How to Move on A Tight Budget
Moving can be a stressful undertaking. It can be even more stressful if you’re trying to do it on a small budget. Fortunately, moving doesn’t have to be expensive if you know the right ways to cut down on costs. Here are some tips from our expert movers at Déménagement Total. These tips are for those moving on a tight budget, or anyone looking for cheap ways to move.
Start Packing Early
If you know you’re going to be moving out of your home in the near future, start packing early. Depending on how much stuff you have, this can be extremely time consuming so be proactive and get yourself a lot of boxes and other packing materials, such as heavy duty packing tape, bubble wrap, newspaper, markers for labeling, etc. The more time you give yourself to pack, the easier it will be when it comes time for the actual move.
Now quality packing materials can be pricey, and if you’re looking for cheap ways to move, you want to find the best materials for the cheapest price. There are several ways to do this. Your best bet is asking people on social media. You never know if someone has just finished a move and is looking to get rid of their boxes. You could end up with high-quality materials for free.
Another way to save costs on moving materials is to go to a local store, and ask if they have any used boxes they are getting rid of. These shipping boxes tend to be made of strong materials, so this could be another smart way to get great quality things for next to nothing.
Once you’ve got your packing materials, it’s time to start packing. Start with the least used spaces. For example, start packing up your basement or attic. Or you could start packing up materials that are less frequently used in busy rooms, like books and artwork. This is a great tip for when you are moving on a tight budget.
Arrange for Help Ahead of Time
An important step in planning your move is to line up help ahead of time. If possible, hire the best affordable moving company in your area to transport all of your belongings.
Moving on your own with the help of friends might, at first, seem like one of the cheap ways to move, but more often than not, furniture and other valuables end up getting damaged because of improper moving techniques. If you do your research, you will be surprised to learn there are some excellent low cost movers out there that can properly move your stuff while sticking to your budget.
Get A Free Estimate to Compare Costs
To get a sense of moving costs, it’s important to do some research and comparison shopping when looking for the best affordable moving company. The first step is to get at least three estimates from different companies. These may include a popular local mover, long-distance movers or even an international moving company.
You’ll want to ask each company for an estimate based on the same scope of work (the number of kilometres moved and how many items are being moved, and the types of items being moved, etc). This will help you see how much variation there is between estimates and which company offers the lowest price without sacrificing quality services.
You can also ask for references from past clients who have used their services recently so you have an idea about their customer service practices and reputation in the industry before hiring them for something as important as your moving day.
Also make sure that the mover has proof of insurance coverage before signing any contracts with them. This ensures that both yourself as well as your belongings will be protected should anything happen during transit. The best way to ensure this is by asking about their insurance policy.
If they cannot give you these details then it could mean they are not a reputable moving company, and you should run far away from these “pop up movers” who are just looking to make a quick buck, or worse, they are looking to take advantage of customers. Finding cheap ways to move isn’t an invitation to get scammed. So be a conscientious consumer when searching for the best affordable moving company.
Aside from checking out the aspects above, it is recommended to look into other factors such as whether they offer customizable moving plans. Some low-cost movers offer better rates if you bundle their services.
Another factor worth considering would be making sure that all fees associated with using their services are clearly stated beforehand through written documentation such as contracts & invoices. This way there will not be any last-minute surprise costs when moving on a tight budget.
Pack yourself
Packing your own things is another way to save costs. Some items are pretty straightforward, like clothing, books and other trinkets. However, packing properly requires more skill than you may expect. Improper packing techniques is the number one reason items get damaged during a move.
So if you are moving on a tight budget, and are attempting to take on this task yourself, take the time to learn how to pack things correctly. Here are some tips from our low cost movers when moving on a tight budget:
- Line the bottom of the box with bubble wrap, packing peanuts or crumpled packing paper. This acts as a cushion for the items inside.
- Place the heaviest items at the bottom. This helps with the weight distribution of the box.
- Individually wrap items with paper or bubble wrap depending on the fragility of the items.
- Don’t overfill the box, but also don’t leave too much space, as things can shift when moved.
- Tape each box with heavy duty tape. The last thing you want is a box to open during transport.
- Label and number each box using clear, legible writing. Use block writing and avoid cursive if possible. This makes it easy to read for everyone helping with the move.
These are some of our top tips for moving on a tight budget, however there are so many packing strategies our expert movers use, we could write a book! This is another reason why hiring professional packers is a way to make your moving experience so much easier.
Although, finding cheap ways to move doesn’t always mean having to do it all yourself. Sometimes, the best affordable moving company will offer you a special discount if you bundle their moving services. This is something to investigate when hiring low cost movers.
Try to Get Appliances Delivered Free of Charge
If you are moving into a new home, or if the previous owners took their appliances and you’ve had to buy new ones, don’t buy your appliances before you move. It’s always a good idea to check whether you can get appliances delivered free of charge. Many retailers offer this service.
It’s best to do some research before making any purchases so that you know what your options are when it comes time for delivery day!
By having your new appliances delivered for free, this can help save you costs because you will no longer need such a large moving truck, and the move will be a lot faster without including these bulky and heavy items. When moving on a tight budget, you have to consider every avenue to save costs.
Moving Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive If You Know Where to Look
Moving doesn’t have to be expensive if you know where to look. Follow our tips on how to save money when moving on a tight budget, from hiring low cost movers and packing yourself, to getting appliances delivered free of charge for a cheap way to move.
Moving on A Tight Budget with Déménagement Total
Moving on a tight budget can be a challenge, but there are ways to save money if you’re willing to do some work up front. If you play your cards right and find low cost movers and are prepared to pack your items yourself and arrange for help ahead of time, you can find yourself in a situation where you can save some money when moving on a tight budget.
Finding the best affordable moving company, like Déménagement Total, can surprise you with their affordability and high-quality service. Just because you have a tight budget doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a great moving service. Call Déménagement Total to get your free quote today!
