additional policy to protect your goods.

• Keep a Record. While it may tack on a little extra time when you’re in the midst of the moving process, taking an inventory of the items you’re moving will save you some major time when you’re unpacking. Knowing what you’ve packed and where you packed it can make setting up your new home a breeze!

• Organize. Organize. Organize. Finally, throughout the move process, there is one major key to saving time and even money: organization. Doing the small things in advance will make sure that you’re not overspending, overpacking or overexerting yourself as you move.