One of the unpreventable parts of being a Virginia Beach renter is that you will need to move house sooner or later. And regrettably, moving is not only time-consuming but expensive, primarily if you are moving far away or prefer to hire people to help you. The good news is that there are methods that you can do to save money during your move to help keep those costs down. From a little extra planning and some insider know-how, these money-saving tips can assist with making your upcoming relocation a little more affordable.
1. Donate, Toss, or Sell Unwanted Items
Reducing the amount of stuff you want to bring with you is one of the ideal approaches to make your next move faster and less expensive. This is particularly true if you are moving a long distance but can be just as much of a money-saver even if you are only moving a few miles away. Take some time to go through your belongings and decide what to donate, throw out, or sell. It would be best to sell items you no longer want or need at a yard sale. This can both lighten the load while also putting extra cash in your pocket.
2. Plan Ahead
Preferably, start planning your move as soon as possible. Waiting to try and schedule a moving truck or helpers at the last minute will probably cost you more since your options will be limited. You can also start planning your move by creating a system for packing each room. Barely utilized items can be packed months ahead of a move, and all boxes should be clearly labeled according to contents and which room they will be allocated. Everything you can do to speed up your move will always save you money on moving day.
3. Start Gathering Supplies ASAP
Another option to save money during a move is to obtain and use as much free packing material as needed. But acquiring free packing supplies can take too long, so it’s advisable to begin collecting boxes and other supplies as soon as possible. Check local classifieds for people getting rid of moving boxes, or ask local stores if they have any they will let you have.
4. Move During the Week
If possible, plan your move for a day or season outside of peak demand. For example, hiring a moving company for a weekend or during the summer will cost more because demand is high. In a different manner, the same movers may quote you a lower rate for moving on a weekday or during the off-season. This is particularly true if you want to rent a truck and do it yourself. While it may not always be possible to choose your moving date, it can save you a good amount of money if you have that option.
5. Hire the Right Movers
If you opt to hire movers to help you, it is advantageous to shop around and compare rates. There is no set fee for moving, and even moving companies that seem to provide the same services can charge very different rates. On the other hand, the cheapest option isn’t usually the best, either. Make certain to inspect the company’s customer reviews online and inquire for recommendations from friends and neighbors.
Hiring a quality mover is the best method to save money because their staff should be well-trained and efficient. Unscrupulous movers may dangle a great rate and afterward charge by the hour and drag out the move much longer than it would for the others. To mitigate the possibility of being exploited this way, ask about fixed-rate options.
6. Divide and Conquer
You can make the most of the movers you hire if you are well-prepared and organized on moving day itself. If you are moving to a new place nearby, it would be great to move as many of the boxes and small items yourself as you can. It just makes sense: if your movers only need to focus on moving your furniture, the move will take less time and probably cost less, too.
The more time the movers spend on packing, loading, and unloading your things, the more possibility that you will end up spending far more than you wanted to on your move. So have everything boxed and ready to go before the movers arrive!
Do you need to find a new rental home right away? Real Property Management Hampton Roads can help! To learn more, contact us online or check out our available listings to find your next home.
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