4 Money-Saving Hacks for Moving Cheap

By Kailey Walters on July 8, 2018

When it comes to moving in or out of a new place, you can almost always bet that it’s not going to come cheap. What with the various costs of renting a moving truck and getting people to actually help move your stuff, the entire moving process can certainly rack up a lot of expenses.

However, it doesn’t always have to decimate your bank account. There are a few tips and tricks you can use to make the moving process a little cheaper (and a bit of a happier experience).

via Pexels.com

1. Don’t break the bank getting a moving truck.

When you think about the moving process, a moving truck is probably one of the first, most costly expenses that comes to mind. However, you can change that stigma for yourself by seeking out some cheaper alternatives.

One great option is Amtrak Express Shipping, which you can use to ship your first 100 pounds of belongings anywhere in the United States, with a flat rate of $67. (Each additional pound is 57 cents.) While it is your responsibility to pack and transport your own boxes to Amtrak, this option can certainly be a much less expensive alternative to renting a moving truck.

If you happen to not have that many belongings (i.e. less than 250 pounds of stuff) and no large, bulky pieces of furniture, taking a Greyhound bus is definitely one of the most affordable moving options.

Something else you can do is rent a trailer to help move your stuff. If you have extra stuff that won’t fit in your personal vehicle, but it isn’t enough to warrant renting an entire moving truck, getting a trailer could be a good idea. The main stipulation here is that you’ll need a tow package and trailer hitch for this to work.

2. Do your research on cheap movers.

Hiring people to actually help you move all your stuff can certainly be expensive as well. Thankfully, there are a number of options out there that can help you save money on movers.

One of the more obvious ones is recruiting your friends and family members to help you out. This isn’t a bad idea — just make sure the people you’re asking are okay with giving up a large chunk of their day to help you move. If you do go with this option, make sure to let them know how much you appreciate their assistance, perhaps by offering them something in return once you’re all done moving in.

Another idea is to do your research online for high-quality (yet inexpensive) movers. Several options include Groupon, Dolly.com, PockItShip, and HirePatriots.

3. Get rid of some of your things.

Maybe this is the last thing you want to hear, especially if you tend to be a sentimentalist, but getting rid of some unnecessary belongings could help make your move a lot easier and less costly. Go through your things and decide on what you’ll keep and what you’ll get rid of. In this case, “getting rid of” doesn’t necessarily mean simply tossing it — donating or selling those items are also options. Of course, selling your unwanted belongings is a particularly effective strategy, as you can kill two birds with one stone by making the packing process easier for yourself and earning a little extra cash. Once you’ve gotten rid of the things you don’t need, your packing experience will be made that much less stressful. And the best part is that, with less stuff to pack, you won’t have to pay as much of a hefty price for the overall weight of your belongings.

4. Get free moving boxes.

This may not be a primary expense that comes to mind, but even moving boxes can get a little pricey if you’re not careful.

If you know ahead of time that you will soon be moving, start stocking up on any cardboard boxes you can get your hands on. They could be boxes you’ve had just lying around for a while, or perhaps you can ask among your neighbors, friends, and family members if they happen to have any extra boxes.

You can also ask grocery stores if they would be willing to give you some of their extra boxes, as they’re sure to have many empty, unused cardboard boxes. Some stores to start at could include Walmart, Costco, and Target, and even stores like Sears, Walgreens, CVS, and Best Buy thanks to the boxes they use for inventory.

With so many options available for you to save money on moving, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t take advantage and get the most bang for your buck. Knowing that you did the best you could to save on the moving process will make everything that much sweeter once you’re finally all settled in. Happy moving!

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