If you’re planning to move in the near future and are working with a tighter budget, you might be wondering how you can do it in the most economical way. And whether you’re moving a small apartment worth of belongings or an entire house, it can add up! But there are some strategic ways that you can save on fees and maintain your budget. Check out our pro tips below to help cut costs on moving day so you can make your hard-earned money stretch further.
Dejunk First
Doing a purge of your stuff is by far one of the best ways to lower your moving costs. By getting rid of any unused and unwanted stuff, you’ll have less items to pack up and move, which will save time, effort and money. Aside from cutting costs, dejunking before moving to a new location is the best time to eliminate clutter and start afresh.
Source Out Free Boxes
One essential part of moving is getting the right boxes – but like everything, this can add up quickly. To save money, we recommend searching for free boxes. Search online through your local area listings (Facebook marketplace, Kijiji or Craigslist are great options for this) or ask around through family and friends. Alternatively, using boxes from the LCBO can help reduce your costs. Just keep in mind that you’ll need sturdy boxes that can handle weight and movement during transport, so make sure the boxes are in good condition and are thick enough.
Be Strategic with Your Moving Date
Certain dates and timeframes are cheaper than others when it comes to moving. If you have flexibility with your moving date, your first goal should be to avoid the busiest and priciest times to move. This is typically anywhere between May and August and any time during the weekend. Ideally, if you want to save more, aim for a moving date in September and April, during the week or middle of the month. Moving companies are in less demand during these timeframes, giving you more options and lower fees.
Get Multiple Quotes Before Choosing a Mover
One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving is jumping on the first quote they receive from a moving company. While this makes the process easier and faster, it certainly won’t help your budget. As a rule of thumb, always seek out at least three or more quotes from movers so you can compare the price, reputation, and customer satisfaction to ensure you choose the most qualified one at the best price.
Pack Up Early
While DIY packing can be tedious and time-consuming, it will save you money. To avoid feeling overwhelmed by the process, start early so you can tackle it gradually, one room at a time. This way, you can have it all done in time without having to stress a few days before your moving date.
Ask Friends or Family for Help
If it’s too much to handle on your own and you don’t want to dish out more for packing services, enlist the help of your friends or family. This will speed up the process significantly and help you get organized and ready in a fraction of the time. Offering to reciprocate in the future is a great way to entice them to free up time to help you.
Moving doesn’t have to eat away at your budget or time when you hire the right company. At Ottawa Moving Logistics, we have you covered for all your moving needs. We are a family-owned business that cares about the level of service we deliver. So when it’s time to move, give us a call to get a quote or learn more about how we can help make your move an easy and pleasant experience.
