Moving to a new city is exciting, especially if you’re relocating to another state. You have the opportunity to meet new people and take in all of the local attractions for the first time. While you may be thrilled to settle down in a new place, a lot of your excitement can go out the window when you consider the moving process. Even a small move can come with headaches.
While some things you can’t control, there are others you can, such as moving expenses. There’s no reason to pay more than you should, working with the right partners will even maximize savings on small-scale relocations. Using a little common sense and following a few helpful tips will help keep your long-distance small move in a budget-friendly price range.
What is a Small Move
A small move doesn’t mean only moving down the block or even changing apartments in the same building. A small move actually refers to the weight of your belongings. Large or big moves typically involve items weighing over 2,000 lbs. Think of bed frames and furniture, along with everything else you have crammed into your house.
Small moves are 2,000 lbs or less. Basically, you’re moving less stuff. You may be leaving the heavier items behind or simply don’t have a lot of stuff.
Keeping Your Small Move Costs Down
Since you’re shipping fewer items to your new address, you’d think costs will automatically be lower. However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, a small move can end up costing you almost as much as a large move.
How this happens depends on a few factors, like the moving/shipping service. Other factors include supplies and even the time of the year. Yes, moving prices can change with the seasons. Before you lock in a moving or shipping company, here are a few tips on how you can keep costs down.
Get Estimates
Even getting quotes from a couple of moving and/or shipping companies will give you an idea of the average cost of a small move. Don’t stop at two or so estimates; keep comparing prices. Try to contact around four or five services. This way, you’ll have a good idea of what your small move should cost.
While it’s tempting to go with the lowest-priced service, this isn’t always a good idea. You know the saying, you get what you pay for? This applies to moving and shipping companies. The lowest-priced service may not be able to provide delivery guarantees or take the best care of your items. You may end up in your new place without your belongings or dealing with broken stuff when it finally arrives.
A good tip to follow is to skip the cheapest service and go with one offering a middle-of-the-road price.
Don’t Buy Supplies From the Moving Company
Yes, it’s easy and extremely convenient. While you’re scheduling your move, you can also pick up all of the necessary supplies. From packing tape and boxes to protective wrap and labels, most shipping companies carry everything you need to pack your belongings. Adding to the convenience, you may even be able to add the supplies to your moving costs. One swipe of your credit card and your move and supplies are covered.
While it’s hard to beat the convenience, it also comes at a price. You should expect to pay more for supplies purchased at the shipping service. Think of the higher price as the cost of convenience. However, this isn’t good news for your budget.
To keep your small move costs to a minimum, find another way to get your supplies. Hit up grocery and big box stores. These places often have used product boxes waiting for the trash. Even if the boxes are broken down, they’re still usable. A bit of tape and the box is as good as new. Best of all, the boxes are free. You may even be able to find protective wrapping heading to the trash at some of these types of stores.
As for labels, pens, and packing tape, everyone from grocery stores to convenience shops has these items for sale on their shelves. You’ll also notice the price is significantly lower than what you’d pay at the shipping center.
Get Rid of Your Excess Stuff
Everyone has stuff crammed into drawers and closets they never use. Some of this stuff, you may not even know how to use. You may even have doubles of the same item, like multiple blenders or more than one automatic coffee maker.
Before you start boxing everything up, host a garage sale. Your neighbors and complete strangers often want the items you don’t want to take with you. Not only does this mean less for you to pack, but the garage sale also puts extra money in your pocket.
What doesn’t sell, consider donating to charity. Now, you even have a tax write-off to go with your garage sale proceeds.
Become a Strategic Packer
Don’t worry; you’re not going to need a sheet of graphic paper or a calculator to be a strategic packer. Just some time and a little common sense if enough. Before you start tossing items randomly into boxes, create a few piles. Each pile should only include items from the same room. For example, kitchen gear in one pile and your bathroom stuff in another.
Whenever possible, try to nest items inside of other ones. Bowls can often fit together, and a shoe box can often hold a little more than shoes. Keeping items organized will make unpacking a lot easier. Nesting items will help save space. In other words, you can often fit more in one box when you practice nesting.
The fewer boxes you have to ship, the less you’ll pay for your small move.
Move Without Stress
With a little planning, you can minimize the stress that comes with a long-distance move. This can also help you save some money. Even a small move can be a little pricey, but you can limit the cost. Don’t forget to use your own supplies; it’s amazing how much this single step can help you save on moving costs.
