When you buy a house, you prepare yourself for expected costs such as a down payment and closing fees. But if you want to make sure you don’t blow your budget, you should also take into account the costs associated with moving. Whether you hire a full-service moving company or take a more DIY approach, you’re going to need to set aside some money for your relocation. Fortunately, there are ways that you can save on your moving costs by not investing in supplies you don’t need or can get for free. Here’s what you should know.
Use what you already have
The most obvious thing you can do to save on moving costs is to use items you already have. If you’re like the rest of us, you’ve no doubt squirreled away things that can be used for your move. This can include plastic tubs, suitcases, backpacks, duffel bags, trash bags, and reusable shopping bags. Other items that can come in handy for your move include blankets, towels, sheets, and clothing for wrapping your things as you pack them.
Collect secondhand moving boxes
There are many ways that you can score free or very inexpensive boxes for your move. First, search online marketplaces such as Craigslist or your local “buy nothing” group for used boxes. Oftentimes, people will be happy to unload their boxes to another person after they’ve unpacked from a move. Grocery stores are another great place to find used boxes. Ask friends and neighbors if they have any boxes you can borrow or have. You may already have some of your own empty boxes in closets, the garage, or the basement that you can use as well.
Rent instead of buy
Did you know that in some places you can rent plastic moving boxes instead of buying them? This can save you quite a bit of money – and you’ll be helping the environment. In addition, you can rent other supplies that will be handy for your move including dollies and hand trucks. Your local home improvement store usually has items like these on hand that you can rent by the hour or by the day.
Buy other items in bulk
If you haven’t moved in a while, then you probably don’t realize just how much packing tape you’re going to need for your upcoming move. Get ahead of the game by ordering tape in bulk. You’ll save money on the per-unit cost and you’ll ensure that you don’t run out of tape at the very last minute.
Get rid of things you don’t need or want
Finally, the best advice for saving money on moving supplies is to not take with you the things you don’t need or want. Before you begin packing, go through all of your belongings and toss, donate, or sell the items you no longer use. By doing so, you’ll be saving money because you’ll use fewer supplies. And if you’ve hired a moving company that charges by weight, you’ll save money on those costs, too.
