As anyone who has ever moved will likely tell you, moving is the worst. Between packing your life into cardboard boxes and how much it costs to do so, the process can be frustrating enough to make you reconsider the move. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way. Moving should be an adventure, not a daunting chore. There are various tips and tricks from Cheap Movers Phoenix that will help take the stress out of moving while saving you time and money.
1. DIY Packing
Regardless of whether you plan to move on your own or hire a moving company, pack the boxes yourself. Boxing up belongings is typically considered an additional service and will likely cost extra. Not only will this method save you money, it will also allow you to implement your own organizing system, for effortless unpacking.
2. Mail Your Books
You love your books, and there is no way you are leaving them behind. That being said, books are heavy, often bulky, and a general pain to move. Considering the fact that weight is a significant factor in determining cost, books can be an expensive inconvenience. Instead of packing your books with the rest of your things, use USPS to ship them to your new home. You can ship a 20-pound box of books by USPS media mail for less than $12.
3. Don’t Buy Boxes
When you think of moving, images of cardboard boxes instantly come to mind. The two go hand in hand, which is partially to blame for how much you will be charged for them. Instead of purchasing moving boxes, scour your office. Copy paper boxes are large and sturdy enough for moving. Check with local grocery stores and liquor stores, they typically have more boxes than they know what to do with.
4. Shop Around
As Money Crashers recommends, just because you’ve decided to hire a moving company does not mean that you should go with the first one you find. Speak with multiple companies, get quotes, and compare. This method allows you to compare not only prices but services offered, ensuring you get the best bang for your buck. Sites like Cheap Movers will let you compare rates from multiple movers all in one convenient place.
5. Eliminate Clutter
Throwing away things you don’t want or need seems like such a simple, common sense concept. For the vast majority of people, however, that is not the case. Moving serves as a stark reminder of just how much stuff you can accumulate without realizing. A yard sale or garage sale is a great way to manage clutter and make some extra cash. If you don’t have the time or patience for a yard sale, donate the items instead.
6. Don’t Buy Supplies
Packing supplies like bubble wrap and packing peanuts are expensive and, as it turns out, unnecessary. Save cash and space by using towels, coffee filter, blankets and even clothes to wrap fragile items.
7. Ask for Help
If hiring a professional is just totally out of the question, asking friends and family for assistance is one of the best ways to cut costs. This suggestion is often overlooked, however, usually to avoid being an imposition. While exploiting friends for free labor is not recommended, you might be surprised how many people would be happy to lend a hand.