Save money on your next household move

Saving money on your next move

Making a big move can seem like a daunting task. Whether you are moving across town or across the country, it's expensive and time consuming. There are many ways to make small savings that add up, and a few ways you can save big.

If your moving schedule is flexible, you have a great opportunity to save a lot of money, in some cases up to 75% or so. Transporters, especially smaller owner operated ones, often have to deal with half-empty trailers (less-than-truckload) and "empty miles" where they drive long distances with nothing to haul...

• Contact local transporters and see if they offer less-than-truckload shipping options. You save money by splitting the costs of the move with other people and the transporter benefits by not carrying empty space.
• To take advantage of "empty miles", try contacting transporters at or around your destination, and ask if they have any empty trucks returning from your current location. If they have trucks in your area, they may offer you a great deal on transportation to your destination, but you may need to be ready to move quickly.

Small savings on your move add up

Boxes, packing peanuts, bubble-wrap, tape, markers, box cutters; individually, these are small expenses, but they quickly add up. It is not unusual to spend $500 for enough materials to pack a three or four bedroom home. Take an inventory of what you have to get a general idea of how many boxes you are going to need, and then find ways to get them for free.

• Grocery stores, shops and boutiques are great places to start. Talk to any employee about how to get a few of their empty boxes. If you live near a school with a large cafeteria, talk to the cafeteria manager about saving the boxes they get the food shipments in, as they will easily have 10 boxes a week you can pick up. Get more boxes than you think you need, and in a variety of sizes, if you have extras, you can drop them in the recycling bin!
• Rather than buying new packing peanuts, paper, and bubble wrap, you can often find these for free on craigslist or through your local recycling center. You can also fill grocery bags with shredded paper or newspaper to cushion your belongings.Towels, small rugs, and t-shirts can also fill these spaces. Packing paper is usually rebranded newsprint. You can often buy a roll of newsprint at an arts and crafts store for 30-50% less than packing paper!
• If you're hiring movers, be ready for them when they show up. Most of them charge by the hour, and the less idle time the better. Time they spend waiting for you to fill up that last box is still costing you money.
• Move less stuff. You cansave money short term and long term by selling your old appliances and buying new, energy-efficient ones when you arrive. The moving savings, utilities savings, and the price you sell your old appliances for, will in many cases more than justify the new purchase.