Moving from one place to another can be stressful. Whether it is a short or long-distance move, the entire process is full of challenges. According to various studies, moving is among the top ten stressful events people go through.
Apart from being a stressful event, moving from one home to another is also expensive. Let’s say, if you are planning on relocating to your new house in Las Vegas from Los Angeles, you need to purchase packing materials, hire commercial movers in Los Angeles, and incur many expenses.
Similarly, once you have relocated to Las Vegas, there are some more immediate events and expenses, which need your instant attention. For instance, organizing moving boxes, unpacking essential boxes, sorting out utilities, and booking house cleaning Las Vegas services for the all-important move-in clean. Thus, without a budget, it is impossible to have a smooth relocation.
Nevertheless, there are several cost-effective ways to pack your move. Since packing is the main element when moving, you can save a lot of money when you learn cost-effective methods when packing.
For instance, you need to pack properly, sort your belongings, and keep track of your items when moving. In addition, you can make some money when you sell items you do not need in the new house.
To help you save money when moving and still protect your belongings, here are some ways on how you can save money when packing for a move.
Also Read: Self storage in Monroe LA
Seven cost-effective ways to pack for your move
1. Declutter
The first step to take when planning to move is to declutter. Before you start packing, take some time to sort out your belongings. You may have items you need to keep and some to throw away.
There are different ways to get rid of items you do not want to move with. You can donate some to an organization or your friends. Another option is to have a garage sale to sell items to neighbors and friends. The other option is to throw away unusable things.
Reducing the items, you need to relocate will reduce the moving cost, especially when hiring a professional moving company. But if you do not declutter, you will relocate unnecessary items and spend a lot of money when moving them.
2. Use plastic boxes
Moving boxes are the main items you need to purchase when it comes to packing. The most common moving boxes are cardboard boxes. Though there are durable, you may get rid of them after moving. Moreover, some might be damaged when moving.
A good option to save on packing boxes is to rent plastic moving boxes. Happily, there are many moving companies to hire plastic moving boxes. However, you need to return after moving. This is a great cost-effective way to pack for your move.
3. Use your containers
When moving, most people pack the containers they have. However, you can utilize your baskets, hampers, and boxes to pack some of your belongings. Hence, avoid packing them empty.
For example, you can fill your baskets with clothes, utensils, and other items. This will ensure you do not buy or rent a lot of moving boxes.
4. Sell large items
Another cost-effective way for packing is to sell some of your large items. If you are moving to another country or state, it might be a good idea to sell your electronics and large items. Keep in mind that a long-distance move might be expensive.
However, it would help if you compared the cost of relocating the items and purchasing new furniture and electronics. In most cases, it is economical to sell those you have and purchase another one when you arrive in the new home.
Moreover, it is not a good decision to relocate large items such as gas cookers, refrigerators, and washing machines to another country. Hence, organize a garage sale or sell the items online.
5. Search for free packing boxes and other packing materials
To reduce the costs of buying moving boxes and other packing materials, you need to look for free packing supplies. Contact your friends, relatives, and workmates. Some of them may have recently relocated and might have extra moving supplies.
Some of them may be happy to unload them. Also, you can look online at some websites to see if there are people who want to give away moving boxes, bubble wrap, and other packing materials.
Another option is to visit the local retail stores. Check your local liquor stores, grocery, and retail shops. Ask them to preserve some boxes for you when they get deliveries. You may be surprised to note some have boxes you can use when moving.
Another place you can get free moving boxes and packing materials is from your moving company. Some of them have gently-used moving cartons that you can consider. Even though they might not give you the boxes for free, you can get them at a reduced price.
6. Move during off-peak
You can save money when you move off-peak. Moving during winter months, weekdays, or during off-peak times is a nice way to save money when moving. You will move more money to moving materials by saving money on moving costs.
Most professional moving companies such as NYC movers charge less when you move during the winter months. If you cannot move off-season, consider a non-holiday weekend relocation to get good rates.
7. Hire professionals
Although it may not look like a cost-effective way to pack for your move, it might be cheaper than a DIY. For example, if you are moving in a rush, you might not pack your belongings properly. Moreover, you may break some of your valuable items when moving in a hurry.
But when you hire professionals, they will help you pack properly, on time and ensure even your fragile items are handled with care. So, when you compare the cost of professional movers and the price of your valuable items, it might be cost-effective to recruit professional packers.
Bottom-line
All the above tips will help you save money when packing. By following them, you will save on packing boxes, moving expenses, and other packing materials.
But if it is a long-distance move or you are moving in a hurry, the best option is to engage professional movers. Whether you are moving your household or office items, hiring office movers is the best option for smooth and stress-free packing.
