Whether you are relocating across the street, to a different state, or country, moving is an exciting experience for most people. Relocation can also easily become overwhelming and stressful in terms of logistics and the budget. Zillow estimates that, on average, relocating costs between $80 and $100 per hour to relocate within your state and between $2000 and $5000 for interstate moving.

Most of the expenses associated with relocating go to hiring professional movers, such as Osmon Moving and Storage. However, you can still save on moving costs while working with professionals in many ways. Below are a few tips to cut costs when planning to move.

1. Declutter Before Packing

Decluttering before packing essential items to carry with you can save on space, time, and moving costs. You should get rid of all items you won’t need in your new residence. Go through your cabinets or closet and separate all non-essentials from the essentials. This includes clothing, cookware, furniture, and other household items.

Decluttering can save you hundreds of dollars depending on the number of items you have downsized. Note that most moving expenses come from the hourly rates charged by the moving company. That aside, you can recoup some costs from the items you are getting rid of.

For instance, you can sell old furniture or good-looking clothes to consignment stores or on eBay. You can also organize a garage sale if you have a lot. The recouped funds from the sale can help cover the moving costs.

2. Find Free or Recycled Boxes

Apart from the cost of hiring professional movers, buying moving boxes is also costly. Fortunately, you don’t have to purchase these items all the time. Before packing, you can search for free moving boxes from online marketplaces, stores, friends, and community groups. Using free boxes is easy and cuts on the moving costs significantly.

Common websites that list moving boxes include Freecycle, Craigslist, Nextdoor.com, Facebook groups, and U-Haul Box Exchange. As for offline options, you can check out your local grocery stores, liquor stores, offices, big-box chain stores, and schools. Most of these boxes are recycled, so they’re good for the environment along with saving you money on moving costs.

3. Be Flexible

Flexibility and choosing the right moving time and date is also an easy way of saving money when relocating. Before enlisting the services of a professional moving company, remember that the time and date of your scheduled relocation affect the ease and costs of relocation. Don’t schedule your moving dates during the peak season, often between May and August.

Instead, schedule your moving dates for mid-week, mid-month, or between September and April. Demand for moving service is low during weekdays and mid-months, and moving companies tend to lower their service charges during these times. Generally, you can save between 20% and 30% of the moving costs by scheduling on less popular days.

4. Get Quotes From Multiple Moving Companies

Before hiring a moving company, you should ensure that you get and compare quotes from multiple companies. It is best to narrow your search and contact only the top three or five moving companies from your list. The company will request a physical inspection or a video survey of your items before giving their quote.

Remember that if you are relocating to a different state or country, the weight of your belongings will determine the total costs. Ensure that you disclose everything to be moved for an accurate quote.

5. Examine the Moving Contract Carefully

After choosing one company to work with, you should carefully assess the fine print of the moving company’s contract. Go through the contract to understand some crucial aspects, such as the insurance and liability options. Similarly, if you are relocating locally within your state, you should determine if an hourly or flat rate suits your situation.

In most cases, the hourly rate turns out cheaper. However, remember that there might be surprises during the moving day, such as unpredictable weather, which can drag the process. If you think the moving process may take a while, you can opt for a flat rate. Lastly, evaluate the extra fees and other additional charges included in your cost estimate. Ensure that you are not being charged for services you don’t need.

6. Deduct Moving Expenses from Your Taxes

Most people don’t know they can recoup their moving expenses from their taxes. All you need to do is keep the receipts from your moving company and other costs incurred during the process. Depending on the nature of your move, you can save a significant amount in the next tax season.

For instance, if you relocate due to job transfers, you can claim your moving expenses using IRS Form 3903. The taxman allows taxpayers to subtract eligible moving expenses from taxable income reported on IRS Form 1040.

7. Look for Moving Discounts

Most moving companies offer discounts to their clients. Many eligible moving discounts are based on individual affiliations, such as AAA or military personnel. If you don’t qualify for these special discounts, you can explore other possibilities to reduce your moving costs.

Endnote

Hiring a professional moving company is undoubtedly the best way to achieve a fast and less stressful move. However, you should prepare to spend a considerable amount. Fortunately, you can enlist several ways to reduce the costs without compromising quality.

DIY moves are generally less expensive than hiring professionals. However, it isn’t convenient, and the burden of moving is primarily on you. Choosing between DIY moves and a professional company comes down to convenience vs. cost-effectiveness.