There are a lot of pieces to the puzzle when it comes to making a move from one location to another. Hiring movers, decluttering the house, finding a new job, enrolling the children in a new school, and packing all the items you have accumulated over time in your current location. The list can be endless and the expenses can add up rather quickly.
As professional movers for over a decade, we understand the eagerness to try to save or cut costs on moving expenses. Our list for your today comes from our experiences with many families who wanted to keep to their budget while still having professional movers take care of their valuable possessions.
#1 Purge Your Home of Clutter
The less your movers have to move from one location to another, the lower your overall costs will be. For this reason, as well as for your own sanity, it is a good idea to declutter your home of items that are no longer useful to you.
From books to toys and clothes to seasonal items that are no longer used, box it all up and donate for a tax deduction or find a family that could use your items. Not only will there be less to move, but your home will be more organized and neat once you have fewer items to unpack at your new place.
#2 Sell Gently Used Items
As you declutter your home, you may find clothing items, furnishings, and seasonal decor that you can consign or sell on places like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
Not only will you be making a little cash, but again, it will mean less for your movers to pack and move.
#3 Get Multiple Quotes for Moving
Part of your budget crunching should include finding the best movers for your job. Don’t just go by price alone. Talk to them and find out about any hidden fees, insurance, and long distance moves.
Getting multiple quotes can help you understand what the overall cost of moving will be and allow you to meet the leadership at the company.
#4 Get Creative with Moving Supplies
If you are moving an entire home or apartment, you will need moving boxes of varying sizes as well as packing materials to keep your items safe for the move.
Use social media sites to ask family and friends, who may have recently moved for their boxes. Look online for department stores that are giving away wardrobe boxes or storage boxes that they use for their company. Many stores allow customers to take boxes such as Costco and BJ’s. Just be sure to call and ask for them to be put aside.
In terms of tape, labelling supplies, and markers, comparison shop or shop in bulk because most people do not have extras after their move. In this case, more is better.
#5 Pack Yourself
At Mastodon Moving, we do offer packing and unpacking services. However, we have many clients who want to organize their items and pack themselves. Doing this can save money and help you have a better sense of what will need to be unpacked in your new home.
#6 Look for Tax Deductions & Business Reimbursement
If your move is due to work, examine whether the move itself can be used as a tax deduction or if perhaps your company will reimburse for the move.
According to TurboTax, “if you move to a new location because of work, you could qualify to use “the IRS Form 3903 to claim the cost of your moving expenses as a deduction on your federal income tax return. The IRS allows taxpayers to deduct eligible moving costs from the taxable income they report on Form 1040.”
#7 Research Utility Shut Down Dates
As you get closer to your actual moving day, start calling your utility companies, including cable, water, electric, and heating to find out if it is better to shut off utilities at the end of the month or if they can prorate your cut off date.