Are you considering moving to a new home using a removals company? Perhaps you are downsizing or even upscaling while staying in the same city or town. On the other hand, are you possibly relocating to a new town because you’ve accepted a new position at a new company?
There is any number of valid reasons why you are moving to a new home. Suffice to say, the only reason might be just because you want to move. No other reasons are necessary.
Moving can be rather expensive, especially if you are relocating to another state or even another city. Therefore, here are 12 different tips provided by primetexasmovers.com to help you move as cost-effectively as possible.
Table of Contents
1. Draw up a project plan detailing every small detail
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As soon as your moving date and destination have been finalized, the first and most crucial step is to draw up a project plan, detailing every task needed to be completed before the moving date arrives. The best tool to use is a Gantt Chart, a visual view of all tasks scheduled overtime. These charts are used for planning projects of all sizes, and they are a good way to show what work is planned for a particular day. Finally, they also help you view the project start and end dates in one view.
2. Donate, sell, or throw out the items you no longer want
Every box you pack and every item that gets loaded into the removals truck will cost money. Thus, it is vital not to pack and move items that are no longer needed, wanted, or broken and irreparable. In this way, you’ll radically eliminate clutter and excess packing boxes, resulting in a substantial reduction in the price of your move.
3. Pack yourself
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There are usually two options available to people moving. Either you pack your own boxes, or you ask the removals company to pack your house up on your behalf. If you are moving on a shoestring budget, the only real option available is to pack yourself. Not only will this save money, but it will also ensure that you know where all of your possessions are at all times.
4. Research where to buy packing materials
It is essential to take the time to research what and where to buy the packing materials you need. At a minimum, you’ll need lots of boxes of different sizes, a permanent marker or two, and paper packing tape.
5. Search for second-hand or free packing materials
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Find second-hand or free boxes on online classified sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. The caveat here is to ensure that the boxes are still in a usable condition and that they do not collapse when packed full of heavy items like books, glassware, and kitchen pots and pans.
6. Move your valuables yourself
We have already established that packing yourself is a wise choice. Additionally, it is a good idea to pack your valuables into your car and move them yourself, especially if you have valuables and trinkets with sentimental value; thus, they are unreplaceable. It does not matter how carefully the moving team loads your possessions into the removals truck; there is still a risk that small items might get broken or chipped.
7. Move during the off-season
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Removalists often have discount prices for clients who move during their off-season. Thus, if possible, try and schedule your move during the moving company’s quiet months or weeks. This is not always possible, especially if you have a deadline to be out of your current home or start your new job. However, it is definitely worth considering and chatting to the company’s customer service agents.
8. Move during the week
If there is a deadline that you have to meet and cannot move during the off-season, the next best option is to move during the middle of the week. Most removals companies are quiet during the middle of the week and will be happy to pick up a midweek removals contract. And if you ask, you might find that there might be a midweek moving discount on offer.
9. Don’t hire cheap movers
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This tip seems to be counterintuitive to the topic of moving on a shoestring budget. On the other hand, it is essential to hire a removalist who has a good reputation, is insured, and meets the state and federal documentary requirements. Otherwise, you could end up with a disastrous move, either dealing with losses or having to face breakages and damaged household goods. Therefore, before signing on the dotted line, check to see how well your choice is rated online and in your neighborhood.
10. Pay attention to the costs and extra fees
When discussing your moving requirements with a removalist, it is essential to ensure no hidden costs in the quotation. In other words, read the fine print before you sign the contract and pay the deposit. Some moving companies quote a base rate without the added extras. Consequently, it is easy to assume that the base cost is the total cost, with shocking consequences when the final invoice arrives.
11. Ask your removalist for a fixed price quote
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A fixed price is defined as a price set for goods or services that are not subject to bargaining or hour-based pricing. And a fixed price contract is a “contract where the contract payment does not depend on the number of resources or time expended by the contractor, as opposed to cost-plus contracts.”
The best way to circumvent additional costs being added to your final invoice is to request a fixed price quote or contract at the outset of the price negotiations.
12. Ask your family and friends to help you move
A way to reduce moving costs is to enlist your family and friends‘ help with the packing, unpacking, organizing, and moving of all your belongings. You might not even have to ask for help. Family and friends understand what an arduous chore moving is, so they will offer to help as soon as you let them know you are moving.
