Relocation is rarely inexpensive, so a DIY move is a way to go for those whose budget doesn’t allow for hiring professional movers, and for those who simply want to handle things on their own. The physical moving part is only one expense that you have to deal with when moving. Hiring professionals to help you is sometimes cheaper than doing it yourself, but it all depends on the situation. If you’re moving just around the corner and you have a small household, you’ll probably be fine on your own. But if you’re moving long-distance, getting professionals to handle at least one part of your move may be a money-saving option. If you’re about to move a house DIY and not sure how to make it affordable, Century Moving Services got you covered. We’ve prepared a list of 9 ways to save money when DIY moving.
1. Check out moving deals and coupons
When you change your address, your post office should give you plenty of different services related to moving − don’t throw them away but rather look carefully at each coupon because it can save you a lot of money. Update your address as soon as possible so you could take advantage of various discounts and coupons.
2. Sell unnecessary items
Who doesn’t love a yard sale? You can get rid of unnecessary things while making money, so make sure to organize a sale to have a budget-friendly relocation. You can use the extra cash to buy moving supplies, pay for tickets, or buy anything else you may need when performing a DIY move. To have a successful yard sale, go through each room – start from rarely used rooms like attic or basement and work towards the busiest rooms like kitchen or living room. While you’re sorting things out, separate them into three piles and put each item in the box that’s labeled “keep”, “sell”, “donate”. Once you have a “sell” pile, you’re ready to start preparing for the sale. If you’re moving far away, it’s also a good idea to sell your heavy appliances and buy new ones after you reach your new home.
3. Meal prep
Do you know how much money a person spends while organizing relocation, especially when it’s a DIY move? Well, more than one may want to admit. To save money when you’re moving DIY, be smart about your meals and prepare in advance to avoid eating out and ordering food. Take a look at your fridge and pantry, and make a menu based on the groceries you already have. Preparing meals may seem time-consuming, but it will help you stay on budget. Firstly, you won’t have to spend money on going out for dinner, plus, you won’t throw away the food you’ve already spent money on.
4. Start early
Last-minute decisions often lead to unexpected expenses, so you want to be as prepared as possible when moving DIY. The sooner the moving day is the more services will cost you, so plan and book in advance all the moving-related services you need, including renting a moving vehicle, buying tickets, etc.
5. Get free moving boxes
Another great way to save money when performing a DIY move is to get some free moving supplies. Start with finding free moving boxes; check out websites like Craigslist, Offerup, Letgo, Facebook Marketplace, etc. You can also ask friends and family members if they have some boxes to give to you. Your local stores will likely have cardboard boxes they don’t need, so make sure to check out your local grocery store, liquor store, bookstore, etc. Even though moving boxes are generally inexpensive, every little thing counts when you want to save money on moving.
6. DIY packing
To save money on a DIY move, you’ll want to pack like a pro. The first way to save is to use everything you can for packing and follow the nesting method – just like Russian nesting dolls. Place your smaller items inside bigger items and this will save you space allowing you to rent a smaller moving vehicle, which costs less. Using your bags and suitcase for packing is also a must when moving DIY. Inform more on packing tips from professionals and use them as guidelines when packing on your own.
7. Leave clothes on hangers
If you’re moving nearby, you can make it easier and save some money on buying packing materials by simply leaving clothes on hangers. Besides saving a few bucks, you’ll also save time on taking clothes off the hangers and packing them in moving boxes.
8. Pack an essentials box
Unexpected moving expenses often come from buying necessary items in the first few days. You may forget your toothpaste and buy a new one, you may be too tired to go through all the boxes searching for a fresh pair of underwear and just buy another pair, or you may need to get a bar of soap because you haven’t thought about bringing it. All those small expenses add up and eventually you find yourself having unnecessary expenses. To avoid these types of situations, pack an essentials bag before you pack your household items. Include everything you need for a couple of days, including necessary toiletries, change of clothes, clean bedding and towels, medications, some snacks, etc.
9. Get helpers
Regardless of whether you’re hiring services or moving DIY, you’ll need a few helping hands, but friends are probably the most important part of moving on a budget. Reach out to your close friends or family members and ask them to help you out, whether it’s packing, driving, loading, or unloading. Friends are also important if you’re moving with kids or pets, as they can look after them for a day. Otherwise, you’ll have to spend money on hiring a babysitter, and it’s much better to treat your friend after your move is done. You don’t have to show your appreciation for their help by making something extravagant, just fine a budget-friendly option that works for everyone – pizza and a few drinks will usually do the trick.
When performing a DIY move you can save some money, but you could easily encounter issues due to the lack of resources, such as issues with transport, packing, moving & loading heavy items, breaking the time frame, and so on. If a DIY move turns out to be too much for you, contact reliable local moving services NJ and hire professional help for your local or long-distance move.