If you’re reading this, you are probably here because
- A: you’ve never done a move before and want to get an idea of what to expect, Or
- B: you understand very well how taxing moving is to your wallet and also in terms of time.
If you fall under either category, then I just might have some tips to save you big $$$ on your move. Moving can be quite costly, however, if you play your cards right, you can significantly reduce the cost of moving, and the game is called “preparation, preparation and preparation.” I’ll give you some tips on how to save money by making preparations leading up to your move and on the day of your move.
#Preparation is the key to success.
Here are some tips for #leading up to your move
1. Less you have, less you have to worry
This one is quite simple, but it is often neglected, or left until the last minute for it to have an impact. The idea is straight forward, moving serves as a means of de-clustering opportunity. Get rid of as much unused items as possible before you move out to reduce the truck space. Yes, I mean that guitar you received as a gift four Christmases ago (I know you were going to start taking lessons, but let’s face it, if you haven’t already, then you probably won’t be playing anytime soon), the box full of old gaming console in the garage that you or your kids no longer have interest in (if you have kids, you might also like our tips on moving with kids).
Simply: less items = less stress = less time spent packing and moving = more money in your pocket and more time for you to relax and do other important things in your life. Imagine if you can turn two truck load down to one, or three into two!!! Think of the time and money you will save. Better yet think of where you will want to spend the money you will be saving.
I have also given out tips on how to get rid of unused and unwanted items and Why it’s beneficial to be a minimalist. This guide will help you reduce your moving cost, and in some cases, you would have more money in your wallet than before your move. Wouldn’t it be nice if your move paid itself off?
2. Do not spend your hard earned cash on packing materials
Like boxes and bubble wraps. I know, I know. It’s really tempting in your first few days of preparation for you to go out and get the easy stuff out of the way. Buying those boxes from your local self storage business or Officeworks can make you feel like you’ve achieved something very quickly with minimal effort. However you’d be surprised at how quickly the costs really add up.
Officeworks does provide a very good value when it comes down to supplies. But even at Officeworks a small moving box costs $3.14, and the next size up will set you back by $5.79 (You’ll need a $100 bill to cover 17 large boxes). How many boxes will you need for your move? 15? 25? The next question you should ask is “How much will I save if I didn’t have to spend money on the boxes”
Once you realise that you are potentially saving hundreds of dollars, you are ready to go hunt for those free boxes! Click on this guide to learn how you can source your moving boxes! Your old blankets doonas and clothes can easily be used as padding to further save you more money. You don’t always need a fancy bubble wrap.
3. Hold off purchases until after you’ve moved
I know how tempting it is to click on that buy now button on Ebay app to get your new desk. GoodGuys and JB-hi-fi always have some sort of a sale. If you have the half price app which automatically updates Safeway and Cole’s list of items with savings greater than half, it can be also very tempting to do your groceries. However, as mentioned above you are carrying extra items! It will cost you less to shop once you settled in.
4. Expect the unexpected!
Life is full of unexpected events! Both good and bad!
From my experience, it’s best not to plan on moving right after settlement time. Allow at least a few hours, even a day or two to move into your new place. It is not common for settlement dates to be delayed. Being stuck waiting for the key to arrive is the worst experience for the movers, as additional costs come straight out of your pocket. Believe me, no removalist like to charge their customers while waiting for the keys to arrive.
5. Colour code your boxes
Have you ever moved, and experienced a “uh… I don’t know why this box is in my room?” moment? Or a wall of boxes preventing you from reading the label you’ve carefully written the previous week? I have a solution for you. Use colour code for your boxes for each of your rooms. It’s quick simple and easy. You can tell which box belongs to which room without having the need to read, and from further away. I do recommend having the colours shown on at least 3 sides, preferably 4.
6. Know the rates, and plan ahead
Did you know that moving on Weekday Monday-Thursday will save you a significant amount of money as rates are cheaper? Further you move, and more items you move, the more you will save. However you will need to coordinate your move with your work in advance, so plan ahead and let your work know weeks in advance!
Here are tips for #the day before and the day of the move
1. Preparing simple appliances for the move
Quite frankly your removalists are happy to sit there and dismantle your bed frames, but just think about how much time is being spent on something that could have been done earlier by yourself. Anyone can undo the washing machine taps, however the same cannot be said for lifting up the washing machines. Let the removalists do what they’re good at. Any good removalist will ask you to undo your washing machine taps and dismantle your bed frame. Unplug your white appliances like the washing machine and the fridge, and have the cords and hoses taped on. It doesn’t sound like much but it will all add up in the end in the form of big saving.
Dismantling bed frames not only save precious truck space but it also makes moving them a lot easier task, so more can be done in less time. Less loading time just means more savings to you.
Be sure to empty out your fridge and have it unplugged and ready to go. This should be done the night before or days leading up to the move.
2. Place packaged boxes as close as you can to the entrance
Placing boxes closer to the entrance, or ideally in the garage don’t seem like much, but that is the trick. It’s a small task that will make a big difference. Just imagine that each time a box is to be picked up, you save anywhere between 30 seconds to a minute. Now multiply that time by the number of boxes you have, then turn that into $$$ value.
3. Make sure parking areas are clear in front of your home
Make sure your parking area or the driveway is vacant, so the movers can park as close to your entrance as possible. You will be saving time on each box and furniture in your home. Your mover will appreciate this move, but if this isn’t enough motivation, think about all the time and money you will be saving.
