This is one of the first questions that come to mind when the subject of moving homes is brought up. And, it’s no wonder. Residential moves can be rather expensive, especially if you are moving with a big family. So, is there a way to minimize home relocation expenses? We believe there is. Even multiple ways, if we might add. Let’s get right to them:
Set up a moving budget
The importance of this step can be seen through every action that follows. With an estimated amount of money you are willing to allocate for your relocation, you will know how to act further. The number that you set should be regarded as a starting point, as well as realistic guidance. You will know exactly when a certain price has exceeded your maximum and cut back accordingly. In addition, you will know when certain expenses are manageable.
Find an affordable moving company
Sounds obvious, right? Well, no one said it there wouldn’t bee such advice. However, in order to minimize home relocation expenses through finding affordable moving companies West Los Angeles, you ought to know how to locate one, right? These steps should help:
- every reputable moving company often comes with a free moving cost estimator. Use this to get in touch with several professional movers.
- after you scope out the ones that suit you the best, ask for an in-house estimate. This will give you a more accurate price estimate. At the end of the survey, the agent will give you a paper with the company’s moving services and their charges listed clearly one by one.
- take enough time to compare the quotes and carefully pick the ones that best suit your budget. Keep in mind that a good moving company will often provide a personalized moving package, in order to help you stay within your budget limits.
Have an effect on the moving quote
However great certain moving quotes Los Angeles may be, know that you can lower them even further. You need to be smart with the time of your move. More specifically, you should pick your moving date so that it is off-season. Months that you ought to steer clear from last from May up until September. In addition, you should try to move during the weekdays, and avoid weekends.
Pack by yourself
While you can stumble upon pretty affordable movers Los Angeles, there are still a couple of things you can take care of without their help. One of them is packing. Preparing your belongings for the long road ahead will require a knowledgable approach, but it is highly achievable. You need proper technique and adequate materials. Start well in advance, to ensure you have enough time to address this delicate task. Start by packing the items you seldom use. This will allow you to go about your days without noticing much of a difference. Leave the items you need on a daily basis for the end. Heavier objects ought to go in smaller boxes, while the ones that are light can fill bigger packages. Boxes that carry particularly heavy items should be reinforced with packing tape, and clearly labeled. When packing fragile items, make sure to cushion them from every side, and avoid overfilling the box that holds them.
Minimize home relocation expenses by getting free moving materials
Check your local grocery and clothing stores, as well as warehouses for some boxes. Make sure that they are odor and damage free. Finding boxes in various sizes is also a great plus. You can also ask your friends, family, and coworkers if they have some to spare. People can keep boxes from their internet purchases, and previous relocations. Don’t restrain from asking, and get as much as you can. Still, don’t accept just about everything that comes your way. You will need strong, sturdy and quality boxes if you desire to keep your belongings undamaged.
As for the cushioning materials, use what you already have. Beddings, shits, socks, towels and such are all great for wrapping fragile items and filling empty space. Apart from protecting your belongings, you are also saving on space you would otherwise use to pack those materials. So, this would be a textbook example of killing two birds with one stone.
Speaking of using what you already have, who said that you could only pack in boxes? Gym bags, suitcases, bins, garbage bags, and drawers will all do just great. Just make sure to use plastic wrap to wrap your drawers in order to prevent them from opening.
Purge ruthlessly
A great way to minimize home relocation expenses is to simply transport fewer items. Apart from lowering the moving quote from your movers, you will spend less money on packing materials, as well as less time actually packing. And we all know that time is money. The best way to go about decluttering is to follow this simple rule of thumb: if you haven’t used it in over 6 months, it’s as good as gone. Go room to room, and be ruthless. Items that have sentimental value can go in storage units if you find them particularly hard to part from, but don’t have room to pack.
Decluttering is also a great opportunity to organize a yard sale. This way you can both minimize home relocation expenses, and make some money along the way. In order to achieve a maximum sale, take some time to organize your items well, give good prices, and advertise the sale on social media and around your block.
Have a DIY move
If you find it simply impossible to work your moving budget with the estimates of the moving companies, consider moving on your own. Start planning early, and make sure to have a checklist complete with a timeline. This will help you stay organized and on top of every chore. It can be challenging, but this is one of the more certain ways to minimize home relocation expenses. Remember to stay calm, realistic and patient. Good luck!