4 Ways to Cut Costs When Moving

Monday, October 8, 2018

4 Ways to Cut Costs When Moving

It’s a hard fact to avoid: moving is expensive. Even if your realtor helps you get your new home for something below the asking price, even after you sell your old home, you still have movers to consider, as well as possibly remodeling, redecorating, or new furnishings. You have to think about finances carefully when moving, which is why so many homeowners look for ways to cut costs during their move.

Some have help, like a friend who owns a truck or a free couch from an aunt or uncle. Friends and family can be great resources, but what if you don’t have that? Here are a few other ways you can cut costs when moving.

Move in the Fall

...Or winter or early spring, for that matter. Peak moving season for most moving companies is May through August. Demand is high so scheduling can be tricky and costs tend to be high. Alternatively, moving in a time when demand is much lower will allow you more freedom of scheduling and the benefit of potential savings and sales. If you want to optimize your moving savings, you should try moving in the middle of the week, as well, and particularly in the middle of the month. It’s the least likely time to move, so you’re most likely to save.

Get Multiple Quotes

Some homeowners choose to simply go with the first mover that they get a quote from, but if you’re interested in saving money, don’t rush into a decision. It’s best to get multiple quotes from movers. Find out how much they’ll charge, and what else they offer. Take notes so you can compare the best value for the best cost. It can be easy to fall into the trap of hiring the cheapest mover, but the cheapest mover is not always the best, so make sure you’re looking at reviews and overall value.

Pack By Yourself And Hire a Driver

Most moving companies outsource drivers to transport your belongings from your old place to your new home. But you can save some of the costs by hiring a U-haul driver directly. Of course, you may lose out on some of the benefits that come with moving companies, particularly packing. Some moving companies provide packing boxes and even help you pack, but you pay for that. Instead, consider grabbing spare boxes from a local liquor store or from friends and coworkers. You can pack on your own for free and hire a driver to take you the rest of the way.

Save Your Receipts

Did you know you might be able to deduct moving expenses from your taxes? If you move because of a new job or a new location for your job, or any other work related expense, you can claim the cost of moving on your federal taxes. So it’s important to make sure you save your paperwork and present it to your accountant at the end of the year. You can learn more about moving deductions from TurboTax or by talking to your accountant.

Moving doesn’t have to be as stressful and expensive as it seams if you know the right resources. When buying or selling your home, an experienced College Station realtor can be an invaluable resource.