There are few times in life that are as chaotic and stressful as moving. You have to consider a million moving parts, and something is always bound to go wrong. Plus, moving can be a real financial drain. Unless you are moving for a new job that is providing a generous relocation bonus, moving will probably require a sizeable chunk of your change. But you don't have to break the bank on your next move. Here are three ways you can save money when you move:
Think Ahead
You're going to have a lot to take care of before you move, but don't let that keep you from making a solid plan. Even if you feel pressed for time, it will be worth it to sit down and think about the details well before you actually start moving. Not only will this allow you to think about your budget and anticipate any additional expenses, it will help you stay more organized and grounded. For example, if you plan ahead, you will have plenty of time to find a trustworthy moving company and shop around for the best rate. Not to mention you won't run the risk of discovering at the last minute that all the moving companies in town are booked up. Plus, creating a plan and budget will help you anticipate the potential for overspends and keep you on track.
Tis The Season… For Moving
You can probably guess that the most popular time to move is the summer. Summer moves are much easier because there isn't the additional worry of moving in the middle of a snowstorm or driving a moving truck on icy highways. Unfortunately, the popularity of summer moves means that moving companies and truck rentals will likely be more expensive and it will be harder to reserve the days you want. It's not always feasible to choose when we move, but if you have a choice in the matter, it will probably be less expensive to move in the fall or the spring instead of the summer months. And if you must move during the summer, a weekday move should be more economical than a weekend move.
Be Specific And Ask For What You Want
If you will be working with a service like a moving company or rental agent, it is possible that you could run into hidden fee. This means that it's very important to tell your movers or agent exactly what your moving situation entails and what exactly you expect from them. Ask what services could cost extra and talk together to anticipate any costly issues. Also, you don't have to assume that a quoted price is the moving company's final offer. Don't be afraid to negotiate.
Author's bio: Logan is a guest author and relocation expert. He believes using a moving company will usually make for a smoother, cheaper move for most people.