Moving, while exciting, is one of the most stressful events in life. So there’s no need to add expense on top of all that stress and anxiety. Whether you’re moving across the country or just from Beacon Hill to Davis Square, it can be done a lot cheaper than you think.
The number-one ingredient in the recipe for moving with less stress and expense is organization. Have a look at these 6 ways to save money on your move to or from Boston.
1. Research and Hire Movers
You will probably use a professional moving company, and that requires some asking around for referrals and researching moving companies. Hiring movers that are the best fit for you – not just the cheapest – is a good way to save money on your move.
Get bids from several companies and make sure they are comparable companies offering similar services. Then do some digging online by checking reviews at reputable third-party review sites. Using reliable, bonded and insured, reputable movers can save you money because every year the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration receives more than 4,000 fraud complaints about interstate moving. The reputation of a moving company can save you money.
2. Move at the Best Time
Moving at the best time can also save money on your move to or from Boston because moving is largely a seasonal business. If you schedule your move at a time that doesn’t fall within the peak moving season, you’re more likely to have your pick of moving companies and stand to save a good bit of money. When business is slow, movers are often more flexibile with their pricing. Try to schedule your move sometime between October and April, not the summer months.
3. Lighten the Load
Another way to save money on your move to or from Boston is simply to get rid of some stuff. The more stuff you have, the more the move will cost. Begin the process of getting rid of things you don’t need by culling large items like furniture (which, of course, costs more to move) and then work your way down to smaller items like kitchen utensils, clothing, and books. Typically, movers charge based on the distance, weight of the load, and the number of items. You can’t do much about the distance, but you can reduce the weight and the number of boxes.
You can always sell or post free items on Facebook Marketplace and then check with a company like TaskRabbit for help removing them from your home. If you’re getting rid of items and want to move them to the curb for municipal trash pickup, have someone from TaskRabbit come by and help carry everything downstairs. Whoever you hire might even want to items for himself or for resale!
4. Save on Boxes
You can also save more than you think by economizing on boxes. Moving boxes supplied by the mover will cost the most. You can save money on your move by purchasing your own moving boxes, which will serve the purpose just as well. Office supply stores, local U-Haul locations, and Amazon all offer moving boxes at reasonable prices. A good source for free boxes is the dumpster behind local retail stores, especially liquor stores and grocery stores. Just be sure to get permission from the store, and make sure the boxes are in good shape. Better yet, if you patronize any stores regularly and know the owners or store managers enough to ask, you might find your way to those boxes before they end up broken down and out back.
5. Do Your Own Packing
Packing is not much fun and is pretty labor intensive, but doing your own packing can save money on your move to or from Boston, sometimes significantly. But you do have to pack carefully and properly because the movers will inspect your boxes to ensure correct packing. That’s understandable because the company will be liable for any damage that occurs during the move. Use clean undamaged boxes, use packing paper, and bubble wrap, seal the boxes completely, and label them clearly. Grab towels, pillows, comforters, sheets, and any soft linens to wrap breakable items and act as insulation. Similar to purchasing boxes, buying bubble wrap at office supply stores or specialty moving stores is also a useful packing supplement.
6. Talk to Your Agent
And keep in mind that your real estate agent can help with your move by hooking you up with the professionals you need, such as reputable moving companies. So be sure to talk to us to save money on your move to or from Boston. Our agents at NextHome Titletown Real Estate are a wealth of knowledge to help make your move less stressful and less expensive.
If you’re ready, then, to save money on your move, just contact us today at (617) 657-9811.
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